CHANDIGARH, MAY 21 — Students appearing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test across Punjab will receive free transportation on all state-run roadways buses to ensure economic constraints do not prevent candidates from reaching their examination venues.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced Wednesday that the transport waiver will remain active from June 20 through June 22, covering the days surrounding the national medical entrance exam scheduled for June 21. The administrative directive follows a formal recommendation from Aam Aadmi Party National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, who received direct correspondence from low-income families describing severe financial difficulties regarding transit costs.
According to state officials, candidates only need to present their official examination admit cards to transit staff to board any Punjab Roadways bus without purchasing a ticket.
“Many poor children appear for the NEET examination,” Mann stated in a public update. “Some of them do not even have enough money to pay for travel to the examination centre. Therefore, the Punjab government has decided that on June 20, 21, and 22, travel will be free for all students appearing for the NEET examination in all Punjab Roadways buses. Just show your admit card, and no ticket will be required.”
The state leadership noted that the policy aims to alleviate administrative hurdles and emotional stress for rural and specialized students who frequently travel significant distances to designated urban testing centers.
In a broadcast addressed to the candidates, Kejriwal noted that several applicants reported experiencing high stress levels due to financial and academic pressures.
“Many of you had written to me saying that some students do not even have enough money to travel from their homes to the examination centre,” Kejriwal stated. “I had raised this with Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann. Following this, the Punjab government has made bus travel free for candidates appearing for the NEET examination. Children, prepare well, study with full dedication and keep your spirits high.”
The Chief Minister concluded by affirming that the state administration considers facilitating equal access to higher education opportunities a core governance duty, wishing the applicants success in their professional pursuits.
