SC issues notice to NTA, MCI on plea on NEET-UG exam centre in Gulf countries

The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought a response from the Union government, the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Medical Council of India (MCI) on a plea to conduct NEET-UG 2020 examinations in centres across the Middle East and other gulf countries.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday issued notices to the Medical Council of India (MCI) and National Testing Agency (NTA) on a plea seeking exam centres for the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test- NEET 2020 in the middle east countries.

While issuing notice, the top court also sought a response from MCI and NTA on the plea.

The court was hearing a petition filed by the parents of the NEET-UG 2020 aspirants residing in Doha, Qatar seeking a decision on the sanction of examination centres in Gulf countries or postponement of the exam.

They had contended that due to the outbreak of coronavirus, flights are operating in a restricted manner and it would also expose the students to risk if they travel.

This came after NTA announced on July 20 that NEET 2020 exam will be conducted on September 13, 2020.

A total of 16.84 lakh candidates are expected to appear for NEET exams this year to get admission into MBBS, BDS, BVSc & AH courses offered in various medical colleges in India.

NTA conducts the examination of NEET 2020, which is an undergraduate qualification test for MBBS, BDS and other related courses. The academic qualification for appearing in NEET exams is 10+ 2 in science stream with the subjects PCB.