The Centre on Friday put forth an Ordinance that defers the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test by a year. States have been protesting against the Supreme Court’s order to hold the NEET this year, saying students have not had enough time to prepare and might face language barriers. President Pranab Mukherjee will need to give his approval for the special order for it to be enforced.

However, proponents of the move to hold the NEET this year filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the Ordinance. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also expressed his disagreement with the Centre’s move. The apex court had pushed for a common entrance test as there were concerns of corruption during the state entrance exams. The next phase of the exams is scheduled for July 24.