The field of pharmacy offers a wide range of opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in the medical industry. There are various entrance exams that can help students get admission to pharmacy courses across the country. While the NEET UG exam is one of the most popular exams for admission to undergraduate medical courses, there are other exams for pharmacy courses that students can take.

Here is a rundown of some of the most popular pharmacy entrance exams in India.

GPAT: 

Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT) is a national level entrance test for students seeking admission to the MPharma programme. The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The registration process for GPAT 2023 concluded on March 13, and the exam schedule is yet to be announced. The GPAT exam is highly competitive, and students need to prepare well to get admission to the top pharmacy colleges in the country.

WBJEE: 

The West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE) is a state-level entrance exam for admission to undergraduate courses in engineering, technology, pharmacy, and architecture in colleges and universities in West Bengal. The WBJEE 2023 exam is scheduled to be conducted on April 30. The registration for the exam ended on January 20.

GUJCET: 

Gujarat Common Entrance Test (GUJCET) is an exam used to select candidates for undergraduate engineering and pharmacy programmes in Gujarat. The GUJCET 2023 examination was held on April 3, and the registration ended on January 31. The hall tickets for GUJCET 2023 are available at the official website.

MHT-CET: 

The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (MHT-CET) is a state-level entrance exam for admission to BEngineering, BPharma, and agriculture courses in colleges and universities in Maharashtra. The MHT-CET 2023 exam is tentatively scheduled to be conducted between May 9 and May 20, and the application form is yet to be released.

TS EAMCET: 

The Telangana State Engineering, Agriculture & Medical Common Entrance Test (TS EAMCET) is a state-level entrance exam for admission to engineering, agricultural, and pharmacy courses in colleges and universities in Telangana. The TS EAMCET 2023 exam for engineering is scheduled between May 12 to 14, and the exams for agricultural and pharmacy are between May 10 and 11. The last date for submission of TS EAMCET 2023 online applications without a late fee is April 10.

AP EAMCET: 

The Andhra Pradesh Engineering, Agriculture & Medical Common Entrance Test (AP EAMCET) is a state-level entrance exam for admission to engineering and pharmacy courses in colleges and universities in Andhra Pradesh. The AP EAMCET 2023 exam for engineering is scheduled between May 15 to 18, and the exams for agriculture and pharmacy are between May 22 to 23.

KEAM: 

The Kerala Engineering Architecture Medical (KEAM) is a state-level entrance exam for admission to engineering and pharmacy courses in colleges and universities in Kerala. The entrance exam for engineering and pharmacy will be held on May 17.

Students interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy can appear for various entrance exams depending on the state they live in. These exams are highly competitive, and students need to prepare well to crack them. By doing so, students can secure admission to top pharmacy colleges in the country and pursue a bright future in the medical industry.

Undoubtedly, scholarships for medical students provide significant financial aid to those who aspire to pursue a career in medicine. In India, private medical colleges charge a minimum annual fee of INR 14.5 lakh, which can go up to INR 25.75 lakh. In addition to this, medical students also have to bear hostel charges ranging from approximately INR 50,000 to INR 2.5 lakh, depending on the institution and location. It is important to note that these costs may vary from one place to another or from one institute to another.

Currently, there are around 1,01,188 MBBS seats in India, of which 52,873 seats are reserved for government institutions and GMERS, while 48,315 seats are allocated to private/Deemed medical colleges. In order to support deserving students who wish to pursue medicine, including pharma, dental, nursing, and other related courses, various government and non-governmental organizations offer different scholarships for medical students.

This article provides a comprehensive discussion of some of the most reliable scholarships available for medical students in India, highlighting their unique features. The article aims to provide all the essential information that potential applicants need to know before applying for any scholarship. It covers details such as scholarship provider names, eligibility criteria, rewards, application timelines, and other relevant information. Prospective candidates can refer to the information presented below to gain a better understanding of these scholarships.

