Confusion continues for NEET aspirants

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) examination, which will be the common all-India medical entrance test, has been surrounded by confusion ever since it was announced in April end this year. The students in the state are now seeking clarity on the seat allotment and pro-rata system in admissions. Until 2016, 85 percent seats were allotted to Gujarat board students and 15 percent seats were for other (CBSE, ICSE) students.Now there is uncertainty whether this pro-rata system will continue to be in place or not.
Sushil Naik, owner and teacher of a private coaching institute says that now there is a possibility of one domicile list which will take into consideration all the students living in Gujarat and another national merit list. “The quality of education will improve as all students will have the same base. It is a small price to pay for a better long term result,” he says.
Students of Gujarat board and their parents feel that doing away with the pro rata system will be unfair. Priyanshu Thaker, a class XII student and NEET aspirant, who studies in a Gujarat board school in Maninagar says, “We have to adjust with a new syllabus and system of exam as earlier we had GUJ-CET in mind. There is no clarity and we don’t know who we are competing with.” SG Pansuria, a private tutor, agrees. “Unless the curriculum is equal, it’s unfair to do away with the pro-rata system. In villages and small towns, students are not aware about NEET and CBSE syllabus.”
Rakesh Patel, parent of a NEET aspirant says that pro-rata system must continue until all adjustments are made smoothly. “According to the Supreme Court, they will not interfere with the state government’s rules. We are only asking for the pro-rata system to continue because the future of many bright students of Gujarat board is at stake. The students of other boards have the advantage of syllabus on their side as NEET is based on CBSE syllabus,” he explains. Many students and parents are meeting with government officials with this request and awaiting clarity.
JP Gupta, Principal Secretary of Public Health and Family Welfare says that a formal announcement will be made by the government soon. “A few things have been cleared so far, one is that NEET is definitely going to be held, second that students will be allowed to take the exam in Gujarati and third that those taking the exam in Gujarati will also be considered in the all-India seat allotment. One year’s notice was given before it was decided that there will be one common examination for students across India,” he says.
Ishan Sareen, a class XII CBSE student and a NEET aspirant feels that becoming a doctor is a big responsibility and a common exam and a common merit list is a welcome change. “I have been following the developments in this regard for a long time now and it is justified if no preferences are given to anyone,” he shares.