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NEET UG 2025 Power Outage: Supreme Court Denies Provisional Counselling Request

NEET UG 2025 Power Outage: Supreme Court Denies Provisional Counselling Request

The Supreme Court has refused to give provisional approval for NEET UG 2025 counselling, citing the ongoing issue of a power outage that affected exam centres in Rajasthan. A group of petitioners had requested the court to allow counselling to begin while the investigation into the incident was still underway. However, the bench said it would not be right to proceed with counselling until the matter is properly examined and all facts are clear.

I decided to write about this because the NEET UG exam is a crucial turning point for lakhs of students across the country. Any delay or controversy around the results, especially one that questions the fairness of the exam, has a huge impact on the mental state and future plans of these aspirants. The fact that students from Rajasthan are claiming they lost precious time due to a power cut and were given only partial compensation makes this a serious matter. As someone who follows education news closely, I believe it’s important to highlight such issues and keep students informed of every key development.

What Exactly Happened During the NEET UG 2025 Exam?

During the NEET UG 2025 exam, several students at centres in Rajasthan reported that a power cut disrupted the examination. According to them, the electricity went out for nearly 30 minutes, during which the digital clocks and ventilation systems also stopped working. Students claimed that this loss of time made it difficult for them to complete the paper properly.

The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts NEET, had reportedly acknowledged the issue but said that 30 minutes of extra time was given to the affected students. However, several candidates and their guardians claimed that the full lost time was not actually compensated and raised concerns over fairness.

Why the Matter Reached the Supreme Court

Some students who were affected by the power outage filed a petition in the Supreme Court, seeking justice. They demanded either a re-exam for the affected centres or proper compensation in terms of marks. While the court is yet to decide on the final course of action, the petitioners had asked for provisional counselling to be allowed in the meantime. This would have helped students who were not affected to move forward with admissions.

But the Supreme Court refused this request. The judges made it clear that counselling should not begin while there is a question mark over the fairness of the exam. They said starting the process now could lead to more legal complications later.

What This Means for NEET UG Aspirants

For lakhs of NEET UG aspirants, this decision means more waiting and uncertainty. Students who were not impacted by the power outage are also caught up in the delay, as the counselling process is on hold for everyone.

Here’s what students should keep in mind:

  • Keep documents ready like admit card, scorecard, and caste/category certificates, in case counselling opens suddenly.
  • Follow the official NEET UG 2025 website and NTA portal for any official updates. Do not believe rumours on social media.
  • If you’re affected by the outage, stay updated on the court hearing dates and gather any proof that can support your case.

What Could Happen Next

The Supreme Court is expected to hear the matter further in the coming days. Depending on what evidence is presented by the NTA and the affected students, the court might order a re-exam for certain centres, award grace marks, or suggest other corrective measures.

Until then, the counselling process remains paused. It’s a tough time for students, especially those who had prepared for months or even years. But it’s also important that the final result is fair and unbiased, so that no student is left behind due to reasons beyond their control.

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Odisha Government Issues New Attendance Rule: Teachers to Visit Homes if Students Stay Absent for a Week

Odisha Government Issues New Attendance Rule: Teachers to Visit Homes if Students Stay Absent for a Week

The Odisha government has introduced a new attendance-related rule for government and government-aided schools to address the growing concern of student absenteeism. As per a fresh advisory issued by the Directorate of Elementary Education, if a student remains absent from school for seven days or more, teachers will now be required to visit the student’s home and gather details about the reason for absence. The move is aimed at ensuring children do not silently drop out of the education system.

I am writing about this development because it directly affects students, parents, and teachers across the state. School absenteeism often goes unnoticed until it becomes a serious issue, especially in rural and economically weaker areas. This new rule highlights the government’s intent to actively track students and bring them back to classrooms before learning gaps widen. It also puts shared responsibility on schools to stay connected with families, not just within school walls but beyond them.

What the New Advisory Says

The advisory has been issued by the Directorate of Elementary Education and applies to all government and government-aided schools in the state.

Under the new instruction:

  • If a student is absent for one week or more, teachers must visit the student’s home
  • Teachers have to collect information on the reason for absence
  • The details must be properly recorded and reported to higher authorities
  • Schools are expected to take follow-up action to ensure the child returns to school

Why the Odisha Government Took This Step

Student absenteeism has been a persistent challenge, especially after disruptions caused by recent years. Many children stop attending school due to health issues, family responsibilities, migration, or lack of interest, and schools often come to know too late. By making home visits mandatory, the Odisha government aims to identify problems early and prevent dropouts before they become permanent.

Role of Teachers Under the New Rule

Teachers will now play a more active role beyond classroom teaching. During home visits, they are expected to:

  • Understand personal or family issues affecting attendance
  • Counsel parents and students on the importance of regular schooling
  • Encourage re-enrolment and consistent attendance
  • Coordinate with school authorities if additional support is needed

This approach focuses more on guidance and support rather than punishment.

How This Impacts Parents and Students

For parents, the rule sends a clear message that schools are serious about a child’s education. It also opens a direct communication channel between families and teachers. For students, especially those at risk of dropping out, this intervention could act as a timely push to return to school and stay on track academically.

Implementation and Monitoring

School authorities have been instructed to maintain proper records of absentee students and home visits. Block-level and district-level education officers may review compliance to ensure the advisory is being followed in both letter and spirit.

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