The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), in what comes across as a contentious step, has apparently-cancelled two already alloted Diplomate of National Board (DNB) seats in the ongoing NEET PG 2024 counseling process. The two seats under the 15% AIQ belonging to the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) were in the General Surgery Super Speciality branch.

According to reports, the decision to withdraw the seats has been attributed to the resignation of faculty members at Ruby General Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal, where the seats were originally allocated. Affected candidates are worried, with one even claiming that the NBEMS has withdrawn seats abnormally. As revealed by him, on January 13, 2025, NBEMS told him through email that the seats had been canceled. The statement also said the DNB seat no longer exists and that he must withdraw his candidature for that seat.

This was further clarified by the email stating that this was already communicated to MCC, which was requested to enable candidates to participate in the third round of counselling. NBEMS ensured the candidates that they would get a chance to seek alternative seats in subsequent rounds of counselling. This sudden announcement has left candidates distressed as it disarranges their academic and career plans.

The timing of the cancellation is particularly disturbing because it has been done at a time when NEET PG counselling is at a very competitive and crucial phase. Even though the situation is critical, NBEMS has not issued any public notice or official clarification about the withdrawal of the seats. This lack of transparency has further fueled the frustration of the candidates affected by the move, who are demanding more accountability from the authorities involved.

NEET PG 2024 Third-Round Counselling Schedule

Now, as the controversy unfolds, candidates are now gearing up for the third round of NEET PG 2024 counselling, following a very stringent timeline. Registration for this round of counselling will start on 26 December 2024 and will end on 15 January 2025. The candidate will be able to submit and lock his or her preferences from 12 to 16 January 2025, and the seat allotment will be done on 16 and 17 January 2025. Results of the third round of counselling are expected to be released on 18 January 2025, and the reporting and joining dates at the colleges will be between 18 and 25 January 2025.

For those who remain without a seat after the third round, mop-up counselling will commence shortly thereafter. Registration for mop-up round will be open from February 3 to 5. Option filling will be done from February 3 to 6. Seat allocation will be done on February 6 and 7, and the result will be declared on February 8. Candidates who are allotted seats during mop-up round have to report to their respective colleges between February 8 and 15, 2025.

Transparency Concerns and Supreme Court Hearing

Apart from the DNB seats that were cancelled, the whole NEET PG 2024 process also had a questionable scenario. Examination results were out on August 23, 2024, raising a serious and intense criticism since then. Discrepancy in the assessment process was charged against the transparent nature of this process by which students alleged unfair results and some malpractices by NBEMS.

Taking these grievances to a higher pedestal, a petition was filed before the Supreme Court of India. Here, more transparency and accountability are sought by medical aspirants for the NEET PG result. Despite that, it is scheduled on January 8, 2025; it has now been postponed for January 21, 2025. As such, students feel more nervous since they anxiously await clear directions on this matter.

Effects on Medical Entrants

The sudden removal of DNB seats and current issues of a lack of clarity in results cause a problem to medical aspirants in India. For many applicants, the accomplishment of getting admission into a postgraduate medical program is the fruition of years of intense preparation and effort. In such cases, the cancellation of seats brings an immediate inconvenience but also casts an uncertainty on the stability and predictability of the system.

While NBEMS has assured candidates of opportunities in subsequent counselling rounds, the lack of a timely public notice or explanation has left many feeling unsupported. Transparency and proactive communication from regulatory bodies like NBEMS are crucial in fostering trust among students and ensuring a smooth counselling process.

As the NEET PG 2024 counselling is underway, developments will be monitored closely by applicants, stakeholders, and legal authorities to ensure the interests of the medical aspirant are protected. The Supreme Court hearing scheduled on January 21, 2025, might address broader issues such as result transparency, which might set a precedence for greater accountability in medical education and counselling in the future.