SC allows common entrance test for all medical courses

The Supreme Court today paved the way for implementation of National Eligibility Entrance Test, NEET for medical courses across the country. The top court set aside its 2013 order by which the common entrance test for admissions to MBBS, BDS and PG courses in all medical colleges was quashed. Hearing a review petition on NEET, a five-member Constitution Bench said it will hear the case afresh on validity of the common test. The bench said, till the matter is decided, NEET can be implemented. The Bench observed that the policy on NEET was legal as it would stop corrupt practice which enabled undeserving students to get admissions by paying huge capitation fees or donations. The NEET was introduced by Medical Council of India, MCI in 2012, but private medical colleges challenged it and obtained a Supreme Court ruling in 2013 that it was not a must for them. However, the MCI had opposed the verdict and had moved the court for a review. Over 90 medical entrance tests are held across India.