NEET effect- Students rush to private coaching institutes

With nervous students making a beeline for private coaching institutes to prepare for their only chance left for admission in medical colleges i.e. NEET on July 24; the institutes are happy to entertain them at a workable cost.

Maharashtra education minister Vinod Tawde is also figuring out a quick tactic to deliver “sarkari coaching”. Under this government-enabled coaching programme, medical aspirants will be provided training through TV for NEET II.

However, a short crash course, already being provided by private institutes is turning out to be the only option at the moment. Ads have been given in the newspapers. Branded private classes are reported to be starting in Maharashtra from May 16; also, appropriately titled the ‘special NEET batch’.

Their fee range is between Rs 5,000 to Rs 7, 000, excluding taxes. With 4.5 lakh candidates likely to appear for NEET II, it is a favorable economic situation for the institutes. The usual amount for fee is Rs 2-3 lakh for two-year course at these private institutes.

Students are left with little choice as there is a huge pattern difference between the state-level test and the NEET pattern. Sanctioned leaves for many teachers have been cancelled for the purpose. In addition, trained teachers are being deployed to impart rigorous training to the students at the private coaching institutes.

DNA reported Dr Sagar Mundada, head of the Maharashtra Resident Doctors Association, seeking a curb on such practices. However, sources in the Directorate of Medical Education and Research, which recently conducted the MH-CET, insist that there is little the state can do about it.

After 73,000 candidates appeared for the NEET I on May 1, many more students are expected to take the second phase of the exam on July 24.

TOI reported on the recent scenario in Kerala. The ground facts are not very pleasant as there are some private institutes in the state that are even charging students again; which means charging students who have studied with them previously also. Fee is being charged on pretext of a refresher course being offered at the institutes for such students.

"We are offering a crash course for fresh students who want to prepare for NEET at our Chaitanya classes in Thrissur," said P C Thomas of P C Thomas Classes to TOI.

"The syllabus for the AIPMT and the state medical entrance exam is almost the same but one needs much more practice for the former. Also, it is time consuming if the concepts are not clear," said Santoshkumar B, director of Brilliant Coaching Centre, Pala.