New Delhi: With the Supreme Court calling for an overhaul of the medical entrance exam NEET, clamour for a reinstatement of the old system has gained momentum, but some experts are sceptical about the ability of states to conduct the exam and compliance with the domicile rule. They believe doing so will lead to the same old problems that led to its abolition.

These states have passed the proposal to conduct their own medical entrance exam

According to the domicile rule of NEET, 85 percent of the seats are reserved for the residents of the state who have passed the 12th examination from the school there. The remaining 15 percent seats are for candidates from other states. Amidst the NEET controversy, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Bengal have passed a resolution in their assemblies to abandon the option of NEET and conduct their own medical entrance examination.

Formerly failed states

DMK member Rani Srikumar had also mentioned this proposal in the Lok Sabha and alleged that NEET has shattered the dreams of many students. She said that the central government did not send this proposal to the President for approval. Former AIIMS director Dr. MC Mishra says that there is nothing wrong in the states' right to conduct the examination, but they have failed in the past. Even if they get the right to conduct the examination, they will have to ensure that those who pass NEET get admission in the 15 percent all-India quota.

Possibility of rigging in the examination at the state level

Mishra said that this idea should not be encouraged because what will happen if two states decide to conduct the exam on the same date. Girish Tyagi, Secretary and Registrar of Delhi Medical Council, said that there is a high possibility of rigging in the exam at the state level. Apart from this, it will be challenging for the states to bring uniformity in the question papers and this will affect the quality of doctors. Kapil Gupta, founder of an online coaching institute for NEET, termed the states' demand as fraud and drama.

NEET-PG conducted in two shifts in 170 cities

NEET-PG for admission to postgraduate medical courses was held on Sunday in two shifts at 416 centers in 170 cities across the country. It was scheduled to be held on June 23, but was delayed due to controversies over competitive exams. According to the Health Ministry, 2,28,540 candidates appeared in the exam. More than 1,950 independent evaluators and 300 flying squad members were deployed at the examination centers. Also, eight regional command centers were set up to monitor the exam across the country.