NEET-UG 2026 Advisory Restricts Student Leave, Doctors Slam NMC’s Arbitrary Directive

The NMC’s directive, issued on April 23, instructed medical colleges to remain vigilant and restrict student leave before NEET-UG 2026. The move was intended to prevent malpractice and ensure smooth conduct of the exam, but it has sparked backlash from the medical fraternity.

Advisory Details

The circular, signed by NMC secretary Raghav Langer, stated that leave should not be granted on May 2 and 3 except in exceptional circumstances with due justification. Colleges were also asked to sensitize students against involvement in activities prejudicial to the exam’s conduct. The advisory followed instructions from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education.

Doctors’ Criticism

The Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) and other medical bodies condemned the directive, calling it “insensitive, arbitrary, and demeaning.” They argued that medical students are unfairly being viewed with suspicion and linked to malpractice without evidence. Doctors stressed that exam integrity should be ensured through robust systems and institutional accountability, not by restricting unrelated students.

Broader Concerns

Critics warn that such blanket restrictions set a dangerous precedent, stigmatizing medical students and undermining their dignity. Associations have demanded immediate withdrawal of the advisory and a formal apology from the NMC, urging authorities to adopt fairer measures to safeguard examinations.

Key Highlights

•⁠  ⁠NMC advised medical colleges not to grant leave on May 2–3, 2026

•⁠  ⁠Aim: safeguard sanctity and integrity of NEET-UG exam on May 3

•⁠  ⁠FAIMA and other bodies condemned the directive as arbitrary and demeaning

•⁠  ⁠Doctors argue students are unfairly viewed with suspicion

•⁠  ⁠Demand for withdrawal of advisory and apology from NMC

Sources: Moneycontrol, The Week, Medical Dialogues, The Indian Express