Chanakya University Merit cum Admission Scholarship

For all eligible aspirants of under graduate programs at Chanakya University for the Academic Year 2023 – 24

Deadline : 15-Apr-2023

Eligibility criteria

To avail Scholarship

• Consistency in academic performances : 85% or above in the qualifying examination (10th/12th/equivalent examinations) 
• Annual family income less than INR 8 lakhs 

Benefits Extended to students 

• Tuition fees/Program fees  
• Hostel accommodation 
• Food expenses 

Process to be followed for availing Student Scholarship 

1. CSET exam
2. Registration and completion of application form
3. Telephonic interview
4. Oline interview 
5. On-Campus engagement 
6. Final list announcement

Award : Up to INR 2.5 Lakh per year (Including 100% tuition fees)

For more information, visit www.chanakyauniversity.edu.in

Scholarship For Medical Students – Overview

List of Medical Scholarships

1). GSK Scholars Programme 

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Pharmaceuticals Ltd. (India) has introduced the GSK Scholars Programme as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative. This program aims to support financially constrained and meritorious students who aspire to pursue a career in medicine. 

Tentative registration month: March.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for the program, 

• Applicants must be citizens of India and pursuing their first year of the MBBS program in government colleges during the academic year 2022-23. 
• Obtained at least 65% marks in their Class 12 board examinations 
• Annual family income should be below INR 6,00,000 from all sources.

Selected candidates can receive up to INR 1,00,000 per year for the duration of their MBBS program. The total award amount can go up to INR 4,50,000 over four and a half years. 

The scholarship funds can be utilized for educational expenses that include tuition fees, exam fees, hostel fees, seminars, books, and food.

Steps To Apply

To apply for the GSK Scholars Programme, 

• Candidates need to visit the official page of the GSK Scholarship Programme on Buddy4Study. 
• Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button at the bottom of the page.
• Fill in the required details in the online application form and upload relevant documents. 
• Accepting the ‘Terms and Conditions’ 
• Click on ‘Preview’ to ensure all the details are correctly filled. Finally, they can click on the ‘Submit’ button to complete the application process.

2). The Nationwide Education and Scholarship Test (NEST Senior) is a popular scholarship test for medical students.

To be eligible for the NEST scholarship, it is mandatory for students to appear for this test. 

The test is conducted in two categories – Senior 1 and Senior 2. 

Tentative registration period: September to November.

Eligibility Criteria:

• For Category ‘Senior I’, first and second-year students of MBBS/BAMS/BHMS/BDS/Engineering or other courses, and Class 12 (Science stream) are eligible. 
• For Category ‘Senior II’, third and fourth-year B.Sc., B.Tech., and MBBS students are eligible. 

Only bonafide degree students registered at colleges/universities and appearing in the final exams of the current academic year can apply.

Selected candidates can receive a tuition fee of up to INR 40,000. 

Steps To Apply

To apply for the scholarship, candidates need t: 

• visit the official website of the Nationwide Education and Scholarship, https://www.nest.net.in/
• select the ‘click here to register’ option under NEST Senior-I/II. 
• Fill out the application form 
• Upload a passport-size image 
• Candidates need to proceed to the payment option to pay the non-refundable fee of INR 650. 
• Candidates must submit it and take a printout for future reference.

The exam pattern for both NEST Senior-I and II includes four sections –

• Physical Sciences 
• Mathematics or Life Sciences
• English Grammar
• General Knowledge (GK)

Each subject carries a weightage of 50 marks, and the duration of the exam for each subject is 2 hours.

3).The Bharati Scheme for Education (BSE) in Andhra Pradesh is a well-known scholarship for medical students, which is considered one of the top scholarships in 2023.

Provided by: Andhra Pradesh Brahmin Welfare Corporation

Tentative Registration Month: September

Eligibility Criteria:

• The applicant and their parents must belong to the Brahmin community and reside in Andhra Pradesh.
• Students from Class 1 to PG are eligible for this scholarship.
• Medical and allied course students pursuing UG and PG levels can also apply.
• The candidate must have passed all the subjects till their previous year of study.
• The annual family income must not exceed INR 3,00,000.
• Applicants must not receive any other scholarship benefits except for benefits from Archaka Welfare Trust.

Award Details:

Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria are eligible for tuition fees up to INR 20,000.

Steps To Apply

Candidates interested in the Bharati Scheme must apply online through the Andhra Pradesh Brahmin Welfare Corporation’s Online Application Page. Follow the steps below:

• Go to the official website of the Brahmin Community, Andhra Pradesh, http://www.andhrabrahmin.ap.gov.in/
• Click on the “Registration” option under the “Bharati Scheme” section.
• Fill in all the required details and information.
• Attach all the necessary documents and click on the “Submit” button.

4). The Vijayalakshmi R.L. Jalappa Scholarship is a popular medical scholarship that attracts a lot of interest from students.

