The NMC had earlier instructed authorities to conduct counselling, both for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) admissions, exclusively in an online mode. This directive encompassed all rounds, including stray vacancy rounds in Private Medical Colleges, starting from the academic year 2023-24. The notice also explicitly stated that institutions and colleges were prohibited from conducting counselling, including the stray vacancy round. This directive extended to deemed universities as well, following the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s order in IA No. 132614 of 2022 in WP (C) No. 267 /2017.
Referring to the details submitted by respective colleges regarding the 104,891 students admitted to the MBBS course for the academic year 2023-24, the NMC asserted that admissions obtained through institutional-level counselling would be cancelled. The cancellation would be implemented after a thorough verification process conducted by the NMC.
This is not the first time that the NMC has cancelled admissions conducted through institutional-level counselling. In a previous instance, the Maharashtra State CET Cell issued a notice to fill seats at the institutional level in a stray vacancy round in September 2023. However, the notice was challenged and eventually overturned, leading to the cancellation of admissions by the NMC.
The NMC’s decision to cancel MBBS admissions made through institutional-level counselling underscores the importance of adhering to established guidelines. As the healthcare landscape evolves, ensuring a standardized and fair admission process becomes crucial. The focus now shifts to strict enforcement of regulations and the need for educational institutions to comply with national directives to maintain the integrity of medical education in the country.
As per the rules for Medical Education in 2023, the Indian government must choose a specific authority to handle counselling for all medical students. The responsibility of deciding and notifying the agency and method of counselling for all undergraduate seats lies with the Government of India. Institutions conducting institutional-level counselling are in direct violation of these regulations, as they are expressly prohibited from admitting candidates to MBBS courses. Furthermore, the regulations outline penalty provisions for colleges found to be in breach of these guidelines.
The NMC’s decision to cancel MBBS admissions made through institutional-level counselling underscores the importance of adhering to established guidelines. As the healthcare landscape evolves, ensuring a standardized and fair admission process becomes crucial. The focus now shifts to strict enforcement of regulations and the need for educational institutions to comply with national directives to maintain the integrity of medical education in the country.
