MHRD Discredits MCI Order Barring NIOS, Open School Students from NEET 2018

The HRD Ministry has decided to revert the decision made by the Medical Council of India (MCI) barring the students passing out from open schools and NIOS from NEET exam. The decision has come as a major relief to the class 12 students enrolled at National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) as NEET 2018 is the only entrance exam for admission to MBBS and BDS courses.

The HRD Ministry has decided to take the decision in favour of the open school students enabling them to apply and appear for the exam. Although no official notice has been issued to the students in this regard, the HRD Ministry told the Health Ministry the not allowing open school students for NEET exam is against the policies of the Government.

Close to 2.5 lakh students will suffer if NIOS and open school students are barred from the medical entrance exam. The government also added that all students should have access to equal career opportunities regardless of their schooling background.

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An HRD official said that often students who are not able to pass class 12 board exams or get compartments in more than one subjects appear for the open board exams. It will be unfair if these students are denied the opportunity to appear for the medical entrance test, the official added.

Earlier this month, MCI had barred NIOS and open school students from NEET 2018 stating that students who have not taken classes and practical training in Biology, Chemistry and Physics at schools are not eligible to appear for NEET exam or applying for medical programmes.

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The council also said that these students are also not eligible for grant of Eligibility Certificate in order to seek admission in primary medicine course in a foreign medical institute.