'Qualifying' NEET mandatory to pursue BDS abroad

NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 23: Students intending to pursue undergraduate dental courses abroad will have to qualify National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) to become eligible to obtain “Eligibility Certificate” from the Dental Council of India (DCI).

The aforementioned clause is likely to affect dental aspirants who wish to pursue foreign dental courses without appearing for NEET. As per the official notice, the Dental Council of India has introduced the eligibility criterion with prior approval of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, New Delhi which has come into effect from September 5, 2018. The copy of the order can be seen below-

As per the amendment, after the commencement of these regulations, no person shall be allowed to obtain Eligibility Certificate unless they clear NEET besides fulfilling the other criteria. This could imply the candidates who are already pursuing dental courses abroad will also be required to take NEET to become eligible to practice in the country. The qualification of NEET is mandatory for Indian Nationals, OCIs and PIOs alike.

As per the media reports, the move has been taken to ensure that meritorious students are going abroad to pursue dental education. Until now, candidates who have scored 50% in Class 12 were eligible to apply for BDS abroad.

Students who have completed BDS course outside India are required to take DCI Screening Test which is currently conducted by Pt. BDS University of Health Sciences, Rohtak for the recognition of BDS degree awarded by foreign universities/institutes.