Plan To Study Medicine Abroad? You Will Still Have To Pass NEET, Rules Delhi HC

The Delhi High Court has ratified the Medical Council of India’s (MCI) amended regulation mandating those wanting to study medicine abroad to clear National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).

The order came on batch of petitions challenging the amendments to the Foreign Medical Institution Regulations, 2002, and Screening Test Regulations, 2002, made by the MCI. The petitioners had complained that the new requirements were arbitrary.

“This court is of the opinion that the MCI’s amended regulations, mandating that those desirous of studying abroad, had to appear and qualify in NEET has direct nexus with the quality of professionals who — or many of who would — wish to practice the medical profession and seek enrolment in the State register, for that purpose. It is now essential that everyone wishing to secure admission to any medical college in India has to appear and clear the NEET… Such a requirement is neither unreasonable nor arbitrary,” the bench observed , as reported by the Indian Express.

However the court directed the MCI to grant eligibility certificates to those candidates who wanted to study abroad but could not pass NEET for this year. From next year, the students will have to qualify NEET to study overseas, as mandated by the amended rules.

MCI counsel T Singhdev justified that the NEET regulates the system of admitting competent candidates. He argued that many candidates who obtain admission in foreign institutes find it challenging to complete the primary medical course and do not qualify the screening test for securing registration to practice medicine in the country.