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Delayed MP NEET PG Counselling Raises Concerns Over Fairness
Overview
Over 75 NEET PG aspirants from various states have approached the Supreme Court, demanding the cancellation of Round 3 counselling conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC). The petitioners argue that the delay in Madhya Pradesh’s NEET PG Round 2 counselling deprived them of a fair opportunity in the All India Quota (AIQ) admissions.
Aspirants Seek Justice
The petitioners are MBBS graduate doctors who appeared for the NEET PG 2024. The graduate doctors, said that “a lot of candidates from the state quota who were otherwise not eligible to register for AIQ round 3, got a chance to register and block a seat.”
“And when the state round 2 counselling opened, they had an option to choose between the best option and leave the AIQ seat if they were getting a better seat in the state round of counselling,” the MP aspirants said, adding that the delay in MP NEET PG counselling has “forced the students into endless court battles due to poorly coordinated processes”.
MCC vs. MP NEET PG Counselling Timeline
MCC initiated Round 3 NEET PG counselling registrations on December 26, allowing candidates-especially those qualifying under the revised cut-off percentile-to apply by January 22.
The choice filling and locking process ran from January 12 to 23, with final seat allotments announced on January 25. This round saw 8,137 fresh allotments and 5,854 seat upgrades.
Unlike previous rounds, MCC does not permit seat upgradation in the stray vacancy round, limiting candidates’ options.
In contrast, Madhya Pradesh’s Round 2 allotment list was only released on January 30, with candidates required to report to their respective colleges by February 4.
‘Systemic Failure’: Experts Call for Reforms
Medical education activist Brijesh Sutaria criticized the mismanagement, pointing out that all state counselling rounds must conclude before national rounds to ensure fairness. “The failure to follow this rule has led to massive seat blockages, depriving meritorious candidates of their rightful opportunities,” he stated.
Highlighting the recurring discrepancies in MCC, NBEMS, and MoHFW processes, Sutaria called for immediate action. He urged authorities to cancel Round 3 allotments and reconduct the counselling to ensure a just and transparent admission process.
With students caught in legal disputes due to administrative lapses, the ongoing controversy underscores the urgent need for reforms in the NEET PG counselling system. Whether the Supreme Court will intervene remains to be seen.
Impact on candidates
Seat loss:
Candidates might be forced to accept a less preferred seat in one counselling process if they choose a seat in the other, potentially missing out on a better option.
Stress and confusion:
The overlapping timelines and different rules between the two counselling processes can create significant stress and confusion for aspirants.
The Medical Bulletin
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