In a major decision aimed at meeting the shortage of doctors in the country, the Government has done away with the fixed upper age limit of 25 years for appearing in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Undergraduate or NEET-UG.
An official of the Union Health Ministry said that under the Graduate Medical Education Board, the National Medical Commission has decided to remove the fixed upper age limit for appearing in the NEET-UG examination.
“The upper age cap put by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in 2017 was 25 years for unreserved candidates and 30 years for reserved candidates,” he said.
“I would like to inform that it has been decided in the 4th NMC meeting held on 21st October, 2021 that there should not be any fixed upper age limit for appearing in the NEET-UG examination. Therefore, the information bulletin may be modified accordingly.
“Further, the process for official notification to suitably amend the Regulations on Graduate Medical Education, 1997 to this effect has been initiated,” a communication sent by Dr Pulkesh Kumar, Secretary NMC to Dr Devvrat, Office of Senior Director, National Testing Agency, on March 9 said. The age criteria had often been questioned in the Supreme Court and high courts of the country.
With the age limit criteria removed, aspirants can now appear in the medical entrance exam as many times and even after taking admission to other courses, an official said.
The move will also be helpful to those seeking admission to foreign countries.
NEET UG is one of the dream exams for the students who seek admission to medical institutes after Class 12. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has the responsibility to conduct this exam nationwide for all the aspirants.
Dr Rakesh Bagdi, national president of the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), welcomed the decision calling it a big relief for aspiring doctors. “This is the decision taken in favour of students, we are thankful to the Government,’’ he said.
Echoing similar sentiments, Dr Manish, President, FORDA said, “There’s already a shortage of doctors in the country, with this step more and more people will get an opportunity to pursue MBBS. Our country can then have more doctors.”