The NTA’s decision, conveyed through a notice dated February 20, marks a significant development for Indian expatriates in the UAE and elsewhere
Indian parents residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) breathed a collective sigh of relief as the National Testing Agency (NTA) of India unveiled plans to include several foreign testing centers for its medical entrance exam. The announcement, made via Twitter on Tuesday, revealed that the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Undergraduates (NEET-UG) 2024 would extend its reach to encompass 14 international centers, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah among others, Khaleej Times reported.
The NTA’s decision, conveyed through a notice dated February 20, marks a significant development for Indian expatriates in the UAE and elsewhere. “In continuation of the public notice dated February 9, 2024, it has been decided that the exam will be conducted in foreign cities,” the notice stated, bringing a sense of relief to many families who had anxiously awaited a resolution to the logistical challenges posed by the absence of foreign testing centers.
The report quoted Sherin Shafeeq, a parent whose daughter has diligently prepared for the NEET exam over the past two years. He expressed profound gratitude for the decision. “I have no words to express my happiness,” she remarked. “I have been praying fervently for a resolution of the issue since the first notice came out.”
For many parents like Sherin, the inclusion of foreign testing centers offered a glimmer of hope amid uncertainties. “My daughter’s coaching center had asked us to hold off filling in the application form until as late as possible to see if there was any chance of foreign centers to be announced,” she shared. “I am truly grateful to everyone who took the initiative to get the international centers for the NEET exams.”
The initial absence of foreign testing centers had stirred concerns among parents, who feared the logistical hurdles of traveling to India for the exam. The need to manage work commitments, family responsibilities, and the financial strain of air travel compounded their anxieties.
The NTA’s role as an independent, autonomous organization underscores its commitment to facilitating fair and accessible examinations for students across borders. With the inclusion of foreign testing centers, Indian expatriates in the UAE can now approach the NEET-UG 2024 with renewed optimism and confidence
The decision to expand the exam’s reach beyond India resonates with the challenges faced by Indian expatriates, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the introduction of international centers provided much-needed relief to students who were unable to travel to India due to restrictions.
Now, with the NTA’s latest announcement, parents and students alike can anticipate a smoother examination process. According to the NTA notice, students who had initially selected Indian centers will have the opportunity to correct their choices during a designated window after the registration period closes.
Alka Malik, Founder and Managing Director of coaching center Ascentria, as quoted by Khaleej Times, hailed the decision as a boon for NRI students. “It’s so wonderful that they have considered the situation of NRI students,” she exclaimed. “Some parents who have already registered are concerned about missing the correction window, but we are making sure to keep track of it and inform parents when the window opens.”
The NTA’s role as an independent, autonomous organization underscores its commitment to facilitating fair and accessible examinations for students across borders. With the inclusion of foreign testing centers, Indian expatriates in the UAE can now approach the NEET-UG 2024 with renewed optimism and confidence.
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