The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the long-awaited counselling schedule for NEET PG 2024, providing some relief to postgraduate medical aspirants who had been concerned about their academic futures. However, the announcement comes at a time when NEET PG’s ranking transparency is under scrutiny in the Supreme Court, raising questions about the timing and integrity of the counselling process. This latest development has sparked mixed reactions, with experts and candidates alike weighing in on the potential implications of the schedule’s release amidst ongoing legal proceedings.
Timing of Schedule
The timing of the counselling schedule has led to skepticism among some experts, who suggest that it may be strategically aligned with the Supreme Court hearings and the anticipated graduation of JR3 early next year. Brijesh Sutaria, a medical activist based in Mumbai, pointed out that this alignment could indicate a degree of government influence from ongoing legal scrutiny, thereby raising doubts over the transparency and fairness of the process. The NEET PG case’s presence in the Supreme Court has intensified concerns about whether the merit-based system is indeed as impartial as it claims to be.
Transparency and State Authority
Across social media platforms and in court petitions, candidates have expressed frustration over what they describe as a lack of transparency in the NEET PG ranking and merit list process. Additionally, many are dissatisfied with the limited role of state governments in overseeing admissions, arguing that this restricts local authorities from enforcing a fair selection process. Candidates have emphasized the need for reforms that would give states more authority, ensure clarity in rankings, and guarantee a transparent and unbiased admissions process. These grievances reflect a deep-rooted demand for change in how postgraduate medical admissions are managed in India.
NEET PG 2024 Counselling Schedule
The NEET PG 2024 counselling schedule, now available on the official website (mcc.nic.in), details key dates and procedures for candidates under the 50% All India Quota (AIQ) and state quotas. The four-round schedule includes the first round from September 20 to November 27 with reporting dates from November 17 to 29. Round two is set for December 4 to 20, round three from December 26 to January 13 and a final Stray Vacancy Round from January 18 to 30 providing a last chance for placement. Each round follows a step-by-step process, starting with seat verification, followed by registration, payment, preference selection, and choice locking within given timelines. Seat allotments are then processed, with results announced at the end of each round.
Academic Session
According to the schedule, the academic session for successful NEET PG candidates will commence on December 20, 2024, while the final date for joining after the Stray Vacancy Round is set for February 5, 2025. As candidates prepare for the upcoming counselling rounds, they are hopeful for a process marked by fairness and transparency. Nevertheless, the backdrop of protests and the ongoing Supreme Court case continues to add an air of tension and urgency to their aspirations for postgraduate medical education.
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