In a recent response to the demand for conducting the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG twice a year, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has explained why such a proposal is not feasible. The All India Students Union (AISU), a student-led organisation, had submitted a request to the NMC, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Education Ministry, urging the NEET exam to be held twice annually.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has stated that conducting the NEET UG exam twice a year is not practical. The reason is that all the available MBBS seats are already filled during the counselling process, so there is no need for an additional exam. Moreover, conducting the exam twice would require a lot of money and resources, burdening the government financially.
The NMC emphasised that while the request to conduct NEET UG twice a year cannot be fulfilled, aspiring candidates can still appear for the exam the following year. The upper age bar for NEET has been removed, allowing candidates to apply and appear for the exam when they are better prepared.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has recently withdrawn its previous guidelines for Graduate Medical Education Regulations 2023. Instead, they are now seeking feedback and comments from stakeholders on new guidelines, including Competency-Based Medical Education Curriculum Regulations 2023, Minimum Standard Requirements for Establishment of New Medical College/Increase of seats in MBBS Course Regulations 2023, and Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations 2023. This decision highlights the NMC’s commitment to being open, inclusive, and collaborative in shaping regulations for medical education. Stakeholders are encouraged to provide valuable insights and opinions on the proposed guidelines, as their input is highly valued in creating better regulations.
While the NMC has addressed the demand for conducting NEET UG twice a year, it is essential to understand the reasons behind their decision. The commission’s priority lies in optimising resources, ensuring fairness, and maintaining the integrity of the examination process. Aspiring medical candidates should stay informed about the latest updates from the NMC and plan their exam preparations accordingly.
