Maharashtra Asked To Prepare Merit List Based On NEET For Admissions

Medical admissions and the NEET saga seems to be a unending process in the country. In a recent development, the Bombay High Court has directed the state government of Maharashtra to prepare a additional merit list of medical admissions based on all-India applications to be called online.

The additional merit list for MBBS and BDS courses in private, unaided colleges will be as per the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) scores.

Maharashtra has already prepared a selection list based on the NEET scores and the state rules, which do not allow students from other states to apply for admissions to these courses.

The list that will be finalised by the state shall be published after the court passes orders in a matter challenging the validity of the state rules.

Students and institutions including Mahatma Gandhi Vidyamandir's KBH Dental College & Hospital have challenged the state's rules which allow for regional reservations and reservations in favour of local students, questioning how such domicile rules could especially be applied to private unaided colleges.

According to reports, the authorities are directed to prepare a merit list based on NEET scores. The list will not be announced until the matter is cleared at the court. The list prepared based on the present rules of the state is yet to be published. Both the lists will be kept ready till the outcome of the matter.

Admissions to private unaided medical and dental colleges in Maharashtra is based on the candidates performance in NEET and the scores of HSC from Maharashtra.

The court asked the government to explain in clear terms what they meant by domicile. "For the purpose of admission, what is the criterion? Parents and students should not be in a dilemma about domicile. You should clearly lay down the guidelines and procedures," said the Chief Justice.

Senior advocate Shrihari Aney informed the court that the new rules have been brought into effect this year and the state had the authority to make reservations based on regional basis. He added that the domicile position could be included in the rules.

"Every year, parents and students are under stress even after studying well," pointed out the court questioning the rationale behind such a rule.

"Every state has a right to bring about its policy. This year, students are in a dilemma on what is happening. It is a cumbersome situation with NEET being accepted this year," added Chellur. The petitioners will start arguments from Thursday on rules imposing restrictions on students from outside the state.