National medical body advises colleges to deny leave to students ahead of NEET-UG; doctors’ body slams move

The circular references a communication from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education, stressing strict compliance by all medical institutions across the country.

However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from resident doctors’ bodies.

“We strongly condemn this NMC circular advising medical colleges to deny leave to MBBS students on May 2 and 3 under the pretext of safeguarding NEET-UG. This directive unfairly stigmatizes medical students, treats them as suspects without evidence, and places unjustified restrictions on their liberty. Exam integrity must be ensured through stronger systems and institutional accountability, not by targeting medical students,” said Dr Amar Agame, general secretary of the BMC MARD.

Dr Nitin More, state president, PG Cell, Maharashtra Association of Government Medical Officers, and In-service Medical Officer Representative, BMC, said they oppose the circular, arguing that it raises questions about the credibility and trustworthiness of doctors.

“The examination authorities should ensure strict enforcement of rules to conduct the exam fairly. Denying leave to MBBS students and making them sit in college even on holidays merely because NEET-UG is being conducted is unjust. We demand that this decision be withdrawn. We received the circular only yesterday, and since we learnt of it late, all doctors’ associations in the state will approach the health minister to ensure that MBBS students are exempted from such duties and that this does not recur,” he said.