Provided by: Smt. Vijayalakshmi R.L. Jalappa Education Foundation

Tentative Registration Period: September

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for this scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• They must belong to the Arya Idiga community.
• They must be residents of specific districts in Karnataka, namely Bangalore Urban, Bangalore Rural, Ramanagara, Kolar, Chikkaballapura, Tumkur, Mandya, Mysore, Chamarajanagar, Hassan, Chitradurga, Davanagere or Bellary.
• They must be pursuing a range of courses, from PUC and diploma to master’s degrees, including medical courses like MBBS, BDS, and BHMS.
• The applicant must have scored 60% or more in the previous qualifying exam.
• All family members of the applicant must be BPL cardholders, low-income farmers, or agricultural laborers.

The candidate must be a regular student.

Award Details

Successful candidates will receive financial assistance for educational purposes.

Steps To Apply

Interested candidates can apply online through the application page of Smt. Vijayalakshmi R.L Jalappa Education Foundation. Here are the steps to follow:

• Visit the official website of Smt. Vijayalakshmi Jalappa Education Foundation, https://jalappaedufoundation.org/
• Click on the ‘Scholarship Application’ option on the homepage.
• Click on the ‘Apply Now’ tab.
• Fill in the registration form with all the necessary details and attach the required documents.
• Click on the ‘Submit’ option.
• Download the PDF of the application form.
• Get the application form verified and signed by the respective college principal/head and parents/guardian and attach a recent passport-size photograph.

Follow the instructions mentioned in the application form and send it to the address provided below:

Smt. Vijayalakshmi R L Jalappa

Education Foundation (Regd.)

No.126, Silver Star Hotel,

6th Cross, Gandhinagar,

Bangalore – 560009.

5).Dr. Shamanur Shivashankarappa Janakalyana Trust offers a well-known scholarship program for medical students, and its tentative registration period is from August to November.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for this scholarship program, 

• applicants must be regular students studying at a reputed college and domiciles of Karnataka.
• Their annual family income should not exceed INR 1,00,000.

Upon meeting the eligibility criteria, candidates are eligible to receive financial assistance for educational purposes.

Steps To Apply

To apply for the scholarship 

• Candidates can visit the official website of the scholarship scheme, https://ssjanakalyantrust.org/ssj/apply.html
• Click on the ‘Apply Online’ option.
• Enter personal details, education details, and bank details and check the declaration box 
• Click on the ‘Submit’ button.
• Candidates must send a printout of the form along with the required documents by courier, post or personally to the following address: 

The Secretary Dr Shamanur Shivashankarappa Janakalyan Trust, 

C/o. R L Law College, Behind Bapuji Educational Association 

Head office, P J Extension

Davangere-577002, Karnataka, INDIA.

6).The HDFC Educational Crisis Scholarship is a scholarship program offered by HDFC Bank, listed under scholarships for students facing financial difficulties. 

Tentative registration period: August. 

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for this scholarship, 

• Applicants must be studying in Class 6 to 12 in government-aided or private schools, or pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees or diploma courses in colleges or universities recognized under AICTE/UGC/State/Central Government rules. 
• Applicant’s family must have faced an unfortunate event/crisis during the past three years, due to which they are unable to continue bearing the cost of education and are at risk of dropping out. 
• If selected, candidates can receive up to INR 75,000 to cover their educational expenses. 

Steps To Apply

To apply, interested candidates 

• Visit the Buddy4Study website
• Register with their email/mobile/Gmail account
• Search for the ‘HDFC Parivartan’s Educational Crisis Scholarship (ECS)’ option
• Fill out the online application form and upload the relevant documents
• Submit the application by accepting the ‘Terms and Conditions’ and click on the ‘Submit’ button.

7). All India Pre-medical Scholarship Test this scholarship is provided by Brainztorm Technical Excellence Pvt. Ltd. through the All India Pre-medical Scholarship Test (AIPMST).

Last date to register for the test is 31 March 2023.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible, 

• Candidate must have scored a minimum of 60% in the final examination of 10+2 or equivalent, and should be an appearing Class 12 student. They should not be more than 26 years of age while applying for the test.
• Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria are eligible to get up to 100% rebate on their tuition fees.
• Interested candidates can apply online through the AIPMST application page, either for the Primary or Secondary level test.

