'Precious Medical Seats Shouldn't Go Waste' : Supreme Court Directs Stray Counselling, Extends NEET-UG Admission Deadline Till Dec 30

Taking into consideration the number of medical seats remaining vacant despite 5 rounds of counselling, the Supreme Court today extended till December 30 the period for NEET UG admissions as a special measure.

A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan passed the order, taking into account the submission of Senior Advocate Gaurav Sharma (for National Medical Council) that in view of the number of vacant seats, extension may be granted as a one time measure without it being treated as a precedent.

"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" said the Court.

The Admission Authorities have been directed to hold a fresh stray/special counselling for the seats remaining vacant and complete the admission process prior to December 30. Notably, no college can independently admit students. The admissions can take place only through state admission authorities.

"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 30.12.2024 in any eventuality.

It is further directed that no college would be permitted to admit the students directly and admission should be conducted only through the State Admission Authorities."

The order has clarified that the stray/special admission process should not disturb the admission which are already finalized and the admissions would be made only from the waitlisted candidates. "[The] NRI seat which is vacant (for management quota) would also be converted into the General Category Quota", the Court further said.

Case Title: ERA LUCKNOW MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL VERSUS THE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH & ORS., Writ Petition(s)(Civil) No(s). 833/2024

Click here to read the order