IMA Appeals to PM Modi for Extra NEET Attempt for COVID-19-Affected Medical Students

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to extend support to medical students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by granting an additional attempt for the NEET PG and NEET UG examinations. In a letter addressed to the Prime Minister, the IMA, which represents over 4 lakh medical professionals, highlighted the challenges faced by these students. Many served as ‘frontline COVID warriors,’ navigating the dual burden of academics and pandemic duties.

In its letter, the IMA emphasized the significant disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which hindered students’ ability to properly prepare for medical entrance exams. To address this issue, the association has recommended a one-time additional attempt for these exams, along with age relaxation, to ensure fairness for all affected candidates. The letter stated, “The pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to all sectors, particularly healthcare.

During this critical time, numerous medical students, while fulfilling their responsibilities as COVID warriors, faced immense difficulties in balancing their academic commitments. Many were unable to adequately prepare for their exams due to the heavy demands and disruptions brought about by the pandemic.”

Additional NEET Attempt: IMA’s Proposed Compensatory Measures

The IMA has outlined the following proposals in its letter:

Policy support for COVID warriors: Introduce policies that recognize and honor the contributions of aspirants who served as ‘COVID warriors.’ These policies should provide enhanced support to help them pursue and sustain their medical career aspirations.

One-time extra attempt and age relaxation: Grant an additional attempt for medical entrance exams such as NEET-PG/UG and other central-level medical examinations. This measure aims to ensure fairness and equal opportunities for all candidates affected by the pandemic.

NEET PG 2024 Cut-Off Reduced

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has lowered the NEET PG 2024 cut-off percentiles as per the directive from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). The cut-off for the general category has been reduced to 15 percentile, while the reserved category cut-off has been lowered to 10 percentile. Following this adjustment, MCC is expected to release a revised schedule for NEET PG 2024 soon.