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Dubai:Indian expatriate students in the UAE and other Gulf nations preparing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) have received a notable advantage with the allocation of new centers in foreign cities. The Indian Consulate in Dubai disclosed the assignment of three examination centers for this year's medical entrance exam. NEET, the exclusive entrance examination for undergraduate medical courses in India, is administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA) under the Ministry of Education of India. As per the Indian consulate, the NTA has broadened its roster of examination cities for international students, encompassing 14 foreign cities. Beyond Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, candidates now have the option to select examination centers in countries such as Qatar (Doha), Kuwait (Kuwait City), Oman (Muscat), Saudi Arabia (Riyadh), Bahrain (Manama), and additional Gulf nations. NEET examination centers are also accessible in countries like Thailand, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Malaysia, Nigeria, and Singapore. The NEET exam scheduled for May 2024 is anticipated to be taken by over a thousand expatriate students residing in the UAE. The choice to incorporate foreign centers follows concerns voiced by students and schools regarding the initial decision not to include overseas centers for the 2024 NEET exam. These concerns highlighted increased stress, expenses, and inconvenience for students. The NTA has responded to these concerns by offering flexibility to candidates who had previously chosen exam centers in India and paid the fee. They now have the opportunity to amend their center and country preferences during the application correction period. However, a different fee will apply for changing centers to foreign cities. Registration for the NEET exam continues, allowing candidates to register on the official website until March 9th. Applicants from foreign countries can directly choose their preferred country and city during the application process. Fresh registrations from foreign countries necessitate payment of the required fee and submission of the application. This development stems from a series of efforts launched in 2021, when the Indian ministry permitted a NEET center in the UAE following petitions from Indian expatriate students stranded due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. Advocating for an increase in NEET centers in the UAE, the Indian Consulate in Dubai facilitated the expansion of this year's list of examination cities.