Uncertainty rages as NEET negotiation between State, Centre continues

Recently, Health Minister C Vijayabasker and Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan met the Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad to reiterate Tamil Nadu’s demand for exemption from NEET. On the other hand, the Centre went ahead and added 23 new centres for writing the NEET, including three in Tamil Nadu. 

Now, the examination will also be conducted in Namakkal, Tirunelveli and Vellore. The negotiations between the State and Centre is causing a lot of confusion for students preparing for NEET. Amit Paul who is preparing for the NEET UG said, “The government should come out with a final decision on NEET instead of leading the students on. I am still preparing for the examination, despite the confusion on whether or not NEET will be conducted in the state this year.” 

For those who cracked the NEET examination last year, the state government’s move comes as a rude shock. Aishwarya Gajendran who wrote and cleared the NEET PG examination last year, says, “I put in a lot of effort to clear the examination and it is not fair for the government to try and boycott it. I am currently waiting for the second round of counselling and hoping that I get a seat in Ophthalmology. NEET offers a fair playing field for everyone and limits the influence that money plays in obtaining a medical seat.” 

For some, NEET is a considered as a beneficial exercise that ensures easy access to medical education as well as puts a curb on exorbitant fees that are currently collected by private educational institutes. 

“In my opinion, NEET takes medical education within reach of students. Currently, it is hard to gain access to a PG course without shelling out an insane amount of money and NEET eliminates the excessive capitation fees that is charged by private medical colleges,” says Yatish Ellini. 

Some feel that the ambit for NEET limits the options available for those looking to pursue a PG medical course. According to Qhizar Shaik who is preparing for NEET PG, “Clearing the exam does not guarantee the course of your choice unless you manage to score a really high rank.” 

Some candidates are now looking for alternative opportunities abroad to further their medical aspirations. “In addition to NEET, I am currently preparing for Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) and Membership of the Royal Colleges of Surgeons of Great Britain and Ireland (MRCS) to further my education. Both the entrance examinations act as the basis for pursuing medical education in the United Kingdom,” adds Qhizar.