Why this hullaballoo about the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)? It stands to reason that there is one standard — a high standard — of testing for admission into medical and related institutions across the country. Therefore, we should thank the Supreme Court for not giving in to the pleas against it.

States such as Jammu and Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and others have been staunchly opposing the move to make NEET the one, common entrance exam. Some of them have requested that the date of its implementation be deferred. Whatever the fine print, it’s an open secret that one reason for this is fierce lobbying from States with many private institutions that have a capitation fee axe to grind. There’s just too much money at stake. No one gives a rat’s nose about the students.

Consider their nightmare: applying in State after State; forking out thousands of rupees for forms — CET, AIPMT, etc, etc; filling them in correctly; waiting for the test call; travelling to and staying in strange places; waiting to hear about selection … talk about stress!

Related to NEET is the question of medium of instruction. While the local language is a decent idea, it immediately limits admission to students from that State (which is the intention); after qualification, it makes students eligible to practice only in that State (a less welcome prospect for doctors). Why can’t the first year be dedicated to learning English, a practical medium of instruction, so all students are on an even footing when the medical course commences?

Whatever the arguments in court, NEET works for students, and that’s what matters. After all, we depend on them for our good health. For which they need to be healthy too, not crushed under pressure to make up the money spent on their education and the effort expended to do so.

Sandhya Rao Editorial Consultant

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