The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is currently reviewing a proposal to postpone the NEET MDS 2024 exam to July. This formal request was lodged on February 8th. The NEET-MDS 2024 serves as the qualifying and ranking test for individuals seeking admission to different MDS programs for the academic year 2024-2025. Administered by the National Board of Examination in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), this examination holds significant importance in the field of medical education.
The NEET MDS 2024, which stands for the National Eligibility and Entrance Examination for Masters in Dental Surgery, has been scheduled to take place on March 18, 2024. Recently, the Student’s Union filed an RTI (Right to Information) requesting the postponement of the NEET MDS 2024 examination. In response to this RTI, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stated that the request for postponement is currently ‘under process’. The Ministry has acknowledged receiving several representations regarding the NEET MDS Exam Schedule, and these representations are currently being reviewed and considered by the Ministry.
NEET MDS 2024 Exam Postponed News
AISU released a statement on X last Wednesday, revealing that they had submitted an RTI request on February 8, 2024, seeking information regarding the postponement of the NEET MDS 2024 Exam. The response they received from the Ministry stated that it is currently ‘Under Process’. Before this, AISU had sent a letter to the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Health highlighting several critical issues that require immediate attention. They are now expressing concerns about the feasibility of conducting the NEET MDS 2024 exams in March, as well as the subsequent counseling process alongside NEET PG. It is anticipated that their internship may conclude in August or September 2024.
AISU highlighted that the NEET MDS exam occurred in December 2020, coinciding with the delayed NEET PG test to ensure fairness for students taking both exams. They also expressed concerns about the long period of inactivity dental students experienced from March until the end of their internships, which could last around 6-7 months. AISU is worried about wasting time and disrupting academic progress due to extended breaks. The student union is unhappy with the short notice given for the NEET MDS exam postponement, especially compared to the ample time provided to NEET PG candidates.
NEET MDS exam to July
This unequal treatment has significantly raised stress and anxiety levels among NEET MDS aspirants, negatively affecting their mental well-being and preparation. Furthermore, concerns have been raised regarding the eligibility of BDS students from the 2018 batch, as their internships may extend beyond the current deadline of March 31, 2024. The absence of a survey conducted by the Dental Council of India to assess the completion of internships further complicates this issue.
To address these pressing concerns and ensure fairness for both NEET PG and MDS aspirants, AISU is requesting the rescheduling of the NEET MDS exam to July. With the future of over 25,000 NEET MDS aspirants at stake, the student union emphasizes the urgent need for immediate action from the authorities to protect the interests of dental students nationwide.