NEET exam to be held in Gulf countries

Indian Authorities Extend NEET-UG Exam Reach to Gulf, Easing Burden on Overseas Students

PRAVASISAMWAD.COM

Indian authorities have announced a groundbreaking decision to hold the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test – Undergraduate (NEET-UG) in Gulf countries. Reversing their previous stance against conducting NEET-UG outside India, the National Testing Agency made the revelation on X, signaling a significant shift in accessibility for aspiring medical students abroad, as reported by onmanorama.com.

The NEET-UG, administered by the National Testing Agency, serves as a gateway for admission to professional courses such as MBBS and BDS. In a departure from tradition, NEET-UG will now be conducted at designated centers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar, expanding opportunities for thousands of overseas candidates.

With approximately 5,000 candidates slated to sit for the exam in May this year, the move underscores a crucial step towards inclusivity in higher education. Previously, NEET examinations were held exclusively at centers within India, posing logistical challenges for aspirants residing abroad.

The inaugural NEET exam held in the UAE saw overwhelming participation, with the Dubai Indian School serving as the sole examination center. Adopting a traditional pen-and-paper format with a duration of three hours and 20 minutes, the exam marked a milestone in facilitating access to medical education for aspiring students overseas

The decision to introduce NEET-UG centers in Gulf countries comes as a relief to Indian expatriates, particularly parents and students who faced uncertainties due to travel restrictions and escalating airfare. This development marks a departure from the central Education Ministry’s earlier decision to eliminate overseas NEET centers, a move that sparked widespread concern within the Indian diaspora.

The establishment of NEET centers abroad initially occurred in 2021 amidst the backdrop of COVID-19-related travel disruptions. Notably, Kerala-based entrance coaching centers have established a presence in the UAE, reflecting the growing demand for quality education among Indian expatriates.

In 2021, NEET witnessed a record-breaking enrollment of 18,72,000 students, with a notable surge in female candidates outnumbering their male counterparts by 40 percent. This inclusivity extends beyond national borders, with students from various Gulf nations participating in NEET exams held in the UAE, exemplifying the exam’s growing international appeal.

The inaugural NEET exam held in the UAE saw overwhelming participation, with the Dubai Indian School serving as the sole examination center. Adopting a traditional pen-and-paper format with a duration of three hours and 20 minutes, the exam marked a milestone in facilitating access to medical education for aspiring students overseas.

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