The Supreme Court of India has instructed the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) to conduct a special round of NEET UG counselling to fill vacant medical seats. The court emphasised that these valuable seats should not go to waste, especially in light of the country's ongoing shortage of doctors. The authorities have been directed to hold fresh counselling to ensure all available seats are filled.
Court's Rationale for Special Round
A bench consisting of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan expressed concern over the underutilization of medical seats. In its order, the bench said, "Taking into consideration the peculiar facts and circumstances and further that the precious medical seats should not go in waste, when the country is facing acute shortage of doctors, we are inclined to extend the period by way of a last chance."
Timeline for Completing Admissions
Reported by Live Law, the court has set a strict deadline for completing the medical admissions. The admission process for all medical courses must be completed by December 30, 2024.
The bench specifically stated, "The admission authorities are, therefore, directed to hold a fresh stray/special counselling for the seats remaining vacant and complete the admission process prior to December 30, 2024 in any eventuality."
Clarifications on Admission Process
In its order, the Supreme Court clarified that no college would be permitted to admit students directly. All admissions must be conducted through the respective state admission authorities. The bench further noted, "We, however, clarify that the stray/special admission process should not disturb the admissions which are already finalised and the admissions would be made only from the waitlisted candidates."
This decision follows multiple pleas from candidates seeking the conduct of a special counselling round to fill remaining vacant seats after five rounds of counselling.
