STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Students from Assam who recently appeared for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, are now keeping their fingers crossed over the possible decline in the cut-off mark for admission into the six medical colleges in the State.
Even though 30,311 students from the State had registered themselves to appear for the NEET, less than 80 per cent of the total candidates could actually appear for the entrance test. Since more than 20 per cent students didn't appear for the NEET, there is every possibility of a decline in the cut-off mark.
In 2019, the cut-off mark for admission into the Gauhati Medical College for the general category students was 547 (out of 720 marks in NEET) followed by 512 in Assam Medical College, Dibrugarh; 500 in Silchar Medical College; 496 in Jorhat Medical College; 487 in Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College, Barpeta; and 481 in the Tezpur Medical College. The cut-off mark was less for the reserved categories of students such as the SCs, STs, OBCs and the Economically Weaker Section (EWS).
"Last year, I scored 476 in NEET. I failed to get admission in any of the six medical colleges in the State by five marks. This time I am confident of scoring more; and will definitely get a seat in one of the medical colleges to pursue the MBBS course," said Anurag Gogoi, a student from Cotton University.
Sources in the Directorate of Medical Education, Assam said that the cut-off mark should definitely go down this year as all students didn't appear in NEET due to COVID-19 fear and other logistical hurdles. Students in the general category will be able to get seats in any of the six medical colleges in Assam if they score 470 and above. The cut-off mark for the reserved category of students is also expected to go down.
There are 900 seats for the MBBS courses in the six medical colleges in the State; of which 15 per cent seats will be reserved for the all-India quota. The Directorate of Medical Education (DME), Assam will chalk out the merit list after the National Testing Agency declares the NEET results. After publication of the merit list, the DME will first conduct counseling exercise and finally the admission process.
Also Watch: Domestic Helps Demand Pension, Medical Insurance