Doctors association expresses concern over 8000 NEET MDS 2024 candidates Ineligibility

Dr. Priya highlighted the staggering number of over 8000 aspirants deemed ineligible for the exam, drawing attention to the disparity between NEET PG and NEET MDS exam schedules.

Dr. Aviral Mathur, President of FORDA, has taken to X (formerly Twitter) to address the growing concerns surrounding the ineligibility of approximately 8000 students for NEET MDS 2024. In a series of tweets, he expressed solidarity with affected candidates and pledged to advocate for their cause.

Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, Dr. Mathur urged students to share the specifics of their cases, assuring them that FORDA would champion their grievances. He lamented the recurrence of administrative oversights, drawing parallels between the Dental Council of India's (DCI) actions and the missteps of the National Medical Commission (NMC) last year.

Dr. Mathur posed a pertinent question regarding the feasibility of extending eligibility criteria, akin to measures implemented for NEET PG last year. While recognizing the potential delay in counseling as a consequence, he emphasized the need for a proactive approach to resolve the underlying issues.

NEET MDS 2024 exam will be held on March 18, 2024.

Also Read: FORDA Holds Meeting with Health Ministry Officials on NEET MDS 2024 Postponement Demand

Students demand NEET MDS 2024 Postponement

Amidst mounting frustration and anxiety, candidates for NEET MDS 2024 are rallying for the postponement of the exam, citing a multitude of concerns ranging from eligibility issues to the lack of response from authorities.

Amrit Ahluwalia, echoing the sentiments of many, emphasized the relentless efforts made by students to ensure their voices are heard. Despite facing setbacks and disappointments, they continue to pursue every available avenue for recourse.

Dr. Priya highlighted the staggering number of over 8000 aspirants deemed ineligible for the exam, drawing attention to the disparity between NEET PG and NEET MDS exam schedules. With the former being rescheduled to July, candidates advocate for parity, stressing the toll of uncertainty on their mental well-being.

Ayushi Singh Chauhan expressed the exasperation felt by many, lamenting the lack of action even after a favorable Supreme Court order. The prolonged silence from authorities compounds the stress and uncertainty faced by candidates, with only 14 days remaining until the exam.

Shalini, representing the 2018 batch, highlighted the personal toll of the pandemic, underscoring the need for dignity and rights to be upheld amidst adversity.

Citing the Supreme Court's intervention, another student bemoaned the delay in decision-making by the ministry, leaving candidates in limbo regarding the status of the exam and their eligibility.

In the face of these challenges, students implore for empathy and assistance, emphasizing the stakes involved with the careers of thousands hanging in the balance. Their plea for postponement underscores the urgent need for action to alleviate the distress and ensure a fair and equitable examination process.

Supreme Court order on NEET MDS 2024

In response to a Writ Petition, the Supreme Court of India issued a directive on February 21, 2024, pertaining to the eligibility criteria for NEET MDS 2024. The Court ordered an extension of the cut-off date for internship completion to enable students to participate in the MDS entrance examination.

The NEET-MDS 2024 exam was scheduled to be notified on January 20, 2024, with the examination date set for March 18, 2024. The Court extended the internship completion cut-off date to March 31, 2024, to accommodate students affected by the pandemic-related disruptions.

Notably, petitioners pointed out a lack of parity between NEET-MDS and NEET-PG 2024 examinations regarding internship cut-off dates. While NEET-PG 2024 had its exam scheduled for July 7, 2024, with the internship cut-off date set at August 15, 2024, NEET-MDS candidates sought similar flexibility.

Gaurav Sharma, representing the National Dental Commission, informed the Court that the Union of India was actively addressing the matter and had sought data from the Commission. He explained that the internship cut-off date for MDS exams was established to streamline the examination process and academic schedule post-pandemic disruptions.

Recognizing the policy domain nature of the issue, the Supreme Court directed petitioners to submit a representation to the Union of India for expedited resolution. The Court mandated that the representation be dealt with promptly, preferably within one week from the date of the order.

The Court clarified that it did not express any opinion on the merits of the claim, leaving it to the discretion of the Union Government to make an appropriate decision based on the facts and circumstances of the case.