New Delhi:  In a big relief for the aspirants of National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (UG) – 2017 {NEET (UG) 2017}, the Health Ministry has clarified that NEET-2017 shall be counted as the first attempt irrespective of the previous attempts in AIPMT/NEET, subject to the upper age limit.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will conduct NEET (UG) on 07 May 2017. Earlier, it was decided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in consultation with Medical Council of India (MCI) that there shall be an upper age limit of 25 years as on the date of exam with 5 years relaxation for reserved categories and a maximum of 3 attempts for all candidates.

In the information bulletin published by CBSE on its website, it was mentioned that the candidates who have already appeared in AIPMT/NEET on three occasions are not allowed to take this examination.

The Health Ministry in a press statement informed it is now clarified that since any new regulation takes effect prospectively, NEET-2017 shall be counted as the first attempt for this purpose irrespective of the previous attempts in AIPMT/NEET, subject to the upper age limit.

For keeping the interests of the students, the CBSE has been also advised to make necessary corrections in the information bulletin and on their website cbseneet.nic.in  –  so that any application is not rejected on this ground. Data pertaining to applications already rejected will be erased so that rejected applications can be filed afresh.