Steps To apply

• Interested candidates can apply online through the AIPMST application page, either for the Primary or Secondary level test.
• Candidates should fill up the application form, attach a passport-size photograph, provide the Aadhaar card number, and pay the application fee.

Application Fee

• INR 1,450+GST for General/OBC/EWS candidates, 
• INR 1,250+GST for female candidates of all categories
• INR 1,250+GST for SC/ST/PH candidates.

Important Dates

• The last date to apply is 31st March 2023 (11:59 PM).
• Candidates can correct their filled application form from 22nd May 2023 (10:00 AM) to 24th May 2023 (11:59 PM).
• The e-Admit Card can be downloaded from 28th May 2023 (10:00 AM).
• The demo examination starts from 1st June 2023 (10:00 AM) and the last date for the demo examination is 4th June 2023 (4:00 PM).

The test is conducted in four slots: 

• Slot-I on 10th June 2023 (10:00 AM – 01:00 PM)
• Slot-II on 12th June 2023 (10:00 AM – 01:00 PM)
• Slot-III on 14th June 2023 (10:00 AM – 01:00 PM)
• Slot-IV on 16th June 2023 (10:00 AM – 01:00 PM).

The result is declared on 20th June 2023 at 10:00 AM.

8). All India Youth Scholarship Entrance Examination (AIYSEE)

Provided by: All India Youth Scholarship Entrance Examination (AIYSEE)

Registration Period: 10th December 2022 – 30th March 2023

Eligibility Criteria: Class 12 passed/appearing students, including those appearing for medical or engineering examinations, can apply.

Award Details: Financial assistance for educational purposes will be provided to eligible candidates.

Steps to Apply

1. Visit the official website of AIYSEE.
2. Click on “AIYSEE Scholarship Exam Apply Online” to fill the application form.
3. Provide personal details, academic details, exam centers, etc.
4. Upload scanned images of signature and photograph.
5. Pay the application fee of INR 1,100.
6. Receive a confirmation email on the registered email-id.
7. Take a printout of the form for future reference.

Important Dates:

1. Last date to apply: 30th March 2023
2. AIYSEE 2023 Examination: 20th-25th July 2023
3. Admit Card: June 2023
4. AIYSEE Result: 1st-5th August 2023
5. Scholarship Distribution: September 2023

9). L’Oréal India Scholarship

Provider: L’Oréal India

Tentative Registration Period: July

Eligibility Criteria:

• Only female candidates are eligible.
• The applicant must have passed Class 12 in the Science stream with at least 85% marks in PCB.
• The candidate must be admitted to a graduate program in the current academic year and not be more than 19 years of age.
• The annual family income must not exceed INR 4,00,000.
• The candidate must be willing to pursue studies in Medical/Engineering/Science/Biotechnology or any other scientific field.

Award Details: Eligible candidates can receive INR 2.5 lakh for the duration of their graduation course.

Steps To Apply

• Interested candidates can apply online through the Buddy4Study platform.
• The application process involves completing a 5-step form and submitting it.

Required Documents: Age proof, parents’ income proof, and attested mark sheets of Class 10 and Class 12.

The Telangana State Council of Higher Education has revised the TS EAMCET 2023 Engineering Exam Date. The exam, which was originally scheduled from May 7 to May 9, 2023, will now be conducted on May 12, 13, and 14, 2023. The revised exam dates were announced to avoid any inconvenience to candidates appearing for both the TS 

EAMCET and the NEET UG Exam, which is scheduled for May 7, 2023. The exam dates for the Agriculture and Pharmacy streams remain unchanged.

Candidates who have applied for the TS EAMCET 2023 Engineering stream are advised to take note of the revised exam dates. It is important to note that the exam dates for the Agriculture and Pharmacy streams remain the same as the original schedule, which is from May 10 to May 11, 2023.

As per reports, more than 1.2 lakh candidates have applied for the TS EAMCET 2023 Engineering stream, while 69,233 candidates have applied for the Agriculture and Pharmacy streams. The registrations for the exam are still ongoing, and interested candidates can apply until April 10, 2023, without any late fee as per schedule.

The Telangana State Council of Higher Education has released a notice stating the revised exam dates for the TS EAMCET 2023 Engineering stream. Candidates who have applied for the exam are advised to check the official notification for more details.

