Centre not trying to end NEET: J P Nadda

New Delhi: Union Health Minister J P Nadda on Friday sought to clarify doubts over the implementation of NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) and said that the central government is not trying to end the exam.

The centre's move to introduce an ordinance on Friday in order to delay the exam has fuelled rumours that it may be trying to put an end to NEET.

“Media reports that Centre is trying to put an end to NEET through an ordinance are baseless,” Union Health Minister J P Nadda said.

“Let me make it clear, NEET has been implemented and is in existence, first phase is over and 2nd phase will take place on 24th July,” he said in a tweet.

The Centre on Friday issued an ordinance to postpone the implementation of NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), common entrance test for medical and dental courses for state governments and their affiliated institutions, by a year so that the students have enough time to prepare.

''Some states have issues, I assure all that we will resolve the matter very soon,'' Nadda told reporters after the centre issued the ordinance.

President Pranab Mukherjee will have to approve the ordinance before it comes into effect.

In the first phase of NEET held on May 1, a total of 6.5 lakh students sat for the exam. The second phase of the exam is scheduled for July 24.