In a landmark development, the Government of India has created a level playing field for Non Resident Indian (NRI), Person of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) youth to take the all India NEET exam at par with Indian citizens for admission into medical and dental colleges. Foreigners can also participate. 15% seats will be reserved in every central and state government and private institution through all India NEET examination. Online applications are accepted until 1 March 2017 to take the exam. NEET exam has been controversial with courts and government debatiling eligibility and quota. NRI, PIO and OCI youth returning to or living in India have been refused admissions. Head of Foreign Affairs Department of the ruling BJP, Dr. Vijay M. Chauthaiwale, welcomed the government notification. Indian medical and dental education is considered the best in the world. Indian doctors, perhaps more than 1 million, serve in many developed and other countries around the world. Overseas Indian Medical associations such as IMA, AAPI, BAPIO and others have hailed the government announcement.
