MCI allows one-time NEET exemption for those wanting to pursue MBBS abroad

Balwant Garg
Tribune News Service
Faridkot, September 7

Medical council of India has allowed a one-time exemption from National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) to all students who intend to pursue MBBS courses in foreign universities.

The MCI has conveyed that in view of the Covid-19 pandemic, all such students need not take NEET, scheduled for September 13. However, these candidates would have to appear and qualify the exams either in 2020 or in 2021, the MCI clarified in a public notice.

This exemption is a one-time measure for candidates in view of COVID-19 Pandemic and it is incumbent upon them to qualify NEET-UG in 2020-21.

“If a candidate failed to clear the test, his/her decision to continue his Foreign Medical Courses thereafter shall be at his own risk, as he shall not be entitled to appear for the MCI Screening Test or FMGE exam and thereby would not be entitled to grant of provisional/Permanent Registration by the State Medical Councils,” said Dr RK Vats, secretary-general, Board of Governors in Suppression of MCI.

In February 2018, the MCI had made it mandatory to pass NEET to obtain an eligibility certificate to pursue MBBS course in foreign medical colleges. A large number of students apply for MBBS courses in China, Russia and other countries each year.

However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, NEET-2020 was postponed thrice. Many aspiring students who wish to go abroad for MBBS want the authorities to grant them an eligibility certificate without the prerequisite NEET qualification.

Students have knocked the door of High Courts to seek the exemption from NEET this time for their medical course in foreign countries as they were unable to take admission in foreign countries due to the delay in conducting of the NEET.