On Tuesday, the Centre informed the Rajya Sabha that they would take steps to safeguard the interests of the student community. During a session in the Upper House, a supplementary question regarding the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) was raised, and Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Anupriya Patel, responded.
Addressing concerns about alleged paper leaks, Patel mentioned that the Supreme Court had already delivered its judgement on the matter. She assured members that the government is dedicated to the welfare of students and will take necessary actions. Patel also announced that the first round of NEET-UG counselling would begin on August 14.
“We have already declared that the first round of counselling will commence on August 14, and as per the Supreme Court’s order, counselling will be conducted in four rounds,” Patel stated in the Rajya Sabha. She further noted that the fourth round of NEET-UG 2024 counselling would conclude on October 24. Patel also provided details on the number of available seats for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in private and government colleges.
According to government data, there has been an 88% increase in medical colleges, from 387 before 2014 to 731 currently. Additionally, MBBS seats have increased by 118%, from 51,348 before 2014 to 112,112 now.
The National Testing Agency announced the NEET-UG results on June 4 and released a revised scorecard on July 26. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) announced the counselling dates through a public notification on July 29. Registration for eligible candidates will begin in the first week of August. “The allocation of seats under NEET-UG is conducted through a transparent online counselling process, ensuring convenience and accessibility for candidates,” stated the government.
With inputs from PTI.