MORADABAD: A Google Maps navigation error allegedly cost at least two NEET aspirants in Uttar Pradesh’s Moradabad their chance to appear for the medical entrance examination on Sunday after they reached their centres late and were denied entry.Among those affected was Faizan Ali from Sambhal, who said he relied on Google Maps to locate his examination centre. According to him, the navigation app directed him to the wrong location instead of RN Inter College. By the time he reached the actual venue, the reporting deadline had passed and he was not allowed to enter the examination hall.Faizan’s father, Ikram, said his son had spent months preparing for NEET and the family had pinned high hopes on his performance.He expressed concern that the alleged error could cost the student an entire academic year and demanded appropriate action by the authorities concerned.Another candidate, Sarthak, also reportedly missed the examination after being misdirected by an incorrect Google Maps location. He, too, was denied entry for arriving after the specified reporting time.After learning about the issue, administrative officials spoke with the affected students and their families.Students and parents said hardworking candidates should not have to suffer because of technical glitches and urged authorities to find a solution to prevent such incidents from affecting students’ careers.The incident comes weeks after five members of a family from Greater Noida were rescued in Hapur after their car got stuck in a deep roadside drain while following a route suggested by Google Maps.(With PTI inputs)
