Ahmedabad: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has instructed medical colleges not to grant leave to the medical students on May 2 and 3 (Saturday and Sunday) to ensure the NEET-UG entrance exam is conducted in a fair manner. The state medical colleges have yet to issue any directives regarding the activities to be conducted on those days. Sources said that the move is to ensure that the existing medical students do not help the aspirants indulge in any misconduct.“Saturday is usually half-day, and Sunday is a holiday for the students. They often use these days to go home or pursue other activities. With this directive, the colleges will be asked to engage UG and PG students in academic or non-academic activities,” said a source. The NMC notice reads, “In view of certain instances reported in the past, and as a matter of general deterrence, all medical colleges/institutions shall remain vigilant and ensure that medical students are sensitized against any involvement in activities prejudicial to the conduct of the said examination. Further, as a preventive step to discourage any potential misuse and to support the fair conduct of the examination, it is advised not to grant leave to students on May 2 and May 3, 2026, except in exceptional circumstances with due justification.” The letter from the Union ministry of education read, “In the past, instances have come to notice where some students from medical colleges were found to be involved in activities that could compromise the sanctity and integrity of the examination process.” Sources said that an exception will be allowed only if a strong, valid justification is presented to the top authorities. The teaching and non-teaching staff may also be asked to be on duty, they added.
