The long-anticipated NEET PG 2024 counselling process has begun after a series of delays. This pause in admissions, triggered by the need for state-specific rank calculations and legal matters, has kept thousands of medical aspirants on edge. Initially, counselling was withheld as the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) worked to calculate ranks across two sessions of the NEET PG 2024 exam, using a normalisation process for the All India Quota (AIQ) rankings.
After holding the NEET PG 2024 examination on August 11 and announcing the results on August 23, candidates were able to register for counselling starting September 20. However, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) released no updates on the schedule following registration, leading to widespread concern about potential disruptions to the academic year. Compounding these issues, an ongoing case in the Supreme Court regarding examination transparency led to further delays in finalising counselling timelines. The hearing for this case, originally scheduled before counselling began, was rescheduled to November 19, which contributed to uncertainty about the process.
With the official release of the counselling schedule, candidates can now register for Round 1 counselling until November 17 on the MCC’s official website (mcc.nic.in). This move offers some relief, but experts warn of potential impacts on the academic calendar.
Causes of the Delay and Impact on Aspirants
A crucial factor in the delay was the NBEMS’s need to assign state-specific ranks across two sessions. Unlike the previous year’s single-session exam, NEET PG 2024 involved multiple sessions, requiring a complex normalisation procedure to maintain consistent ranking standards. Dr. B. Srinivas, Secretary of the National Medical Commission (NMC), explained that both central and state-level counselling processes had to align, which required a hold on counselling until the rank calculations were complete. The Supreme Court case filed by 19 aspirants also highlighted concerns about exam transparency, urging the NBEMS to release question papers, answer keys, and raw scores to ensure a fair evaluation process.
Dr. Srinivas assures that academic classes will commence by the end of November. He notes that to make up for lost time, the curriculum can be adjusted to include weekend classes and reduced breaks. However, not all medical professionals agree with this approach. Dr. K.M. Abul Hasan, Chairman of the IMA Junior Doctors Network, cautions that the compressed academic year could reduce skill training opportunities for first-year postgraduate students, creating added stress for senior students who now bear additional clinical responsibilities.
Potential Academic Challenges and Expert Insights
The delay in the admissions process has raised concerns about training quality. Final-year PG students, set to take exams in December and January, face challenges due to a lack of junior support in clinical duties. Dr. B. Unnikrishnan, Dean of Kasturba Medical College, notes that a delayed academic start could lead to shortened terms and rushed instruction, ultimately affecting the quality of medical training.
Some experts, including Dr. Unnikrishnan, suggest that holding NEET PG 2024 in a single session might have been more efficient, especially since only 2.2 lakh candidates appeared. A single session could have expedited rank calculation, averting the prolonged counselling delay. Dr. Unnikrishnan also advocates for increased exam transparency, emphasizing that providing candidates access to question papers, answer keys, and raw scores could help build trust in the examination process.
Key Dates and Process for NEET PG 2024 Counselling
With the schedule now confirmed, the NEET PG counselling process includes the following rounds:
- AIQ Round 1
- AIQ Round 2
- Mop-Up Round
- Stray Vacancy Round
Candidates must register for Round 1 by November 17. The MCC’s responsibilities encompass overseeing 50% of the AIQ MD and MS seats across India. As counselling progresses, candidates are advised to regularly check the MCC website for updates and stay informed about any changes.
Despite the relief of a resumed process, medical professionals warn of possible disruptions to the academic year and their impact on aspiring medical professionals’ training. With additional clarity provided by experts, aspirants can now move forward with the admissions process, while the medical community remains watchful of the implications on future academic schedules.
