NEET has been implemented, but states to conduct their own exams: JP Nadda

Putting an end to all confusion surrounding National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), Union Health and Family Welfare minister JP Nadda on Tuesday said the medical exam has not been deferred, but implemented.

However, "states have the option to conduct their own exams; post-graduate exams will be held under NEET in December this year", he said.

"Through this ordinance, NEET has been given a statutory support," added Nadda.

The minister said that the ordinance on NEET will bring an end to the unhealthy trends practiced by private medical colleges in the country and solve all prevailing problems.

Nadda told the media that this issue was raised in the Parliament, adding all political parties opined that students will find it tough to prepare for the exams in such a short period of time.

"We are in favour of NEET. And we have to end the unhealthy trends practiced by private colleges. I believe all the problems will be solved through this ordinance," he said.

Also Read: NEET Row - NGO Sankalp Charitable Trust to challenge Centre's ordinance in SC

President Pranab Mukherjee has signed the ordinance, which was cleared by the Union Cabinet on 20 May, to partially overturn a Supreme Court verdict which said all government colleges, deemed universities and private medical colleges will be covered under NEET.

The President had earlier sought more information and clarification on a few points from the Union Health Ministry over the decision to bring an ordinance on NEET.

Union minister JP Nadda had met President Mukherjee yesterday to answer his questions on the need for urgency in issuing the executive order, which bypassed the Supreme Court's ruling last month that NEET will be held across India..

Over 15 states were opposed to NEET and had raised concerns like different syllabus and languages during the recent State Health Ministers' meeting with Nadda.

Nadda had, however, earlier said that the Centre was committed to implementing NEET as per the apex court's order, but was also looking for ways to accommodate the concerns of the states.

The medical entrance test in the first phase of NEET was held on 1 May.

- With ANI Inputs