IMA urges extra NEET attempt for COVID 19-affected medical students; writes letter to PM Modi

NEW DELHI: The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has appealed to prime minister Narendra Modi to provide relief to medical students who were affected during the COVID-19 pandemic by granting an additional attempt for NEET PG and NEET UG exams. In the letter to Modi, the medical association, representing over 4 lakh medical practitioners, has written about the hardships faced by these students who served as 'frontline COVID warriors' while struggling to balance academics.

In its letter, the IMA highlighted the disruptions caused by the COVID 19 pandemic, which impacted students' ability to adequately prepare for exams. To address this, the association has proposed a one-time additional attempt for medical entrance exams along with age relaxation, ensuring fairness for all affected candidates.

The IMA letter read, “The pandemic posed unprecedented challenges to all sectors, particularly healthcare. During this critical period, numerous medical students, while upholding their duties as COVID warriors, faced immense hardships in balancing their academic pursuits. Many were unable to prepare adequately for their exams due to the overwhelming responsibilities and disruptions caused by the pandemic.”

Also read NEET PG cut-off 2024 lowered: ‘Biggest scam’, aspirants call healthy ministry’s decision ‘irrational'

Additional NEET Attempt: IMA’s proposals for compensatory measures

The IMA letter states the following proposals

• Additional attempt for medical exams: Provide a one-time extra attempt for entrance exams like NEET-PG/UG and other central-level medical exams, along with age relaxation, to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all candidates.
• Policy support: Develop policies that acknowledge the efforts of ‘COVID warriors’ among these aspirants, offering them enhanced support to help them continue their medical career journey.

NEET PG cut-off 2024 reduced

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has reduced the NEET PG 2024 cut-off percentiles, following a directive from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). The MCC NEET PG cut-off for the general category has been reduced to 15 percentile, while for the reserved category cut-off has been dropped to 10 percentile. MCC is expected to announce revised NEET PG 2024 schedule due to reduction in cut-offs.