One-time Exemption, big relief for medicos studying overseas: Dr Tushar Vinod Deoras of Astute Academy

The recommendations have been favorably considered by the PMO, and have been brought into effect immediately.

The Indian government’s decision to make NEET entrance exams mandatory for all Indian students who wish to study MBBS in foreign medical institutes has invited mixed reactions from the education industry as well as from students. While the government’s order was aimed at addressing several petitions moved by medical aspirants planning to study medicine in the future, it has also presented grave problems for students already pursuing medical courses abroad.

However, in a public notice dated April 23, 2018 the MCI (Medical Council of India) with approval of Government of India, Ministry of Health and family welfare, New Delhi, has now granted a one-time exemption for students who are already abroad with the intention of pursuing medical education in these foreign countries. This comes as an immense relief to these students and their anxious parents.

Astute Academy’s Dr Tushar Vinod Deoras said, “The authorities have acted swiftly and decisively in this matter. This would have escalated into a very troublesome situation for Indian students and their parents, but the PMO has helped resolve the issue quickly and satisfactorily.”

Earlier this year, Dr T Deoras, a very well respected, Pune-based education and career consultant, took the initiative to a write a letter to the Prime Minister of India. In this letter, Dr Deoras explained the repercussions of the government’s decision in detail, and requested that certain amendments be made within the government’s new order. These amendments were put together after speaking to various stakeholders, as well as considering suggestions from various academicians from across the globe.

Dr. Tushar Vinod Deoras had specifically requested the following:

• That NEET exams be made mandatory only for new students going abroad and once students clear it, it should be valid for international admissions.
• Students pursuing BS course abroad in countries like USA, Germany, Philippines should be exempted from giving NEET as they are already out of the country.
• MCI should issue Conditional Eligibility certificate for students opting for BS+MD programme in USA, Philippines, Caribbean Island and many countries having USA-based education while leaving country for BS course only with a rider to get admitted for MD programme.

All of the above recommendations have been favorably considered by the PMO, and have been brought into effect immediately, thus providing much-needed clarity and respite to the Indian students currently studying abroad who are planning to pursue further education in medicine.