NEET UG 2026: Calcutta HC Rejects Plea for Post-Merit EWS Category Change

The Calcutta High Court has refused to allow NEET UG 2026 candidates to change their category from General or OBC-NCL to EWS after the examination and publication of the all-India merit list. Justice Amrita Sinha dismissed a plea filed by eight candidates seeking permission to participate in West Bengal medical and dental counselling under the EWS category using certificates issued after April 1, 2026. The candidates had registered for NEET UG 2026 as General or OBC-NCL and did not possess EWS certificates when applications were submitted between February 8 and March 8.

The Court observed that allowing candidates to change their category after the merit list was published could affect candidates who had followed the prescribed rules and declared EWS status within the required timeline. It held that candidates claiming EWS reservation should have a valid certificate at the relevant application stage. The Court also noted that EWS eligibility depends on income and assets for a particular financial year and may change annually. Referring to earlier Supreme Court rulings, the Court stressed transparency and fairness, observing that “changing the rules of the game” after the merit list would be impermissible. The petition was accordingly dismissed, according to the Court Book report.