For aspiring doctors, the verdict offers hope that genuine mistakes may be treated with compassion, ensuring that careers are not derailed by a single missed document
The Gujarat High Court has directed the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) to reconsider the candidature of an NRI medical graduate who missed uploading a required document during the NEET PG counselling process. The court observed that a minor procedural lapse should not jeopardise the future of an otherwise eligible and meritorious student.
The case relates to a postgraduate medical aspirant who applied for admission under the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) quota but failed to upload a sponsor’s bank passbook, a document required to prove financial sponsorship. As a result, the candidate was excluded from the merit list, effectively losing the chance to secure a postgraduate seat.
Granting relief, the High Court noted that such technical errors are common in online admission systems and should not lead to a “lifetime regret” for students
The court emphasised that authorities must balance strict compliance with rules and fairness, particularly when the candidate’s academic merit is not in question. It directed the MCC to consider the student’s case for inclusion in the merit list, while leaving scope for imposing reasonable conditions if necessary.
The ruling has drawn attention to the challenges faced by candidates in India’s highly competitive medical admissions process, especially under special categories such as NRI quotas. Documentation requirements for NRI seats are stringent and include proof of sponsorship, relationship certificates, passports, and affidavits, often verified by Indian missions abroad. However, technical glitches, missed uploads, or procedural errors can lead to exclusion, forcing students to seek legal remedies.
Legal experts say the judgment reinforces the principle that merit should not be overshadowed by minor administrative mistakes. It also signals to counselling authorities the need for a more student-friendly approach in handling documentation issues, without compromising transparency and regulatory standards.
