NEET MDS 2024: Demand to postpone Exam to July is ‘Under Process’, reveals RTI

All India Student's Union Urges Postponement of NEET MDS Exam to July

In a recent development, the All India Student's Union (AISU) has intensified its call for the postponement of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Master of Dental Surgery (NEET MDS) to July. Citing a multitude of concerns voiced by NEET MDS aspirants, AISU has urged the authorities to reevaluate the current exam schedule to ensure fairness and equity for all candidates.

The demand to postpone the NEET MDS 2024 exam to July is still under process at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. As per an RTI reply received by All India Student's Union (AISU), their request is still ‘under Process’

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – MDS (Master in Dental Surgery), a national level entrance test organized by NBEMS (National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences), is scheduled for March 18.

In a tweet, AISU has stated: “We received a response stating that our representations are 'Under Process' in the Ministry #NEETMDS2024 #RescheduleNEETMDS2024ToJuly.”

Earlier, in a letter addressed to the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Health, AISU highlighted several critical points demanding immediate attention. Chief among these concerns is the impracticality of conducting the NEET MDS exam in March, given the common counseling process shared with NEET PG and the internship completion required for NEET PG admissions, expected around August or September 2024.

Drawing parallels from past instances, AISU underscored the precedence set in 2020 when NEET MDS was held in December, aligning with the delayed NEET PG exam. This alignment ensured a smooth and fair counseling process for aspirants of both exams.

Moreover, AISU raised alarm over the potential idle period that dental students would face from March until the completion of their internships, spanning approximately 6-7 months. Such a prolonged hiatus could not only disrupt academic momentum but also lead to wastage of precious time.

The student union also criticized the short notice provided for the postponement of the NEET MDS exam, which stands in stark contrast to the ample time given to NEET PG aspirants. This differential treatment has aggravated the stress and anxiety levels among NEET MDS aspirants, adversely impacting their mental well-being and preparation.

Additionally, concerns were raised regarding the eligibility of BDS students from the 2018 batch, whose internships might extend beyond the current deadline of March 31, 2024. The absence of a survey by the Dental Council of India to assess internship completion further compounds this issue.

AISU's plea to reschedule the NEET MDS exam to July aims to not only address these pressing concerns but also ensure uniformity and fairness across both NEET PG and MDS aspirants. With over 25,000 NEET MDS aspirants at stake, the student union emphasizes the critical need for immediate action from the authorities to safeguard the future of dental students across the nation.