
Sun Mar 08 15:00:00 UTC 2026: ### Kashmir Health Minister Appeals for NEET UG Extension Due to Internet Issues
The Story:
Jammu and Kashmir’s Minister of Health and Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, has formally requested the central government to extend the deadline for students in the Union Territory to submit their applications for the NEET UG 2026 exam. Citing persistent internet connectivity problems in parts of Kashmir, the minister argues that students are facing significant difficulties in completing the online application process before the current deadline of March 8, 2026. The request was made in a letter sent to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on March 6th.
The letter details that low-speed internet, implemented to maintain law and order in certain areas, is hindering students’ ability to access and navigate the online application portal effectively. Minister Itoo emphasizes the critical importance of the NEET UG exam for aspiring medical students and the potential negative impact of these connectivity issues on their educational opportunities.
Key Points:
- Sakina Itoo, Jammu and Kashmir’s Minister of Health and Medical Education, has requested an extension for NEET UG 2026 application submissions.
- The request stems from internet connectivity issues in parts of the Kashmir division.
- Low-speed internet is attributed to measures taken to maintain law and order.
- The original deadline for applications is March 8, 2026.
- A letter was sent to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on March 6th advocating for the extension.
Key Takeaways:
- Internet restrictions imposed for security reasons in Kashmir are impacting educational opportunities for students.
- The incident highlights the ongoing tension between security measures and the accessibility of essential services like education.
- The request underscores the importance of reliable internet access for participation in national-level examinations.