State MH-CET notification not valid for NEET-UG 2017

Mumbai: The decision of the state to conduct admission to all government and private medical colleges through the NEET-UG results for the year has opened the doors for students aspiring to secure a seat in MBBS or BDS course. While the state tried to plug the gap through a new rule in June 2017, the court struck it down, stating that it should have been brought in before the NEET-UG exams were held on May 7.

Based on a Supreme Court ruling of 2016, all states were bound to conduct admissions to medical courses in both government and private run colleges based on NEET results. The NEET was conducted by CBSE, and it laid down rules putting a limit on age and attempts. The state adopted it in 2017, replacing MH-CET with NEET 2017 for admission to MBBS and BDS courses. However, admission to other health science courses would continue on the basis of MH-CET.

On June 19, the state came out with a MH-CET notification, restricting students from cancelling admission to health science courses. The state also told the court that it was intended to deter students who had taken to courses like BAMS, BUMS, Nursing from cancelling their admission as it would result in wastage of a seat.

However, the court held that such a restriction was against the fundamental right of the student.