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NEET UG 2024: Responses to inquiries.
As students gear up for NEET UG 2024 applications, numerous uncertainties arise. Here's a response to some pertinent queries. It's essential to regularly visit official websites and stay abreast of updates.

Is it compulsory to upload a category certificate along with the NEET application?
Not required. This time, there is no requirement to upload the category certificate along with the application. Only the applicant's photograph (passport size, postcard size), signature, and the impression of all the fingers of both hands must be uploaded. Disability certificates, citizenship certificates, and NRI documents should only be submitted by eligible candidates.

Is the exam question paper available in Malayalam?
The Malayalam question paper will be accessible to candidates taking the exam in Kerala and Lakshadweep.
Only Malayalam language needs to be chosen in the application.

Is there an opportunity for Malayali students studying in Qatar to take the exam abroad this time?
Indeed, NTA has declared that the exam will take place in 14 cities outside India, encompassing eight centers across six Gulf countries. Those who have initially chosen exam centers in India and submitted the fee will have the chance to opt for a foreign center later. This option will only be available after the conclusion of online registration on March 9. Additional fees will be required. Simultaneously, newly registered candidates will have the option to directly select foreign exam centers.

Could you explain the tie-breaking criteria for candidates obtaining identical scores in the NEET exam?
In the event of multiple candidates achieving the same score, priority will be given to the student with higher marks in the biology (botany and zoology) examination for ranking purposes. If the tie persists, rankings will be determined based on chemistry marks, followed by physics. If the tie persists even after considering these factors, the rank will be decided through computerized random selection.

After submitting the NEET application, is a separate application required for medical admissions in Kerala?
Absolutely, it is necessary. In addition to taking the NEET UG exam for medical and related admissions in Kerala, candidates must also submit a separate application to the Commissioner of Entrance Examinations, Kerala. The notification for admissions to professional courses in Kerala this year has not yet been released.

Can I apply for the NEET exam again if I've already taken it three times?
Yes, you can apply. Eligible candidates can take the exam as many times as they wish, as there is no upper age limit.

I aspire to study at AIIMS. Is a separate application required?
No, it's not necessary. Admission to premier institutes like AIIMS and JIPMER is conducted through MCC counseling based on NEET rank. Simply participate in the counseling and provide your preferred options.

Could you provide an overview of the different national-level counseling processes based on NEET rank?
There are three national-level counseling processes.
1. The Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) oversees the allotment process for admission to MBBS/BDS courses and BSc Nursing programs in certain central institutions.
2. The Central Counseling Committee on AYUSH Admissions (AACCC) manages the allotment process for admission to BAMS/BHMS/BUMS/B. SMS courses.
3. The Veterinary Council of India (VCI) conducts the allotment process for the 15 percent All India Quota seats in the BVSC & AH (Veterinary) program. Students are required to register separately for each counseling process based on their interests and submit their preferences accordingly.

Is Tamil language proficiency required for admission to Siddha (BSMS) programs?
Yes, proficiency in Tamil language in class 10/plus two is mandatory for admission to BSMS. It must have been studied as a subject. Otherwise, students will need to study Tamil as a subject in the first professional course. Similarly, for admission to Unani (BUMS) programs, students must have studied Urdu/Arabic/Persian language as a subject, completed class 10, or passed a government-approved Urdu examination.

He completed his plus two education in Kerala. Can he pursue MBBS admission in government colleges in Tamil Nadu?
Yes, it's possible. 15% of the seats in all government medical colleges in India are reserved under the all-India quota. To secure admission, he needs to participate in the MCC counseling process and provide his preferences. However, if he wishes to apply for management/NRI seats in private medical colleges in other states, he must submit a separate application to the allocation agency in the respective state.

Is it feasible to secure admission through NEET if Plus Two was completed via open school?
The NEET UG information brochure stipulates that open school students can indeed apply for NEET, contingent upon specific conditions. However, their eligibility for admission will be subject to the court's decision on these matters.
Is there any specific action required during the NEET application process to secure ESIC IP reservation?
No, there isn't. Simply obtain the Ward of Insured Person Certificate from ESIC (Employees' State Insurance Corporation) and participate in the MCC counseling, indicating your preference.
ESICIP reserved seats are available in 11 medical colleges across the country and in one ESIC Dental College. In Kerala, there are 38 ESICIP reserved seats in Kollam Medical College.

Is registration required during NEET application for admission to AFMC (Armed Forces Medical College)?
No, it's not necessary. During the MCC option registration, candidates should also select the option for AFMC. Subsequently, the list of candidates expressing interest in AFMC will be forwarded to the Directorate General of Health Services, AFMC. From this list, a specific number of candidates will be shortlisted based on their NEET UG scores. These candidates will then undergo a special screening test in Pune. Last year, a total of 115 boys and 30 girls were selected.

How can one obtain admission to private medical colleges located outside Kerala?
Private self-financing medical colleges outside Kerala do not participate in MCC counseling. Admissions to these colleges are managed by the Entrance Examination Authority of the respective State/Union Territory where the institution is situated. Candidates should apply in accordance with the notifications issued by the authority.

Is it true that NEET scores will be taken into account for admission to various programs beyond medical and medical-related fields?
NEET scores are also used for admission to BSc Nursing in the Military Nursing Service, BSc (Hons) Nursing in certain central institutions, the Bachelor of Science (Research) program at IISc Bangalore, paramedical programs at JIPMER, and others. Additionally, NEET scores are considered for the INSPIRE-SHE scholarship.

An Article By Anver Muttancheri
CIGI Career Team