PUNE: It has come as a respite for thousands of students studying bachelor of science (BS) in Philippines, as an exceptional case, Medical Council of India (MCI) has exempted (to appear for NEET) students who are already pursuing pre-medical education course in Philippines and other foreign countries.
MCI had made amendments in screening test regulations, 2002 and also in the eligibility requirement for taking admission in an undergraduate medical course in foreign medical institution regulation 2002.
On March 1, under the new amendment, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) had made National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) mandatory for students who aspire to go abroad for MBBS.
Studying BS is treated as pre-medical education in Philippines, after which students are allowed to pursue a Doctors in Medicine (MD), which is equivalent to MBBS in India.
Indian students studying there were left bewildered by the ministry’s decision, as they are unable to comprehend if they are eligible to appear for NEET now.
However, the council body had received several emails and letters from students, parents and associations requesting to exempt students who have taken admission in Philippines or any other foreign country and are undertaking BS (pre-medical education) for appearing for NEET 2018.
MCI has informed that in a recent meeting held in mid-April by executive committee after legally examining the situation, has decided to Indian citizens/overseas citizens of India who have taken admission in Philippines or any other foreign country and are currently pursuing BS (pre-medical education) would be exempted from the requirement of NEET 2018.
It further mentioned that these candidates will have to apply to MCI for eligibility certificate in terms of section 13(4B) of the IMC Act, 1956. Then concerned applicants have to furnish a certified copy of their admission record in the bachelor of science or any other pre-medical course in the foreign countries, passport containing the visa and immigration towards exit from India as well as entry in that foreign country with their application for eligibility certificate. Any other document, if required while processing the application, will be sought for by the council office on the case to case basis.
MCI has also clarified that it is an only one time exemption granted keeping in view the peculiar facts and circumstances that have arisen. NEET will remain valid all those who are aspiring to leave the country on or after May 31, 2018, as per the new amendments.
“This decision has relieved us a lot. To be on a safer side, we had filled the forms of NEET on last date of the application March 10. But anyhow, it would not have been possible for those children to come here and appear for NEET exam on May 6 as their final exam for BS was getting over on May 5. Apart from these date complications, in past two years, they have been following a different syllabus and suddenly appearing for NEET here would have been very difficult,” said Advocate Sachindra Jadhav, whose daughter Priya Jadhav is currently pursuing last year in BS from Philippines.
ONLY ONE TIME EXEMPTION
MCI has also clarified that it is an only one time exemption granted keeping in view the peculiar facts and circumstances that have arisen. NEET will remain valid all those who are aspiring to leave the country on or after May 31, 2018, as per the new amendments.
