Telangana NEET PG Counselling: HC postpones hearing on domicile rule to November 25; delay in merit list

NEW DELHI: In a significant development for students aspiring for Postgraduate (PG) medical admissions in Telangana, the legal proceedings surrounding the Telangana domicile rule have led to a delay in the commencement of NEET PG counselling process. According to the Advocate General representing the government, the next court hearing on the matter has been postponed to Monday, November 25 and until then, the merit list and counselling for state NEET PG admissions will not be initiated.

At least 74 pleas have been filed in the Telangana High Court against the state's new local residency rule for PG medical courses.

In their pleas, the petitioners have argued that the change in 2021 rules is in conflict with a Supreme Court order in a case from 1984, which held residence-based reservations, other than institutional preference in in professional postgraduate courses, to be impermissible.

This delay has left hundreds of PG aspirants in a state of uncertainty, particularly those who are hoping to secure medical seats in Telangana colleges. The Telangana domicile rule, which prioritises local candidates for medical admissions, has been at the center of a legal dispute, with challengers arguing that the rule discriminates against candidates from other states who have studied in Telangana or have strong ties to the region.

Telangana domicile rule on NEET PG counseling

The Telangana domicile rule, introduced in 2014 after the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, requires that only candidates who are recognized as domiciles of Telangana are eligible for state quota seats in medical colleges. While the rule is intended to promote the welfare of local residents and ensure that state resources are utilized for the benefit of Telangana's residents, it has raised concerns among non-local candidates who have completed their undergraduate studies in Telangana and are now competing for PG medical seats.

For non-local candidates, this domicile rule creates a significant barrier to accessing medical seats in the state. Despite having studied in Telangana under various quotas, these candidates are excluded from the state quota if they do not meet the domicile requirement. This has sparked legal challenges, with petitioners arguing that the rule is discriminatory and violates the principle of fairness in education.

Hearing Postponement: What it means for NEET PG aspirants

The latest development comes as a result of the legal battle over the domicile rule, which has now led to the postponement of key processes related to NEET PG admissions. Until the court issues its ruling, the Telangana state government has made it clear that the merit list for NEET PG counseling will not be released, and the counseling process will not begin.

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For candidates eagerly awaiting the merit list, which determines their eligibility for counseling and seat allocation, this delay is a cause for concern. With the academic year already underway, the uncertainty over the counseling process could delay admissions and affect the career paths of many aspiring doctors.

The Telangana domicile rule for NEET PG counseling restricts state medical seats to residents who can prove they have been living in the state for a specified number of years. While the policy is aimed at benefiting local students, critics argue that it unfairly disadvantages candidates from other states who have studied in Telangana medical colleges and have become part of the state's educational ecosystem.

For instance, many students from other states who have completed their MBBS in Telangana colleges are now facing the prospect of being excluded from the PG counseling process, despite having spent years living and studying in the state. These candidates argue that their residency in Telangana, as well as their academic and professional investments in the region, should allow them to compete for state quota seats in PG medical admissions.