Petitioners Become Eligible for PG Medical Courses Following NEET Score Reduction
In a significant ruling, the Telangana High Court has permitted Dr. Karam Nikhil Kumar and 17 other petitioners to partake in the mop-up counselling for stray vacancies in Post Graduate Medical Degree Courses under the in-service quota. This decision follows the reduction of the NEET percentile cut-off, making the petitioners eligible for admission.
The petitioners, who had initially approached the Supreme Court seeking permission to participate in the counselling process, withdrew their writ petition with the liberty to approach the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India. The Supreme Court's decision allowed them to seek redress in the Telangana High Court.
The High Court's order came after the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, New Delhi, issued a notice on January 13, 2026, reducing the NEET percentile cut-off. Consequently, the Kaloji Narayana Rao University of Health Sciences (the University) announced mop-up counselling for the remaining vacancies on January 15, 2026. The University's Standing Counsel informed the court that 311 seats were available for mop-up counselling, with web options initially completed but allotments on hold.
The court stated that if the University issues a notification for exercising web options for mop-up counselling, the petitioners must be allowed to exercise their options. However, the court left the question of law open for future consideration.
This judgment ensures that eligible candidates have the opportunity to secure admission into the desired medical courses, thereby addressing the issue of vacant seats and ensuring fair access to higher education in the medical field.
Bottom Line:
Petitioners eligible for admission to Post Graduate Medical Degree Courses under in-service quota after reduction of percentile of NEET scores - Mop-up counselling process for stray vacancies - Petitioners allowed to participate in mop-up counselling if University issues notification for the same.
Statutory provision(s): Article 226 of the Constitution of India, NEET percentile reduction notice by National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences
Dr. Karam Nikhil Kumar v. State of Telangana, (Telangana)(DB) : Law Finder Doc id # 2863700
