Upper Age Limit For NEET-UG Exam Removed : NMC Tells Supreme Court

Senior Advocate, Mr. Vikas Singh appearing on behalf of NMC informed a Bench comprising Justices L. Nageswara Rao and B.R. Gavai that it had taken a decision to do away with the age limit. Accordingly, the Bench recorded the order as under -

"The issue that arises in these SLPs relate to the upper age limit for candidates appearing in NEET-UG. In view of the decision taken by the NMC in its meeting held on(...), it does not insist on any upper age limit for candidates appearing in NEET-UG. The lis in these cases does not survive. The SLPs are disposed of."

On a previous occasion the Bench had asked the National Medical Council to clarify if they are considering removing the upper age limit.

The present appeals emanate from the decision of the Delhi High Court, before which petition was filed challenging certain provisions of the amendment of the Regulation, including the introduction of the age limit. The Delhi High Court held the age cap to be valid. However, when the matter came up before the Supreme Court, by way of an interim order it observed that there would be no upper age limit for appearing in the NEET-UG examination, until the petitions are finally heard and decided by it.

The other issues raised during the hearing was that as per the guidelines governing NEET-UG examination, candidates who have passed 10+2 from Open School or as private candidates shall not be eligible to appear for NEET-UG. Also, candidates who have not taken up Biology as a part of their 10+2 course, and had studied Biology after completion of the 10+2 level, are not eligible to appear for NEET-UG. Adjudication on these issues were adjourned. To assist the Court in deciding the remaining issues, the Bench appointed Senior Advocate Aman Sinha as the Amicus Curiae.

[Cause Title: Jalaudheen T. & Anr v MCI & connected pleas]