Admissions to medical seats in Maharashtra may be delayed

While the health ministry, in a circular dated August 9, had suggested that admissions to these institutes could be conducted through a centralised process, the state government is yet to finalise its stand

A day after combined results for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) phase I and phase II were released, students are still waiting to hear from the government about the rules for admissions to private and deemed institutes.

The final rules for admissions will only be released once a circular affirming centralised admission for both private and deemed medical and dental institutes is made public (File photo)

While the health ministry, in a circular dated August 9, had suggested that admissions to these institutes could be conducted through a centralised process, the state government is yet to finalise its stand. “Based on the circular, we have tentatively decided to go ahead with the centralised admissions process, but we are yet to get the final nod from the state Common Entrance Test (CET) cell,” said Dr Pravin Shingare, director, Directorate of Medical Education & Research (DMER).

He said that the final rules for admissions will only be released once a circular affirming centralised admission for both private and deemed medical and dental institutes is made public. “We will also release the schedule for admissions,” said Shingare.

The state CET cell, however, said this move cannot be implemented without understanding its legal aspects. “The rules followed by deemed institutes and private and government institutes are different. Hence, a single-window admission process is not feasible,” said Chandrashekhar Oak, state CET commissioner, adding, the government will convene a meeting in the next few days to discuss the issue. “We should come up with a solution soon,” he said.

While students in Maharashtra are still waiting to hear from the state government about the status of admissions to medical and dental seats in the state, those from neighbouring states seem to have a better deal in hand. “The Gujarat government has already released its admission rules, which has helped students plan their admissions, said Rajesh Jain, member, Parents Association for Medical Students.

“If the Maharashtra government doesn’t start admissions soon, students may have trouble meeting the September 30 deadline ordered by the Supreme Court,” said Jain.