Single entrance exams for admissions to MBBS, BDS approved

New Delhi, Apr 29: The Supreme Court has approved the National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) for admissions to MBBS and BDS courses for the academic year 2016-17.

Around 6.5 lakh students are likely to appear for the NEET to be held in two phases. The first phase is scheduled to take place on May 1 while second phase of the exam will be held on July 24.

The second phase of the exam will be an opportunity for those who have not applied for AIPMT. The combined result would be declared on August 17.

Noting that the aim of the Health Ministry is to facilitate and enable the Medical Council of India (MCI) and CBSE to conduct the entrance exams in a manner and time which would not cause "distress" to students, Health Minister J P Nadda said that it has been making efforts in this direction for a long time.

"Health Minister J P Nadda has welcomed the order of the Supreme Court in the matter of conducting the entrance examination for admission to MBBS and Post Graduate Medical Courses via NEET this year," an official statement said.

"It is a milestone judgement," he stated, and added that "despite the challenges to conduct the exam this year the Ministry is geared up to work with the other partners and stakeholders to ensure that the entrance exams are successfully held".

OneIndia News (With agency inputs)