Bengaluru: The National-Eligibility-Cum-Entrance Test was brought into force in 2013, after much debate and deliberation by the courts. This year, Indian students who want to study medicine overseas, no longer have to appear for NEET.
The Medical Council of India, along with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has announced a one-time exemption to students who want to study the medical sciences outside India.
Aspirants for he MBBS or any equivalent medical course, can apply by furnishing an undertaking saying they had not registered or appeared for NEET 2018, or read the Mci notification. They (the candidates) can obtain an eligibility certificate from the MCI, before admission into foreign medical institutes. It has also been decided that the Council will consult the Central Board of Secondary Education, which is in-charge of conducting NEET, to verify whether the undertaking is genuine or not.
It can be recalled that such students had to furnish an eligibility certificate from the MCI, which certified that they scored atleast 50% in Physics, Chemistry and Biology in Class 12 or an equivalent exam. On March 8 this year, the MCI had made NEET mandatory even for students aspiring to study abroad. This drew flak from students, who raised their concerns against the move, saying it was unfair to clear another screening test to attain eligibility to practice in India after their studies. "Securing a seat in medical college in India is a challenge. However, studies here are expensive, with low returns in terms of salary packages after we enter the profession. Studying abroad adds to the exposure we gain over the years, making every rupee we spend worth it. The government has simply placed hurdles in our path all these years so this decision is truly welcome," said Namitha S, an aspiring doctor.
The new decision has been attributed to the Delhi High Court direction, asking petitioners who voiced concerns against NEET clearance to apply for medical courses abroad to seek a one-time exemption from the Council. However, students who appeared for NEET 2018 and failed to clear the test will not be allowed to enrolling in any foreign institute.
