NEET aspirants write to CM, object to proposal of age limit for candidates

LUCKNOW: Dozens of medical aspirants have written to CM Yogi Adityanath, voicing their objection over the proposal of imposing an upper age limit for candidates appearing in the national eligibility-cum-entrance test (NEET) -- gateway for MBBS and BDS seats in India.

“If this age limit is fixed, no less than 50,000 aspirants from Uttar Pradesh will be affected,” said Ghanshyam Srivastava of Swaraj Andolan Trust, which led the group of aspirants. He said although there was no clear notification from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) that conducts the test, reports suggested that an upper age limit would be introduced.

“Last year also an age limit ( of 25 years for general category students) was imposed, but candidates got relief from the court. This year, we wish that the state government initiates some steps, as otherwise a large number of candidates from UP will not be able to appear for the exam. This will not be good for the healthcare system,” said Srivastava.

He added that even if an age limit had to be imposed, aspirants should be told about it in advance. “They should inform at least 2-3 years in advance.”

The aspirants said that over 70,000 candidates from Uttar Pradesh attempt to get a medical or dental seat and placing a ceiling on the candidates’ age would bring down this number.