Uncertain about NEET’s validity, 4 lakh aspirants write MH-CET

Maharashtra has filed a review petition in the SC seeking either an exemption from NEET or implementation of the national entrance test only from 2018

Around 4 lakh medical aspirants from across the state appeared for the Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MH-CET) on Thursday, even as uncertainty looms over the validity of the examination.

Students appearing for the MH-CET await outside a college in Thane on Thursday. (HT Photo)

Last week, the Supreme Court (SC) allowed the Centre to conduct the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) on Sunday. NEET will replace all the state and private entrance examinations for admissions to medical and dental institutes. NEET was scrapped by the court in 2013.

Maharashtra has filed a review petition in the SC seeking either an exemption from NEET or implementation of the national entrance test only from 2018. The SC is yet to announce its verdict.

Read: Maharashtra for NEET only from 2018 

Students and parents, however, are hoping the SC decides in favour of the state.

Akshata Masali, who could not answer the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT), renamed NEET Phase I, said, “I had prepared for the AIPMT, but was not allowed to appear for the test on Sunday, as I reached late. I hope Thursday’s CET will be considered for admissions.”

“My daughter did go for the exam on Thursday as she wasn’t sure if it is valid. Had the judgement been delivered earlier, it would not have led to so much chaos,” said a parent. “Although my daughter appeared for NEET Phase I, she had exclusively prepared for the state entrance test,” she said.