Srinagar, Mar 06 (KNO): Internet disruptions in Kashmir following the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei have severely impacted students attempting to apply for NEET-UG 2026, with many unable to submit their applications on time. Several candidates have called on authorities to extend the deadline to ensure all aspirants can complete their registration process.
Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), numerous students expressed concerns over the slow internet connectivity, which has limited mobile internet speeds to 2G for several days. They said that delays in OTP verification, difficulty uploading documents, and frequent session timeouts are hindering their ability to apply for the highly competitive medical entrance exam.
Health and Education minister Sakeena Itoo said she has written to the Union Government seeking an extension of the application deadline. She cited “serious difficulties” faced by students in Kashmir due to the slow internet connectivity caused by restrictions implemented as a security precaution.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Itoo said she had approached Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, urging the Ministry to consider extending the deadline so that students from Kashmir are not deprived of the opportunity to apply for NEET-UG 2026.
“I have formally requested the Union Minister for Education to extend the NEET-UG 2026 application deadline. Many students from Kashmir are facing issues with OTP verification and document uploads because of limited 2G internet speeds,” Itoo wrote. She added that her appeal was made in view of the “genuine concerns” of students preparing for this crucial exam.
Students across Kashmir have been struggling to complete online application processes, including filling out forms and uploading photographs, signatures, and certificates. Many said the portal logs them out before submission or that OTP messages are delayed or fail altogether, creating additional stress during the exam preparation phase.
The internet restrictions were imposed in the aftermath of heightened security concerns following the regional reactions to the Iran crisis. Authorities limited mobile internet services to 2G speed to prevent any unrest, but this has adversely affected students attempting to register for NEET-UG, which is essential for admission to undergraduate medical courses such as MBBS and BDS across India.
Parents and students have appealed for immediate intervention, saying the existing slow internet is unfairly disadvantaging Kashmiri aspirants compared to students in other states where high-speed internet remains accessible.
“Preparing for NEET-UG already involves immense pressure, and the slow internet makes it nearly impossible to complete the application,” said a student. “If the deadline isn’t extended, many of us might miss the opportunity altogether.”
The NEET-UG exam, conducted annually by the National Testing Agency, remains the gateway for thousands of Jammu and Kashmir students seeking admission to medical colleges across India—(KNO)