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SUPREME COURT UPDATE
7th Feb 2025 (2nd Hearing) – Friday
The Supreme Court on 7th Feb 2025 has finally dismissed the petition in Joshi Ankit vs. Medical Counselling Committee (WP 103/2025), which sought either a fresh AIQ R-3, the introduction of an AIQ R-4, or eligibility for AIQ R-3 candidates to participate in the Stray Round.
The case was based on the delay in Madhya Pradesh’s R-2 counselling and its impact on AIQ admissions. With no specific orders issued on the petitioners’ requests, the Stray Round counselling will continue as scheduled without any modifications.
4th Feb 2025 (1st Hearing) – Tuesday
Delayed MP NEETPG Counselling Raises Concerns Over Fairness
The Supreme Court heard a plea filed by 75 NEETPG 2024 aspirants from various states in Diary No 5698/2025 – Joshi Ankit vs Medical Counselling Committee (MCC). The matter was heard by Hon’ble Justice B.R. Gavai and Hon’ble Justice K. Vinod Chandran. The petitioners have challenged the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), seeking the cancellation of R-3 counselling. They argue that the delay in Madhya Pradesh’s NEETPG R-2 counselling deprived them of a fair chance in All India Quota (AIQ) admissions.
- The petitioners’ lawyer argued that the sequence of counselling was disrupted, affecting candidates’ opportunities.
- The Supreme Court issued a notice to MCC, seeking its response. Further arguments and decisions will follow.
- Given that Stray Counselling is set to begin on 7th February 2025, the Bench scheduled the next hearing for 7th February 2025 (Friday).
Another SC Cases
Two more cases related to NEETPG 2024 Counselling and Exam Discrepancies are scheduled for hearing after multiple delays. Diary No. 58414/2024 – National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences vs. Abhishek Shukla and Diary No. 41088/2024 – Ishika Jain vs. National Board of Examinations are set to take place on 18th February 2025 (Tuesday).
Read More – Transparency Clash: SC Stays MP HC Order in NBE vs Dr. Abhishek Shukla Over NEETPG 2024 SML
Overview
Over 75 NEETPG aspirants from various states have approached the Supreme Court, demanding the cancellation of R-3 counselling conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC). The petitioners argue that the delay in Madhya Pradesh’s NEETPG R-2 counselling deprived them of a fair opportunity in the All India Quota (AIQ) admissions.
Demands
- Cancellation of AIQ R-3 and conducting it afresh. OR
- Introduction of an AIQ R-4 with leftover seats, allowing all candidates to participate for upgradation. OR
- Permitting AIQ R-3 allotted candidates to participate in Stray R-3.
Aspirants Seek Justice
The petitioners are MBBS graduate doctors who appeared for the NEETPG 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 R-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 NEETPG Counselling Timeline
MCC initiated Round 3 NEETPG 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 R-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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