Telangana High Court Permits OCI Cardholders to Register for NEET PG Counselling Under NRI Quota
Court Awaits Updated Guidelines on NRI Quota Eligibility; OCI Card Sufficient for Registration Until Then
In a significant ruling, the Telangana High Court has allowed Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders to register under the NRI quota for NEET PG Counselling. The decision came in response to a petition filed by Dr. Pamula Sushanth Reddy against the Medical Counselling Committee. The court emphasized that OCI cardholders can participate in the registration process for NEET PG Counselling under the NRI quota until new guidelines detailing eligibility criteria for NRI seats are released.
The division bench, comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G.M. Mohiuddin, delivered the judgment on September 16, 2025. The court acknowledged the petitioner's concerns regarding the commencement of NEET PG Counselling registration and the absence of updated guidelines for NRI seats eligibility. Dr. Reddy, represented by counsel Sri Dharmesh D.K. Jaiswal, argued that the OCI card should suffice for the registration under the NRI quota, especially since the Embassy Certificate of the Sponsorer was rejected based on the sufficiency of the OCI card.
The court directed that until the updated guidelines are issued, OCI cardholders should be allowed to register under the NRI quota for NEET PG Counselling. However, once the Department concerned releases the new guidelines, the petitioner and others in similar positions will be required to submit additional certificates as per the guidelines for NRI seats eligibility.
The judgment noted that the updated guidelines are forthcoming and should be available shortly, with NEET PG Counselling registration anticipated to begin any day. The University, guided by the Medical Counselling Committee's directives, agreed to entertain applications based on the current status of OCI cardholders.
This decision provides temporary relief to several students holding OCI cards who aim to pursue postgraduate medical courses in India under the NRI quota. It underscores the court's pragmatic approach in accommodating students' needs amidst procedural uncertainties.
The case is scheduled for further hearing on October 8, 2025, when more clarity on the guidelines is expected, providing a clearer pathway for OCI cardholders seeking admission under the NRI quota.
Bottom Line:
NEET PG Counselling - Registration under NRI quota - Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card can be used for registration under NRI quota until updated guidelines for NRI seats eligibility are issued - Petitioner required to submit requisite certificates as per updated guidelines when issued.
Statutory provision(s): NEET PG Counselling guidelines, NRI quota eligibility criteria, Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card provisions
