Confusion over the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) continues with diverse views emerging on whether the Telugu States are exempted or not, and students are in a fix whether the seats will be filled based on the ranks of EAMCET or State ranks to be given by the NEET.
With the Telangana EAMCET already put off for a few days due to another reason, students now wonder whether they have to mandatorily write the NEET also on July 24 as fixed by the Supreme Court. They are also in a dilemma whether the EAMCET would be treated as phase-I of NEET on par with the AIPMT scheduled on May 1, which the Supreme Court now considers as the first phase of NEET. As per the Supreme Court orders, students taking AIPMT can be exempted from the second phase of NEET fixed on July 24.
Meanwhile, the statement of the Union Minister in Parliament is a clear indication that Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are not exempt from NEET irrespective of the special status they enjoy with regard to admission to colleges and jobs. The answer was in response to a question raised by the Karimnagar MP B. Vinod Kumar.
However, officials continue to insist that Telugu states are protected by Article 371 (D) and the subsequent Presidential Orders. In fact, the Andhra Pradesh government has decided to go in for an appeal arguing on the special status and how the President has to issue new orders to bring in any changes in its admission procedures.
The Telangana government is still consulting legal experts on seeking exemption from NEET citing Article 371 (D), and a clear picture is likely to emerge in a couple of days. However, the government said the EAMCET will be held as planned and students should take the exam irrespective of the NEET consequences.
Private medical colleges may lose out
If at all NEET comes into play in the Telugu States, the biggest losers may be the private medical and dental colleges that are conducting a separate entrance test for admission to 35 per cent of seats under the Rs. 9 lakh fee structure. Allegations are being levelled against private colleges that they are trying to weed out genuine candidates from appearing for the test through various methods thus ensuring that only ‘their’ candidates ultimately gain admission.
The colleges, however, have decided to go ahead with their test as of now and wait for the final decision on the NEET. These colleges hope for a favourable decision since NEET is being opposed by Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra who have also decided to go for an appeal.
Telugu states (AP and Telangana ) are protected by Article 371 (D) and the subsequent Presidential Orders.Officials
