Apex Court Directs NMC to Add 49 Medical Seats to 2025–26 Counselling Despite Affiliation Row
New Delhi | Supreme Court of India
The Supreme Court of India has directed the National Medical Commission (NMC) to include 49 postgraduate medical seats of the Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (HIMSR) in the NEET-PG counselling process for the academic year 2025–26, even as a dispute over its affiliation with Jamia Hamdard remains pending.
The Court’s order aims to ensure that students do not suffer due to institutional or regulatory uncertainties.
Supreme Court Prioritises Student Interest in NEET-PG Counselling
The Apex Court observed that ongoing affiliation disputes should not derail the counselling process or deprive eligible candidates of available seats. Directing the NMC to provisionally include the seats, the Court emphasised that medical admissions must proceed in a timely and orderly manner, particularly in competitive examinations like NEET-PG.
The Bench clarified that the inclusion of seats would be subject to the final outcome of the affiliation dispute.
Background: HIMSR–Jamia Hamdard Affiliation Dispute
The dispute arises from issues surrounding the continuation and validity of HIMSR’s affiliation with Jamia Hamdard, which impacted the approval and listing of postgraduate medical seats for counselling.
Due to the unresolved status, the 49 PG seats of HIMSR faced the risk of exclusion from the NEET-PG counselling matrix, prompting judicial intervention.
NMC Directed to Act Without Prejudice
The Supreme Court directed the NMC to include the disputed seats without prejudice to the rights and contentions of the parties. The Court made it clear that students admitted through counselling would not gain an equity claim if the dispute is later decided otherwise.
This approach, the Court noted, balances regulatory discipline with fairness to aspirants.
Relief for NEET-PG Aspirants
The order provides immediate relief to NEET-PG candidates, ensuring:
- No loss of seats due to administrative disputes
- Smooth progression of counselling schedules
- Protection of student interests pending litigation
The Court reiterated that education and career prospects of students must not become collateral damage in institutional conflicts.
Why This Order Matters
This development is significant because it:
- Prevents wastage of postgraduate medical seats
- Reinforces student-centric judicial approach
- Clarifies NMC’s role during pending disputes
- Impacts NEET-PG counselling across India
The ruling underscores the judiciary’s consistent stance that academic calendars and student rights deserve priority.
