Nashik: Celebrations for HSC students aspiring for a medical seat in private colleges were a bit subdued.

Despite the government ordinance on the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), many students have already started preparing for the exam to keep their chances of getting into a private medical college alive.

“NEET is mandatory to get admission in private medical colleges and deemed universities. The MH CET paper was comparatively easier this time, which may result in tough competition for admission in government colleges. Hence, it’s always a safer option to appear for NEET,” said Aditya Deodhar, who scored 92% in HSC. Aditya had a day’s break from his NEET preparations on Wednesday, but his crash course will resume from Thursday.

“We have hardly two months to prepare for NEET, which covers both Class XI and XII syllabi. Some of us had appeared for the NEET first round; they said the exam was comparatively difficult. So we need to study harder,” said Namrata Desai, another NEET aspirant.

Interestingly, students who appeared the first round of NEET earlier this month would not be eligible to appear for the second round to be held on July 24. Even if they appear for the exam, their score from round I would be considered at the time of medical admission.