Over a month since NEET PG 2024 counseling registration opened, medical students are still in the dark as they await the official counseling schedule from the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC). With the Supreme Court extending its hearing on NEET PG matters to November 19, frustration is growing among aspiring doctors, who are questioning whether authorities truly value their commitment to healthcare.
Exam Completed, Results Announced, Counselling Nowhere to Be Seen
The NEET PG 2024 exam, held on August 11 after multiple delays, saw results declared on August 23 for the over 216,000 candidates. However, unexpected issues, such as a sharp rise in top scores and notably low marks among those in the second shift, led 19 students to file a petition against the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), calling for transparency. These students, alongside medical associations, have requested the publication of the answer key and raw scores to address these discrepancies.
Medical Associations Voice Their Support
Dr. Datta, President of the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), has voiced support for these students, recognizing the mounting frustration and the calls for help from both aspiring and resident doctors. In an update on X (formerly Twitter) on October 26, Dr. Datta confirmed FAIMA’s commitment to exploring a solution. “We have spoken to executives, a few aspirants, and contacts within the NBE to find a fair resolution to this deadlock,” he said. He urged all parties involved to unite in resolving these delays and inaccuracies, emphasizing that the situation could worsen if left unchecked.
Students Vent on Social Media: “Is This a Joke?
The prolonged delay has driven some students to express their frustrations online, using humor and satire to shed light on their concerns. Posts on social media suggest widespread skepticism about the process, with some jokingly alleging “match-fixing” within the NBE. One post reads, “Guys, match-fixing chal rahi hai NBE ki taraf se. Tabhi itna time lag raha hai counseling main”—loosely translated as “Looks like match-fixing on the NBE’s end; that’s why counseling is taking so long.” Another asks, “Ye kya mazak ho raha hai humare saath?”—meaning, “What kind of joke is this on us?”
Others have detailed the timeline of delays: “From March to November: NEET PG 2024 exam held August 11th, followed by a series of ‘counseling case hearings’—1st hearing: Sept 27, 2nd: Oct 4, 3rd: Oct 25, and now the 4th on Nov 19. Almost a year wasted. Does India value its doctors?”
Experts Call Out India’s Counselling Conundrum
Several prominent figures in the medical community are calling for action. Dr. Meet Ghonia, National Secretary of FORDA India, laid out the prolonged timeline from the original exam date in June to the current waiting period in October. “Thousands of doctors are left waiting for counseling without any employment,” he noted, emphasizing the need for healthcare administrators with medical experience to tackle ongoing issues in postgraduate admissions.
Orthopedic surgeon and FAIMA patron Dr. Rohan Krishnan echoed these sentiments, urging the MCC and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) to initiate the counseling process without further delays. “Any delay is going to ruin the hard work and mental peace of students who have dedicated themselves to this path,” Dr. Krishnan shared, stressing that a six-month gap between exams and admission dates shouldn’t become the norm due to administrative roadblocks.
NEET PG 2024: When Will the Wait End?
The extended delay in NEET PG counseling has left many aspiring doctors feeling overlooked. With the Supreme Court hearing now set for mid-November, students and professionals alike are hoping for a swift resolution that recognizes their dedication and ensures timely admissions for those ready to enter the healthcare workforce.
This situation raises important questions about India’s approach to medical education and support for its healthcare professionals. As medical students, associations, and experts continue to call for change, all eyes are on the MCC and MoHFW to finally provide the clarity and progress these future doctors deserve.
