NEET MDS 2024 Postponement: Supreme Court Declines NEET MDS Petition

The National Board of Examinations is set to release NEET MDS 2024 admit cards today, March 15, allowing eligible candidates to access crucial details regarding the examination

The Supreme Court of India has made a decisive ruling on the NEET MDS 2024 examination postponement plea, turning down the appeal filed by aspirants. The court, while hearing the petition seeking rescheduling of the exam and extension of the Internship Cut-off date, opted not to intervene in the matter, citing the imminent examination scheduled for Monday, which will see the participation of approximately 28,000 students.

Chief Justice of India, in delivering the judgment, emphasized the significant number of students set to appear for the exam and highlighted the decision to extend the internship cutoff date to June 30, 2024. Senior advocate Colin Gonsalves, representing the aspirants, argued vehemently, pointing out the challenges faced by students, particularly those halfway through their clinical courses.

The Central Government defended its stance, asserting that the NEET MDS exam's March date aims to realign the academic calendar, ensuring a level playing field for all aspirants. However, discontent among dental aspirants continues to rise, fueled by concerns over preparation time and logistical issues.

The Chief Justice of India, while delivering the judgement observed: “28,000 students will sit for exam on 18.3.24, hence at this stage allowing the MA would effect those students; Union considered the issue, decision taken to extend cutoff of internship to 30 june 2024; (4) 568 students have registered as result of the above decision (5) as record previously, data was collected by NDC by colleges across country and given to UOI.”

“An effort is made by NDC to bring back on rails the commencement of dental courses, this cannot be regarded as arbitrary to seek intervention of court.....on parameters of judicial review, we think it is inappropriate to interfere at this stage , we decline to intervene in the present matter,” observed CJI, reported by Live Law.

The heart of the matter lies in the incongruity between the extended internship cutoff date and the fixed NEET MDS 2024 exam date, which has left aspirants grappling with uncertainties and logistical challenges. Despite aspirants' fervent appeals, the National Board of Examinations has remained steadfast in its decision to proceed with the scheduled exam date.

Last week's filing of a Miscellaneous Application reignited the discourse surrounding the exam's scheduling, with the upcoming hearing holding significant implications for NEET MDS 2024 aspirants. As aspirants gear up to present their case before the Supreme Court, the demand for postponement gains momentum, driven by concerns over transparency and logistical hurdles.

In related news, the National Board of Examinations is set to release NEET MDS 2024 admit cards today, March 15, allowing eligible candidates to access crucial details regarding the examination. The NEET MDS examination remains scheduled for March 18, 2024, amid the ongoing debate and discontent surrounding its timing and logistical challenges.