NEET: Can states hold separate entrance exams this year, SC asks Solicitor General

New Delhi: In a major development with regard to the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET), states on Thursday sought clarification from the Supreme Court whether the state governments should go ahead with their state medical entrance tests separately or not.

Reacting to the question, the Supreme Court asked Solicitor General, "Can states hold separate test this year?"

Earlier, on Tuesday, hearing the petitions by some states and private medical colleges seeking permission to continue with separate tests for admissions in the MBBS and BDS courses this year, the Supreme Court had asked MCI to respond to state governments by Thursday.

On Monday, the apex court had set up a three-member panel to oversee functioning of the MCI with regard to the NEET. The panel will be headed by former chief justice of India R M Lodha.

The apex court had also upheld the provisions of a Madhya Pradesh law which enables government to have 50 per cent shares in management seats in private dental colleges

NEET schedule 

According to the schedule, the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) scheduled for May 1 was treated as first round of the NEET.

However, those who have not applied for AIPMT will be given opportunity to appear in round two on July 24.

The combined result will be declared on August 17, in order to complete the admission process by September 30 - the deadline set by the apex court in its previous orders.