TS EAMCET 2023 Exam Date Notice

It is important for candidates to stay updated with any changes in the exam schedule to avoid any confusion or inconvenience during the exam. The TS EAMCET is an important exam for candidates seeking admission to various engineering, agriculture, and pharmacy courses in the state of Telangana. Therefore, candidates are advised to prepare well for the exam and stay updated with any further announcements or changes.

Anna University has released the TANCET 2023 Answer Key on its official website. Candidates who appeared for the Tamil Nadu Common Entrance Test can now download the answer key by logging in with their email ID and password. The exam was held on March 25, 2023, for admission into various MBA and MCA programs.

The TANCET question paper was divided into three sections for a total of 100 marks. There was a negative marking for each incorrect answer. Candidates can refer to the answer key to get an idea about the marks they can expect in the exam.

To download the TANCET 2023 Answer Key, candidates need to follow a few simple steps. 

1. Visit the official website of Anna University at tancet.annauniv.edu 
2. On the homepage, click on the TANCET 2023 Answer Key link 
3. A new login page will open, enter your details and click on submit 
4. A PDF of the answer key will appear on the screen 
5. Download and take a printout of the same for future reference After the publication of the answer key, candidates can expect the TANCET Result 2023 anytime soon.

The PDF of the answer key will appear on the screen, which they can download and take a printout for future reference.

After the publication of the answer key, candidates can expect the TANCET Result 2023 anytime soon. They are advised to keep checking the official website of Anna University at tancet.annauniv.edu for more details.

The release of the TANCET 2023 Answer Key is a significant development for all the candidates who appeared for the exam. They can now calculate their expected scores and get an idea about their chances of getting admission into their desired programmes. The answer key is also a useful tool for candidates who plan to appear for the exam in the future, as it provides them with an understanding of the exam pattern and the type of questions asked.

We wish all the candidates the very best for their results and future endeavours.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has given his nod for the establishment of three new medical colleges in the state, in a move aimed at strengthening the healthcare system and providing better medical facilities to the public. The new medical colleges will be set up in Pratapgarh, Jalore and Rajsamand, according to an official statement.

The Chief Minister stressed that the state government is committed to strengthening basic medical services and improving access to healthcare for all. “With this decision, the health infrastructure in the state will be strengthened, and students will not have to go far to study medicine,” Gehlot said.

Each of the three medical colleges will be constructed at a cost of Rs 250 crores, and an additional Rs 75 crore will be allocated for necessary equipment, furniture and books. The move is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the healthcare sector in the state and address the shortage of medical professionals in the region.

The announcement has been welcomed by healthcare professionals and experts, who have lauded the government’s efforts to improve access to quality healthcare services. The move is expected to benefit not only the local population, but also attract students from other parts of the country to pursue medical education in Rajasthan.

The Chief Minister has emphasized the need to prioritize healthcare and provide better medical facilities to the general public. The government has undertaken several initiatives in recent years to strengthen the healthcare sector in the state, including the launch of the Ayushman Bharat scheme, which provides health insurance to millions of families in the state.

The establishment of new medical colleges is expected to further improve the state’s healthcare infrastructure and create new job opportunities for medical professionals. The move is also expected to have a positive impact on the overall development of the state, as a strong healthcare system is essential for the growth and well-being of any society.

In conclusion, the decision to establish three new medical colleges in Rajasthan is a significant step towards strengthening the healthcare system in the state and providing better medical facilities to the public. The move is expected to benefit both the local population and medical professionals, and is a testament to the government’s commitment to prioritizing healthcare and promoting the overall development of the state.

The Telangana Admission and Fee Regulatory Committee (TAFRC) has proposed a review of the fee structures for private unaided professional institutes in the state. The review will cover a block period from 2023-2024 to 2025-2026 and will include various courses such as undergraduate, postgraduate, and super-specialty medical courses, UG and PG dental courses, nursing, BAMS, BHMS, homeopathy, and several paramedical courses.

To facilitate the review, TAFRC has asked the management of concerned private un-aided professional colleges in Telangana to submit relevant data for the financial year 2022-2023, along with audited financial statements for the years 2022-23, 2021-22, and 2020-21. The deadline for submission of the relevant data, along with the fee proposals, is April 30th, 2023. The data should be submitted online at http://tafrconline.telangana.gov.in/, as per the guidelines provided on the website. Online submissions can be made from April 1st, 2023, onwards. The prescribed processing charges, as mentioned in the guidelines, must be paid through the online payment gateway.

