STUDENTS IN A FIX AS SC DELAYS NEET DECISION

MBBS and BDS aspirants are in a fix with no clarity emerging as to whether Neet will be held in the state or not as the Supreme Court, which was supposed to deliver its final verdict on the issue on January 18, did not do so, leaving the applicants bewildered.

While giving interim orders in December 2012 allowing states to conduct their own entrance tests along with Neet, the Supreme Court had listed the case for final hearing and disposal on January 15, 16 and 17, 2013. It had also directed the states not to release the results of their own entrance tests conducted for the purpose.

Neither the officials of the medical education department nor the managements of private medical colleges have received any communication as to when the final verdict will be delivered by the Supreme Court.

Meanwhile, the uncertainty has come as a blessing in disguise for the coaching centres. The fees and enrolments in coaching centres have increased sharply with applicants making a beeline to take coaching for both Neet and Eamcet. Coaching centres have launched crash courses to prepare students for both the tests and are collecting fees up to `25,000 for just 2-3 months. Students are also under the stress of upcoming board examinations.

Though the state government had announced that Eamcet will be held on May 10, it is not in a position to clarify whether it is applicable for medical aspirants or not.

However, as a precautionary measure, it has been advising students to prepare for both Neet and Eamcet till the Supreme Court delivers its final verdict.