Writes to Pradhan citing internet restrictions
Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Mar 6: Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo, has written to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, urging him to extend the deadline for submission of applications for NEET-UG 2026, citing difficulties faced by students due to slow internet connectivity in the Kashmir division.
In a letter dated today, Itoo said many students are facing significant problems while applying for the medical entrance examination because internet services in parts of Kashmir are currently operating at low speeds due to administrative restrictions aimed at maintaining law and order.
She noted that the limited internet speed has created technical disruptions, making it difficult for many aspirants to complete the online application process within the stipulated deadline.
Highlighting the importance of the examination, Itoo stated that NEET-UG is a crucial test for students aspiring to pursue medical education and related courses.
Any inability to submit applications because of connectivity issues could adversely affect their academic prospects, she said.
The Minister pointed out that a large number of students, particularly those from remote and rural areas, depend on stable internet services to access the online application portal and complete the application process.
“In view of the above circumstances, it is humbly requested to consider extending the last date for submission of NEET-UG 2026 applications so that all eligible candidates from Jammu and Kashmir, particularly from the Kashmir division, get an opportunity to apply,” the letter read.
She further urged the Union Minister to take an early and sympathetic decision in the matter, stating that such a step would greatly benefit students across J&K who are preparing for the national-level medical entrance examination.
In a post on ‘X’, Itoo informed that several students from the Kashmir division had reported problems while completing their online application forms because internet services in the region are currently limited to 2G speed.
“I have written to the Union Minister for Education, Government of India, requesting extension of the NEET-UG 2026 application deadline. Many students from Kashmir Division have brought to my notice difficulties in completing their forms due to internet restrictions limited to 2G speed, including issues with OTP verification and submission,” she wrote.
The Minister said the request was made keeping in view the genuine concerns of students so that no aspirant is deprived of the opportunity to apply for the national-level medical entrance examination.
“I hope the Ministry will consider this matter sympathetically in the interest of students,” she added while tagging the Union Ministry of Education.
Earlier, students highlighted the issue on social media, which was further amplified online, prompting action from the Government.
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