Medical aspirants in a fix over CBSE notification

Kolkata: Medical aspirants in Bengal who are supposed to appear for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) scheduled to take place on May 6, are confused after the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on 14 February issued a notification which is contrary to that of Medical Council of India (MCI).

Like in previous years, the CBSE has been assigned to hold the NEET examination. In an earlier notification, the MCI, which is the highest regulating body said students appearing for the NEET have to secure 50 percent marks altogether in the three subjects - Physics, Chemistry and Biology in class 12 examinations.

But the recent notification issued by the CBSE contradicted the MCI notice saying that a candidate willing to take the NEET have to secure 50 percent marks in each of these three subjects. One who fails to obtain 50 percent marks in each subject of these 3 subjects in class 12 examination will not be allowed to appear for the NEET

examination this year.

This had triggered confusion among the 75,000 odd medical aspirants in the state who will appear for the examination.

The matter has also created a flutter on social media as many of these aspirants have become vocal against the decision of CBSE, which they have claimed to be in 'utter violence' of MCI norms.

They also alleged that CBSE has misinterpreted the MCI norms.

If CBSE abides by the proposed method, at least 30,000 medical aspirants in the state will not be able to appear for the medical entrance examination this year. Many of the SC/ST/OBC candidates will also be deprived due to the decision of the CBSE.

The students also demanded that it should immediately evoke the notification as it has been done in contrary to MCI's norms.

Dr A K Maity, an expert in the field of medical education in the state said: "CBSE has misinterpreted MCI norms and its has not only created a confusion among the medical aspirants in the state but also from across the country. The CBSE must act promptly and do necessary corrections in this regard."

Dr Maity also added that some renowned doctors from across the country will soon write to the Prime Minister and the Union Health Minister seeking their intervention as the matter is of paramount importance.