TAFRC has warned that any institute that fails to submit the required information will not be permitted to collect any fee. Institutes that are unresponsive or do not provide statements of income and expenditure, audited balance sheets, requirements for developmental needs for the immediately preceding year, particulars of expenditure incurred on salaries and infrastructure, and other specified particulars (with supporting bills, vouchers, or receipts, etc.) will be held accountable for not complying with the TAFRC’s regulations.

The fee review is part of the TAFRC’s ongoing efforts to ensure that private unaided professional institutes in Telangana charge reasonable fees and provide quality education. The committee has been working towards promoting transparency and accountability in the fee structure of these institutes. The TAFRC’s guidelines and regulations are designed to protect the interests of students and their families, while also ensuring that the institutes maintain their financial viability and sustainability.

In conclusion, the TAFRC’s review of the fee structures for private unaided professional institutes in Telangana is a welcome move that will ensure that students receive quality education at affordable fees. The committee’s efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the fee structures of these institutes will go a long way in ensuring that students’ interests are protected, and that the institutes maintain their financial sustainability.

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) will soon commence the counselling process for NEET PG 2023 in Delhi. Interested candidates must register online via the MCC website www.mcc.nic.in. Any registration submitted through a different mode will not be accepted. The counselling process comprises various stages such as online registration, fee payment, choice filling, seat allotment, and reporting of allotted seats.

MCC conducts counseling for the following –

1. 50% seats of All India Quota 
2. 100% seats of Deemed/Central Universities 
3. 100% all India open DNB seats 

The NEET-PG serves as the sole entrance examination for admission to various MD/MS and PG Diploma Courses, as per Section 61(2) of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, and 10(D) of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956. The counselling process for the 2023-24 academic year will encompass AIQ 50% quota seats for all States/Union territories, State quota seats for all States/Union territories, as well as private medical colleges, institutions & universities/deemed universities, Armed Forces Medical Services, and Post MBBS DNB Courses, Direct 6 years DNB Courses, and Post MBBS NBEMS Diploma Courses.

All India Quota Counselling 

The AIQ counselling typically comprises four rounds, namely Round 1, Round 2, AIQ Mop-up Rounds, and AIQ Stray Vacancy Round. Those candidates who have cleared the NEET PG examination conducted by the National Board of Examination (NBE) and secured a rank in the All India Quota will be eligible to participate in the counselling process.

Counselling for Deemed University – 

The counselling process usually consists of four rounds: Round 1 and Round 2 with AIQ, Mop-Up Round, and Stray Vacancy Round. MCC conducts three of the four rounds online, namely Round 1, Round 2, and Mop-Up Round. The Stray Vacancy Round is conducted by the respective Deemed Universities. For the Stray Vacancy round, a list of students in order of merit, ten times the number of vacant seats, is sent to the Deemed Universities.

Counselling for Armed Forces Medical Services – 

To participate in AFMS counselling, candidates must register on the MCC website (www.mcc.nic.in) and select AFMS seats. The MCC’s role is limited to the registration of interested candidates, as the list of registered candidates is forwarded to AFMS Authorities for counselling in accordance with their rules and regulations.

Counselling for Central University/Institute – 

The MCC usually conducts four rounds of counselling, namely Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up Round, and Stray Vacancy Round. Candidates who have qualified for All India Quota seats based on their rank in the NEET PG examination conducted by NBE are eligible to participate in the counselling process for the 50% AIQ seats of Central University.

Delhi University Seats – 

50% of seats in the All India Quota are contributed by Delhi University. As for the remaining 50% of seats, candidates who have completed their MBBS from DU are eligible for a 50% Internal Quota at Delhi University.

Aligarh Muslim University Seats – 

Half of the seats in the All India Quota are contributed by AMU. The other half of the seats are reserved for candidates who have completed their MBBS from AMU, which are known as internal seats, and amount to 50% of the total seats available in AMU.

Banaras Hindu University Seats- 

Half of the seats in the All India Quota are provided by BHU. The other 50% of seats are reserved for candidates who have completed their MBBS/BDS from BHU, and who are eligible for 50% of internal seats in BHU.

