NEET SS 2024 this year or next year? Doctors Seek Clarity from NMC

New Delhi: Amid the ongoing confusion regarding the dates of conducting the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) Super Speciality 2024 examination, the doctors have written to the National Medical Commission (NMC) and sought clarity regarding the exam date.

The doctors under the United Doctors Front Association (UDFA) wrote to the Apex Medical Commission after the minutes of the meeting dated 23.02.2024 were shared by NMC while responding to a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by social and political activist Dr. Vivek Pandey.

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that Dr. Pandey had filed the RTI seeking details of the NMC meeting when the decision to prepone NEET PG 2024 was taken. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Dr. Vijay Oza, President of PGMEB on 21.02.2024 at 4:00 PM through virtual mode to discuss the examination and counselling schedule for NEET PG 2024 and the pattern of examination for NEET SS.

Regarding the NEET SS 2024 exam date, the minutes of the meeting stated, "Regarding NEET SS-2024, it was decided that as admissions for academic year 2021 for MD/MS and DNB courses were held only a January to May 2022, therefore, NEET SS-2024 may not be conducted in the current year. However exact date of counselling NEET SS- 2024 in the year 2025 will be decided later."

Also Read: NEET SS 2024 may not be conducted this year: NMC

UDFA referred to this decision by NMC of not conducting NEET SS 2024 examination in the current year and mentioned in the letter addressed to NMC Secretary, "In the notice issued by NMC (PGMEB) “File No.N-P018(20)/7/2023-PGMEB”dated 23-02-2024, it was mentioned that regarding NEET SS-2024, "a decision has been made not to conduct the examination in the current year. Instead, the exact date for NEET SS-2024 in the year 2025 will be decided later." This communication has sparked considerable confusion and concern among NEET SS aspirants across the nation."

The association opined that not holding NEET SS 2024 would result in a delay in their career progression and also cause them distress. "We understand the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent disruptions in the academic calendar. However, not conducting the NEET SS examination for the academic year 2024 would have profound implications for aspiring candidates. It would not only delay their career progression but also cause significant distress and uncertainty among them," stated the letter.

UDFA has urged the Commission to reconsider its decision and conduct the NEET SS 2024 examination as scheduled. It opined that holding the NEET SS 2024 examination is essential to maintain the integrity of the examination process and ensure equal opportunities for all eligible candidates.

"Furthermore, delaying the NEET SS examination would only exacerbate the existing challenges faced by medical aspirants, particularly in light of the unprecedented circumstances brought about by the pandemic. Therefore, we request your urgent intervention in this matter to provide clarity and assurance to NEET SS aspirants nationwide," the association added in the letter, calling for a "favorable resolution that upholds the principles of fairness and transparency in medical education."

Earlier, doctors were also worried over the lack of mention of the NEET SS 2024 in the exam calendar released by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). In its exam calendar, NBEMS announced the tentative dates of its forthcoming examinations including NEET PG 2024, FMGE June 2024 along with GPAT, PDCET, DPEE, FNB exit, DNB, and DrNB practical and theory exams. However, NBE did not announce any dates for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for the super speciality admissions- NEET SS 2024.