Supreme Court Extends NEET 2024 Admissions Deadline till December 30

New Delhi: Observing that precious medical seats should not be wasted, the Supreme Court has extended the deadline for National Eligibility-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) admissions till December 30 as a "last chance".

The Apex Court bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan granted the extension after taking into account the number of medical seats remaining vacant despite 5 rounds of counselling.

A batch of pleas/miscellaneous applications were filed with a prayer for directions to the Admission Authorities to conduct stray/special counselling round for the seats remaining vacant even after five (5) rounds of counselling. One of the pleas was for the conversion of one NRI seat which is vacant to the Management quota.

During the case proceedings, the senior counsel appearing for the National Medical Commission (NMC) submitted that in view of the number of vacant seats as a one-time measure, without it being treated as a precedent, the Court may extend the period. The Court also noted that one miscellaneous application had also been filed by NMC for approval of the extended time limit.

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Accordingly, the top court bench observed,

"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."

Therefore, the Court directed the Admission Authorities to hold a fresh stray/special counselling for the seats remaining vacant and complete the admission process before 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," ordered the Apex Court.

However, the Court also 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."

Regarding the NRI seat which is vacant, the top court bench ordered to convert it into the General Category Quota. However, the bench said that the seat should be filled through the State Admission Authorities.

"The writ petitions and miscellaneous applications, including pending applications, if any, are disposed of," stated the order.

To view the Supreme Court order, click on the link below:

https://medicaldialogues.in/pdf_upload/supreme-court-neet-ug-admission-deadline-265819.pdf

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