Medical entrance test for Indian students in KSA


India’s most prestigious NEET took place in Riyadh for the first time. Riyadh is only one of two centers outside of India where this exam may be taken. However, the turnout is generally low and it has evoked little response from Indian students in the Kingdom who are seeking to complete their higher studies in India.


Indian students from North America, Australia, Europe and Africa are often envious of their counterparts in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for having examination centers, so the lukewarm response is rather surprising.

The International Indian School in Riyadh is the only examination center in Saudi Arabia to conduct the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) exam scheduled today. A total of 150 students from all over Kingdom are appearing in the exams.

The majority of students who are appearing in the Riyadh center are from Riyadh, Dammam, Jubail, a few from Jeddah and other parts of Kingdom. The exam begins at 7:15 a.m. but students must be present in the examination halls by 6:45 a.m.

Mohammed Shaffe, principal of the Indian International School in Dammam, told Arab News that students will have to change their approach toward exam preparation. Different strategies and proper planning for the exam would be a step in the right direction. He said that the exam paper will comprise 180 objective type questions on chemistry, physics, zoology and botany – each having 45 questions.

The low turnout of Indian students at the examination center in Riyadh may be attributed to the fact that the Medical Council of India (MCI) only made the announcement of the new National Entrance Test last January when the majority of prospective students had prepared to go home to take the exams. Secondly, many students who pass the 12th grade in CBSE schools in Saudi Arabia prefer their home base for better coaching facilities for these entrance exams. Also, India provides more choices of majors should a student fail to enter a medical college. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is being conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education for admission into MBBS/BDS (medical and dental) government approved courses in India.

Popular posts from this blog

PG Doctors of India must work not more than 48 Hr/week: SC

Why DNB exam tougher than MS/MD exam?