Counselling for Diplomate of National Board (DNB) – 

The Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) is responsible for conducting counselling for DNB courses, which includes domicile-free and All India-in-character seats. However, MCC does not conduct counselling for In-service seats of DNB. The counselling process for DNB courses usually consists of four rounds, namely Round 1, Round 2 in AIQ, MopUp Round, and Stray Vacancy Round, all conducted by MCC. Candidates who have qualified for NEET PG conducted by NBE are eligible to participate in the counseling process.

Seat Allocation for NEET PG 2023 – 

The allotment of seats for NEET PG 2023 will depend on several factors, including NEET PG rank, selected colleges and courses, available seats, reservation policies, and other considerations. Once these factors are taken into account, the MCC website will announce the provisional results of Round 1 after the seat allotment process.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a correction related to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2023. The correction pertains to the eligibility of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) candidates who wish to apply for UG medical programs in India. As per the revised rules, OCI medical aspirants can now apply for admission to all UG medical programs in India, subject to the regulations set by the authorities. Previously, OCI cardholders were only permitted to apply for admission to NRI or supernumerary seats.

As per the official notice, an individual holding Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status can now apply for admission to undergraduate Unani/Siddha/Homeopathy programs in India. However, this is subject to the guidelines issued by the respective regulatory bodies or counselling and admission authorities, which must conform to the policy decisions of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MOHFW) and/or Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). This applies to the rules, regulations, and notifications related to Medical, Dental, Ayurveda, and other related fields.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released a notice informing NEET (UG) 2023 candidates about a correction to Clause 5.2.2 of the information bulletin. This correction is in response to the judgment dated 03.02.2023 of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in W.P(C) 891/2021 and connected matters. The revised provision of Clause 5.2.2 in the Information Bulletin now pertains to the eligibility of OCI cardholders for NEET (UG). Aspiring OCI candidates for NEET (UG) 2023 are advised to read the amended provision of Clause 5.2.2 carefully.

The updated provision now states that individuals holding Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) status can apply for admission to undergraduate medical, dental, Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy courses in India. However, this is subject to the guidelines set by the respective regulatory bodies, counselling and admission authorities, and in accordance with the policy decisions of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MOHFW) and/or Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). These rules, regulations, and notifications related to admission must be followed from time to time.

According to the current provision, as per the Notification dated 4 March 2021 by the Ministry of Home Affairs, OCI cardholders have rights that are similar to non-resident Indians under the Citizenship Act, 1955. As per Clause (4) (ii) of the notification, OCI cardholders are allowed to appear for all-India entrance tests, including the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, Joint Entrance Examination (Main), Joint Entrance Examination (Advanced), or other such tests, but only to be eligible for admission to Non-Resident Indian seats or supernumerary seats. However, OCI cardholders are not eligible for admission to any seat that is exclusively reserved for Indian citizens.

According to the Notification mentioned above, the Explanation states that OCI cardholders, as well as PIO cardholders, are considered foreign nationals, and they hold a passport from a foreign country, which makes them ineligible for Indian citizenship. As such, they are not entitled to seats that are reserved exclusively for Indian citizens. Therefore, OCI/PIO cardholders will be considered foreigners and can only apply for Non-Resident Indian (NRI) seats. They will not be eligible for Indian national seats, including paid seats at deemed universities.

What is OCI?

OCI, or Overseas Citizenship of India, is a status granted to foreign citizens of Indian origin that allows them to live and work in India without any time restrictions. The OCI card was introduced in 2005 by the Indian Government to cater to the needs of Indians residing abroad who desired dual citizenship. Since India does not permit dual citizenship, the OCI card was introduced as an alternative to providing certain benefits to foreign citizens of Indian origin. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2005 presented this option. It is important to note that the difference between NRI and OCI is vast, as the Constitution of India does not allow Indian citizens to possess dual citizenship. 

Individuals who are foreign nationals but have the eligibility to become Indian citizens at any time after 1950, and belong to a territory that became part of India after 1947, can register as Overseas Citizens of India (OCI). This eligibility also extends to minors of such parents.

In recent times, there has been an increase in queries regarding OCI and its advantages. The OCI card provides a high degree of convenience to foreign individuals who wish to reside in India while maintaining citizenship in another country.

The telemedicine department of the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh has developed 20 modules of online lectures and learning materials for government medical college students nationwide, providing good news to them. The free lessons will be initially offered to colleges in northern India, with plans to expand to private medical colleges across the country over time.

