NEET 2017: MCI to Scrap Upper Age Limit, Cap on Number of Attempts

It is a good news for all the medical aspirants who were deprived of applying to National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) due to the upper age limit and cap on the number of attempts. The Medical Council of India (MCI) has decided to scrap upper age limit and cap on attempts in National Eligibility cum Entrance Test.

On March 16, 2017, Medical Council of India (MCI) clarified that the final decision is based on the recommendations made by Union Health Ministry and Oversight Committee. MCI further explained that the Oversight Committee is of the opinion that the limit on NEET attempts and upper age limit would reduce the number of doctors in the country. Therefore, there should be no limitations.

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The Union Health Ministry agreed on the recommendations made by the Oversight Committee and issued directions to Medical Council of India. Now, MCI has passed the recommendation and the limitations in relation to NEET have been scrapped.

Vice-President of Medical Council of India explained that all the eligible candidates could appear for NEET examination. The candidates who did not apply this year on time or failed to qualify in the examination can apply next year. There will be no limit on the number of attempts. The students who completed B.Sc degree in relevant field will also be able to apply for NEET.

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In January 2017, the notification for NEET-UG 2017 was released and the official notification indicated that the upper age be 25 years for General Category and 30 years for Reserved Category aspirants to appear for NEET examination. Various petitions had been filed in Supreme Court against the upper age limit.

Finally, the Union Health Ministry has decided to rollback age criterion and limit on the number of attempts.