NEET-UG Required for MBBS Abroad – Supreme Court Ruling

Justices B.R. Gavai and K. Vinod Chandran, who was part of the bench, passed a landmark decision, the ruling states that a student who aspires to pursue MBBS degree abroad and later return India to practice medicine will have to  fulfil the terms and conditions laid down by the National Medical Commission formerly known as Medical Council of India. 

Is Neet Qualification Necessary for MBBS Abroad

The Supreme court passed the verdict after a petitioner rose to appeal, ‘Is NEET Qualification Necessary for MBBS Abroad’ rules and regulations laid by the Medical Council of India in 2018. The petition appealed to squash the rule that states that a student planning to pursue MBBS abroad need to appear for NEET but Supreme court response prompted the need to qualify in NEET for medical studies abroad. The Supreme court came up with a suitable verdict that states as follows: 

1. NEET - UG should be applicable uniformly to all Indian students who aspire for medical education regardless wherever they pursue medical course across the continents. 

2. The Supreme Court made it clear that the students who wish to return to India and practice the medical profession will have to meet the basic set criteria established by the Medical Council of India, MCI. 

3. The Supreme Court further mentioned in its verdict that the procedure adopted by the medical council of India, is fair and transparent, and legally valid. 

4. The court did take the side of the Medical Council of India and quoted that MCI has not violated the statutory provisions and maintains standard testing methods conducted by the National Testing Agency, NTA. 

5. The court additionally, featured the significance of the regulation to maintain the quality of medical professionals who aspire to make an entry into the Indian Healthcare System. 

6. Functionally, the court emphasised that NEET UG exam does preserve the integrity and sets medical standards for medical education within India and abroad. 

   
   

Impact of the Verdict on the NEET Qualification for MBBS Abroad  

There was a certain degree of confusion among the students whether to have NEET qualification for MBBS abroad for those planning to pursue. But the Supreme Court verdict has made it clear that to seek an admission to any foreign medical institution meeting the national level standards is essential. 

In the court's final conclusion, it upheld the regulatory framework established by the NMC in 2018 and reinforced the crucial role of NEET-UG and the need of the medical professionals to seek high educational and professional standards. 

Evolution of National Medical Commission

National Medical Commission , NMC, was impressed by the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, on September 25, 2020 replacing the Medical Council of India that was the regulatory body for medical education and practices since 1934. 

Conclusion

The Supreme Court's verdict on whether NEET qualification for MBBS abroad is in need or not has cleared the inhibitions of many and this happened when an applicant had raised a plea that challenges the mandated rule of Medical Council of India. Before the court could pass its verdict on the issue of ‘Is NEET qualification necessary for MBBS abroad there were arguments and several debates on this issue. However, the verdict gave a great relief to those planning to study medicine abroad.