NEET not totally out of AP

• Top colleges continue to train students
• Division issue compound fears over Eamcet pattern

It is not curtains for NEET (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test), the single national test for admissions into medical colleges- which was struck down by the apex court with a split verdict of 2-1 recently in Andhra Pradesh. As the union government, which expressed its unhappiness over the verdict, has been preparing to file an appeal against the judgment, the institutions in Andhra Pradesh have already geared up to face the test in the event of a favorable verdict.

Top junior colleges have been training their students well in advance for the NEET in anticipation of change of scenario- both in terms of examination and social situation. The chain colleges which have more than half of total students have been a bit cautious. “Nothing is guarantee. Tomorrow, the NEET may be enforced again. Or the state may get divided and in that eventuality, the Eamcet itself will become a question mark. SO, it is always better to concentrate on a national-level exam” Dr Srinivasa Rao, Director of a key group of institutions told The Hans India.

“In fact, we have not stopped our efforts on NEET front although Supreme Court ruling cleared the air. It is our responsibility to make the students ready for any national level entrance examination. If any of our students want to pursue their medical course in any national-level college, we should teach him accordingly. So, most of the students of Sri Chaitanya can attempt the NEET successfully whenever it is held. We made the syllabus accordingly” Dr Shankar, faculty of Sri Chaitanya told The Hans India.

The syllabus of Intermediate BiPC stream has already been upgraded and the revised one was learnt to have met the demands of NEET, which is held totally on CBSE syllabi. Earlier, the biology syllabus was considered rather weak but it was rectified. A total of 68,000 students have registered themselves for NEET last academic year from the state- though the test was struck down later. More than half of them have qualified in the NEET but none of them have joined in any college outside as they preferred Eamcet and state medical colleges.

The bifurcation issue appears to be agitating the minds of many a student who aspires to become a doctor. “If the state is bifurcated, how this exam would be conducted in both the states is a big question mark. If it is not bifurcated before next academic year but done a bit later, then what would be the position of those who have joined in the area other than their state, it may also pose problems. If Hyderabad is made a Union Territory, it would again some confusion. How and whom can we trust in this present chaotic situation?” Leela Subrahmanyam, a student pursuing second year Intermediate in Vijayawada but wants to join in a medical college in Hyderabad asked.

Article 371 -D to go
Another key aspect in the event of bifurcation would be that the key Article of 371-D which gives special status for students of Andhra Pradesh on admissions may be abrogated. Till now, all the 6000 plus medical seats that are available in AP colleges are being filled up with students of AP only. In the absence of this Article, the gates shall be opened for students of other states as well.

BH Ramakrishna