Doctors flag delay in Rs 2 lakh NEET SS refunds, urge MCC for immediate release

New Delhi: Pointing out that a large number of National Eligibility Entrance Test Superspeciality (NEET SS) 2024 candidates have still not received their refund of Rs 2 lakh security deposit, the doctors have called for an urgent intervention of the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC).

Writing to MCC, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) has urged MCC to immediately release all pending refunds of Rs 2 lakh to all eligible candidates, issue an official public notice explaining the reason for the delay, provide a definite timeline for completion of all refunds, establish a dedicated grievance redressal mechanism for affected candidates, and ensure that such delays do not recur in future counselling cycles.

The association pointed out that, as per MCC guidelines, the refundable security amount was to be returned within the stipulated period of approximately three months to eligible candidates. However, FAIMA highlighted that even after the lapse of the three-month timeframe, a large number of students have still not received the refund.

"This prolonged delay has resulted in substantial financial hardship for candidates. Many students arranged this amount through loans, borrowings, and other financial commitments with the assurance that the money would be refunded within the defined period. The continued withholding of such a significant amount without any official clarification or timeline is deeply concerning and unacceptable," the association wrote to MCC.

Also Read: 10,000 doctors still waiting! MCC urged to release NEET SS 2024 counselling fee refunds

"Despite repeated attempts by affected candidates to seek clarification through emails and grievance portals, there has been no uniform response or resolution. The absence of transparency and accountability in this matter has led to widespread anxiety among aspirants," it further mentioned in the letter.

Highlighting how the issue affects a large number of medical graduates across the country and involves a substantial financial burden, FAIMA further added that the continued delay risks eroding trust in the counselling process and causes avoidable distress to candidates.

Writing to MCC, FAIMA has requested the body to treat the matter with utmost urgency and initiate immediate steps to resolve all pending refunds. 

Medical Dialogues had earlier reported that, in December last year, FAIMA raised the matter before MCC and pointed out that nearly 10,000 NEET SS 2024 candidates were still awaiting the refund of the security deposit.

Speaking to Medical Dialogues, Dr. Srinath Dubyala, the President of FAIMA, informed that the refund process has not been completed for the last 10 months for around 2,000 NEET-SS 2024 candidates.

"They started releasing the money in December, and they released the money up until December 31st. After that, they asked for the remaining candidates to submit the affidavit," he said, adding that even after submitting the affidavit, these doctors are yet to get their refund.

Explaining how the delay in refund puts financial strain on the doctors, Dr. Srinath mentioned that, even for appearing in 2025, these candidates will have to submit a deposit of another Rs 2 lakh.

Commenting on the matter, Dr. Lakshya Kumar Jha, National Vice President of FAIMA, said, "The delay and non-refund of the ₹2 lakh security deposit by MCC for NEET SS candidates is deeply concerning and unacceptable. As per MCC’s own stated guidelines, the security deposit refund is to be initiated within 15 days of the final eligibility list. However, despite candidates fulfilling all required criteria, there has been an unjustified delay with no clear communication or accountability. This issue is not merely administrative: it directly impacts young doctors who are already under significant financial and professional stress. A sum of ₹2 lakh is substantial, and withholding it without transparency undermines trust in the system. FAIMA stands firmly with the affected candidates and will continue to raise this issue until it is resolved."

Also Read: MCC to commence NEET SS 2024 security deposit refunds from next week