The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has designated PGIMER as RCC-North, one of the seven Regional Resource Centers in India. While the lectures offered by PGIMER’s telemedicine department will not be credit-based, students will receive certificates from PGIMER and other resource centres such as AIIMS Rishikesh, King Edward Memorial Mumbai, Government Medical College Thiruvananthapuram, Jipmer Puducherry, SGPGI Lucknow, BHU Varanasi, and North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences Shillong. Additionally, AIIMS Delhi is the NRC.

In 2013, the National Medical College Network project was announced by the Union Health Ministry, resulting in the establishment of seven RRCs and one national resource centre. The Union Health Ministry has now requested the development of a Learning Management Information system (LMIS) for MBBS students.

Prof. Biman Saikia, who is in charge of the telemedicine department at PGIMER, stated to the Times of India that the institute has developed 20 modules for providing free tutorials to MBBS students who wish to enhance their knowledge on various topics. These modules have been created by experts from PGIMER and other institutes and will be available for students to access at no cost.

In the previous year, the LMIS module began to take form and the colleges and institutes collaborating with the Health Ministry started recording lectures given to them. The esteemed faculties of the institute have been recording the lectures. As per the report, 124 modules have already been recorded and uploaded to the website. Access to these modules is granted to students with validated registration identity cards.

Dr Amit Agarwal from the PGI Department of Telemedicine explained that they have developed 22 modules for the initiative with the assistance of faculty members from various departments. He also highlighted that while there are several videos and online teaching materials available for other professionals, this is the only standardized platform that can be accessed by doctors enrolled in remote medical colleges.

The enactment of the Right to Health Act in Rajasthan, India, is a significant step towards ensuring that all residents of the state have access to healthcare as a fundamental right. It is a commendable move that can go a long way in improving the health outcomes of the people in the state. However, the mere enactment of the law is not enough. The next step should be to define what the right to health means and what it entails.

Specifically, a formal definition of the right to health should be created to determine whether it guarantees medical care for a set of conditions at the individual level or the assurance of a set of enablers that together would yield outcomes such as the absence of disease and physical, mental, and social well-being. The definition of the right to health should be guided by the principles of universality, equity, and accountability. The government should ensure that all residents of the state, irrespective of their economic and social status, have access to essential health services.

Additionally, there should be a standardized, auditable, and reimbursable basket of emergency conditions that require a time-sensitive, life-saving response at the first healthcare facility possible. This will require engaging healthcare professionals and healthcare establishments in the state, irrespective of their public or private nature, to deliver life-saving, morbidity-limiting, first-point-of-care services. The government should ensure that there are adequate resources and infrastructure to meet the emergency health needs of the people in the state. Emergency services should be accessible and affordable to all residents of the state.

Furthermore, Rajasthan’s health infrastructure should be able to address all other elective and non-emergency needs of its resident population, based on guidance from the treatment protocol wing of the State Health Authority. National priority programs funded by the Central government, such as TB or blindness control programs, should be integrated into the revamped delivery network by the logistics wing, making it an integrated one rather than being fractured along funding lines. This will ensure that the healthcare delivery system in the state is efficient and effective.

To achieve these objectives, it will be essential to engage counterparts in the ministries of roadways, telecommunications, and law enforcement, among others, to ensure there are accountable expenditures. The government should ensure that there are adequate resources and infrastructure to meet the health needs of the people in the state. Healthcare professionals should be trained and equipped to provide quality health services to people. The government should also ensure that there are adequate incentives for healthcare professionals to work in the state.

Overall, the Rajasthan Model of Public Health should aim to provide quality assured mortality-preventing and morbidity-mitigating first-level services for a range of conditions while addressing all other elective and non-emergency healthcare needs of its resident population. The government should ensure that there are adequate resources and infrastructure to meet the health needs of the people in the state. Healthcare professionals should be trained and equipped to provide quality health services to people. The government should also ensure adequate incentives for healthcare professionals to work in the state.

In conclusion, the Right to Health Act in Rajasthan, India, is a step in the right direction towards ensuring that all residents of the state have access to healthcare as a fundamental right. However, there is a need to define what the right to health means and what it entails. The government should ensure that there are adequate resources and infrastructure to meet the health needs of the people in the state. Healthcare professionals should be trained and equipped to provide quality health services to people. The government should also ensure that there are adequate incentives for healthcare professionals to work in the state. With these measures in place, the healthcare delivery system in Rajasthan can be transformed to provide quality health services to all its residents.