West Bengal: Kolkata MBBS aspirants face troubles with MCI deadlines

Kolkata: The West Bengal Joint Entrance Board’s decision to publish medical entrance test results on August 27, as against the MCI deadline of August 17, is leading to immense trepidation among students about their future. They are not sure of the impact the WBJEE ‘s violation of the MCI notification would have on their careers.

There is fear among students of cancellation of their admissions by the MCI, if WBJEE doesn't comply to the MCI admission regulation for the 2016-17 session. Not totally unfounded, keeping in view a supreme court order of the past in the case of Priya Gupta versus the State of Chattisgarh. The order stated that those who violate the MCI order or those associated with the admission may face the contempt of court. The apex court also held that the violating agencies can be fined and penal action may be initiated against them.

In 2014, in a similar situation when the WBJEE had held a separate test, other than the common entrance test, they has been asked to bring the publication of their result forward- following a Supreme Court order.

Keeping this example in mind, the state authorities are seeking legal opinion on the impact the MCI regulation might have on the state admission process.

On its part the MCI, stipulating regulations in the notification, mentions about admission in state medical colleges under the all-India quota and those to be filled by the state. The notification, however , does not clarify , if this process applies to only those states that have decided to take students from the NEET merit list. The notification also states that counselling for filling up all-India quota will begin from August 22, while that of the state seats from September 3.

Director, Medical Education Sushanta Banerjee, contrary to the prevailing fears maintains that the MCI admission regulation will not apply to medical entrance tests held separately by state governments. "The admission regulation applies to NEET I and NEET II and to those states who have decided to fill in the seats of their own medical colleges from the NEET list without holding a separate test. Our case is different. Here, WBJEE conducted a test for admission to state medical colleges apart from NEET. I believe that the MCI regulation doesn't apply to WBJEE (medical),” he added.

The students have expressed grave reservations about the situation saying they don’t quite know what is in store for them. They also mentioned that classes have already begun in JIPMER and AIIMS.

"Many of my friends and I have taken NEET and WBJEE. Those who qualify NEET will take admission in medical colleges across the country and also in state medical colleges under all-India quota. In that case, some seats in state medical colleges may remain vacant due to delay," said Sarit Kundu from Sri Aurobindo Vidyamandir, Chandernagore .