With Supreme Court (SC) ordering cancellation of premedical entrance examinations conducted by the States and private medical colleges, the fate of Uttarakhand Pre Medical Test (UPMT) is also sealed. More than 12000 students had applied for the UPMT conducted by HNB Uttarakhand Medical Education University this year. The highest court in its order had made clear that admissions in all Government and private medical colleges in the country would be based on one common entrance examination, National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET).
In wake of the SC order the HNB Uttarakhand Medical Education University is gearing itself with the task of refunding the fees of 12248 candidates who applied for the examination. The university had charged fees of `2000 from candidates of general category while a fee of `1400 was levied on candidates of reserved categories. The Registrar of the University, Dr Vijay Juyal said that the orders of the court would be followed in letter and spirit. He said that the modalities for refund of the fees are being worked out. The university officials are working with banks to ensure smooth and early refund of student’s money.
Another important aspect of the SC decision of Monday was that it allowed the students who had applied in NEET I -earlier called All India Pre Medical Test (AIPMT) – to apply again for NEET II slated on July 24. However, those planning to apply for NEET II should have to forfeit their NEET I score.
The Director of Achievers Classes, Manu Pant said that students should carefully analyze their performance in NEET I and then apply for NEET II. He said that if one hopes to get 500 marks in the examination then he/ she should not apply for NEET II. Pant added that deserving candidates would get through the examination irrespective of the fact they opt for NEET I and II. The parents of the medical aspirants are appreciative of the SC judgment. A defence colony resident, JP Rana said that the court has ensured much needed transparency into the whole system of admissions into the medical colleges.