NEET PG Round 3 Counselling Halted Amid Supreme Court Dispute

The final round of counselling for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET PG) has been suspended by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) due to ongoing legal disputes regarding revised eligibility criteria. This decision follows a writ petition submitted to the Supreme Court of India, challenging changes made by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences.

In an official notice, the MCC announced that the option for choice filling and locking would remain on hold until further notice. The previous communication indicated that candidates could fill in their choices until January 30, 2024, with the locking process scheduled to begin at 18:00 IST on January 29 and conclude at 08:00 IST the following day. The MCC has advised students to regularly check its official website for updates as the situation develops.

Legal Challenges and Revised Criteria

The suspension of counselling comes in light of significant changes proposed to the eligibility criteria for postgraduate medical courses. On January 13, 2024, the National Board of Examinations adjusted the qualifying percentiles: the threshold for the general category was lowered from the 50th percentile to the 7th percentile, while candidates with disabilities saw a reduction from the 45th to the 5th percentile. For candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC), the qualifying score was set to zero.

These alterations have sparked controversy within the medical community, leading to the legal challenges prompting the Supreme Court’s involvement. With the counselling process now paused, eligible candidates are granted additional time to consider their options, particularly as some medical colleges have expanded the number of available seats.

Impact on Candidates and Future Steps

The MCC’s decision to halt the counselling process aims to ensure that all candidates are treated fairly under the revised eligibility criteria. As legal proceedings continue, students are encouraged to remain informed about any changes that may affect their admission process. The MCC’s statement emphasizes the importance of checking the official website for the latest updates and announcements.

This situation underscores the complexities surrounding medical admissions in India and highlights the ongoing debates regarding fairness and accessibility in educational opportunities. As candidates await further clarification, the focus remains on ensuring a transparent and equitable process for all involved.