Supreme Court Upholds NEET-UG Requirement for Medical Studies Abroad

By Ezra February 26, 2025
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The Supreme Court of India has upheld the requirement for Indian students to qualify in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) before pursuing medical education abroad. The ruling confirms the validity of the Medical Council of India’s (MCI) 2018 regulation, ensuring that students meet necessary standards before studying overseas.

A bench comprising Justices B R Gavai and K Vinod Chandran dismissed the challenge to the regulation, stating that it is fair, transparent, and legally valid. The petitioners argued that the rule was introduced without amending the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, but the court ruled that the MCI had the authority to enforce it under Section 33 of the Act.

No Exemptions for Students Enrolled Without NEET

The Supreme Court also rejected requests for a one-time exemption for students who enrolled in foreign medical institutions without qualifying in NEET-UG. The bench stated that students who chose to study abroad despite the amended regulations cannot later seek an exemption to practise medicine in India. However, the ruling does not restrict them from practising medicine in other countries.

Impact on Indian Medical Aspirants

With this decision, Indian students aiming to study medicine abroad must clear NEET-UG as a mandatory eligibility criterion. This move aligns foreign medical admissions with India’s medical education standards, ensuring that graduates returning to India are well-equipped to practise.

The ruling reinforces India’s commitment to maintaining quality medical education, affecting thousands of students planning to study medicine abroad each year.

Source: THE INDIAN EXPRESS

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