NEET 2022 Upper Age Limit Removal: Students React on the Milestone Decision

Students React on NEET Upper Age Limit Removal

The National Medical Council (NMC), on March 9, made an announcement regarding the waiving off of the upper age limit from the NEET eligibility criteria. Originally, the upper age limit for the General and Reserved category candidates was 25 years and 30 years as of December 31 of the year of exam respectively. As per the latest NMC notification, the upper age limit for appearing for the exam has been scrapped. Needless to say, this is indeed a milestone decision made by the Medical education policymakers and will bring some relief among the aspirants in terms of fulfilling the eligibility criteria.

The upper age limit criteria factor was under trial since 2018. The Supreme Court of India had postponed the hearing till March. However, the NMC notification was released before the apex court hearing. The plea challenged the upper-age limit of 25 years for the general category and 30 years for the SC/ST category candidates appearing for the NEET examination.

The Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya took to Twitter to welcome the move by NMC. He shared that the move will not only benefit aspiring doctors but will strengthen the medical education sector of the country as well.

The decision has generated mixed reactions among NEET aspirants and stakeholders. While the majority of the reactions are positive, there are a few which criticise the decision and question the impact. Dr Manish, President, FORDA shared in a press statement, “It's a welcome step & I thank NMC. There's already a shortage of doctors in the country, with this step more & more people will get an opportunity to pursue MBBS. Our country can then have more doctors.”

Dr Amit Gupta, a Students’ Rights Activist and the petitioner of the NEET upper age limit case expressed his joy on the triumph by saying, “It was a long fought battle and we have finally won it. I would like to thank all the lawyers and student volunteers who were a part of this. All the best!” He also tweeted, “We Won… #NEET_UG Upper Age Limit Issue.”

Vivek Pandey, another Students’ Right Activist and an MBBS, Vivek Pandey stated, “Now your age is not a barrier against your dreams.”

Another student and NEET aspirant reiterated the sentiment of Dr Mandaviya while welcoming the decision.

Looking at the Other Side of the Coin

There are some students who have focused on some other areas that need the policymakers’ attention as well, including the reservation system, increasing fees and increasing competition. While they welcome the move, they have also requested the government to look into these areas in the upcoming days, before the announcement of the NEET 2022, which is likely to be released in the third week of March.

Siddhi, a NEET aspirant has shared the concern that removing the upper age limit will lead to more number of test-takers, which is directly proportional to a higher level of competition. With the existing reservation system in place, it would further tighten the competition for the General category candidates.

There has been a demand to look into the rising fee structure as well.

A Pinch of Humour

Amid the array of reactions from the NEET stakeholders on the upper age limit removal, there are some Tweets and reactions doing the rounds in social media which can help students to break into a smile and take things with a pinch of humour.

NEET exam date is expected to be announced anytime soon by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the exam conducting body. The NEET application forms are expected to be released in the first week of April. As per reports, NEET 2022 is expected to be conducted in the third or fourth week of June.

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