The central government on Friday sought the Supreme Court's approval to allow state governments to hold a separate entrance test for MBBS and BDS courses for the academic year 2016-17. This comes a day after the apex court gave its nod to a common entrance test to be held for admission to medical courses this academic year, PTI reported.

Instead of holding two-phased National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test on May 1 and July 4, it can be held on one day on July 24, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi said. States that have already conducted the exams or are scheduled to hold the test should be allowed to proceed with them, Rohatgi added.

The same Supreme Court bench that passed NEET order on Thursday is likely to hear the matter later on Friday.