Bhubaneswar: The Centre’s decision to conduct a common National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) under graduate (UG) examination for admission into all medical colleges from 2020-21 academic year has drawn mixed reaction from students.
While a section of medical aspirants stated that such move would put an end to multiple examination fees, others believe that it will put unnecessary pressure on them as half of the academic session has already passed.
“The overall standard of examination will be high. Students do not have to prepare repeatedly for different tests and will focus on a single test. However, its disadvantage is that if an aspirant fails to appear in the test due to some reason, he/she will loss one year,” said Bhoumik Nanda, a medical aspirant.
Earlier special tests were being conducted for institutions including AIIMS, JIPMER and PGI. However, the health ministry has planned the common test to give equal chance to all students and set uniform standard in the medial education system.
The health and family welfare ministry has recently issued directives to these institutions not to conduct the special under graduate tests from next academic year. As a result, students will get admission in medical colleges on the basis of their NEET ranks.
Apart from single test, common counselling will be conducted while the final year exam, National Exit Test (NEXT), will be the same in all colleges. The decision will come into effect from the 2020-21 academic year.
“After getting into the medical courses through the common test, the students will also have to prove their mettle in final year exam, National Exit Test (NEXT). Each and every student will get to know about their standard at the all India level. It will be beneficial to society, government and as well as for the students,” said Basanta Pati, medical education expert.
“As there were multiple examinations, there were multiple fees. Aspirants had to travel to different places to appear for the medical tests. However, they will no longer have to pay multiple fees and will prepare for the single test,” Lipsa Priyadarshini, an MBBS student.