The much-anticipated NEET PG 2024 SC Hearing Verdict has been delivered, clarifying the ongoing debate regarding the All India Quota (AIQ) counselling process. The Supreme Court of India has ruled against conducting No Fresh AIQ Round 3, dismissing a plea that challenged the fairness of the existing AIQ Round 3 seat allocation process. This ruling confirms that the counselling process will continue per the established guidelines, ensuring that the existing rounds and seat allocation procedures remain unchanged.

Supreme Court’s NEET PG 2024 Decision: No Fresh AIQ Round 3

On February 7, 2025, the Supreme Court dismissed the case Joshi Ankit vs. Medical Counselling Committee (WP 103/2025), in which postgraduate medical aspirants sought fresh AIQ Round 3 counselling for NEET PG 2024. The petitioners argued that conducting AIQ Round 3 before the completion of State Round 2 led to unfair advantages for specific candidates, as they could register in AIQ Round 3 while simultaneously being eligible for State Round 2.

NEET PG 2024 SC Hearing upheld the Medical Counselling Committee’s (MCC) counselling framework, emphasizing that altering the process at this stage could create unnecessary complications. Consequently, No Fresh AIQ Round 3 will be conducted as per the NEET PG 2024 SC Hearing verdict, and the existing AIQ and Stray Vacancy Round rules will continue as planned.

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Key Highlights of the NEET PG 2024 SC Hearing Verdict

1. Dismissal of the Petition: The Supreme Court ruled against the petition for a fresh AIQ Round 3, reinforcing that the current seat allocation process is valid as per the NEET PG 2024 SC Hearing verdict.
   
   
2. Stray Vacancy Round Unaffected: The Stray Vacancy Round will proceed according to the preexisting rules without additional eligibility modifications.
   
   
3. NEET PG 2024 SC Hearing Verdict on Deadline for AIQ Round 3 Admissions: Candidates allocated seats in AIQ Round 3 must complete their joining process by 5 PM on February 7, 2025, as no further extensions are expected.
   
   
4. MP Round 2-Based Seats in Stray Round: Medical seats from MP Round 2 will be included in the Stray Vacancy Round, ensuring the overall counselling process remains structured and transparent.
   
   
5. No Extensions Beyond February 7: The NEET PG 2024 SC Hearing verdict clarified that the AIQ Round 3 joining deadline remains unchanged, except for specific candidates allotted seats under KEA Round 3 and AIQ Round 3, who may receive a limited extension until February 9, 2025.
   
   

Petitioners' Arguments and Supreme Court’s Justification on NEET PG 2024 SC Hearing 

Petitioners’ Claims

The petitioners addressing during the NEET PG 2024 SC Hearing contended that:

• The AIQ Round 3 counselling was conducted before the completion of State Round 2 in several states.
• Candidates participating in State Round 2 could opt for AIQ Round 3 seats and later switch if they secured a better option in State Quota counselling.
• This situation temporarily blocked some seats, denying candidates fair access to Round 3 allocations.
  
  

NEET PG 2024 SC Hearing Verdict:

The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices B. R. Gavai and K. Vinod Chandran, emphasized through the NEET PG 2024 SC Hearing verdict that:

• Allowing a new AIQ Round 3 could create a precedent for repeated challenges, disrupting the streamlined counselling process.
• The petitioners failed to provide sufficient evidence of systemic unfairness warranting intervention.
• The established MCC framework for NEET PG 2024 remains valid and legally sound, ensuring equitable distribution of medical seats.
  
  

Impact of the NEET PG 2024 SC Hearing Verdict

The Supreme Court’s decision has significant implications for NEET PG 2024 aspirants:

• No Changes in Seat Allocation: The seat distribution for AIQ Round 3 will remain final, and no fresh round will be conducted.
• Finality in the Counselling Process: Candidates who secured seats in AIQ Round 3 must finalize their admissions by the stipulated deadline.
• Stray Vacancy Round Candidates: Those hoping for better seat allocations can look forward to the Stray Vacancy Round, which remains unaffected.
• No Second Chances for AIQ Round 3 Candidates: If candidates do not join their allotted seat in AIQ Round 3, they will be considered for Stray Vacancy Round vacancies, but no additional AIQ Round 3 will be held.

Important Instructions for Candidates Following NEET PG 2024 SC Hearing 

Given the NEET PG 2024 SC Hearing Verdict, candidates should adhere to the following:

1. Confirm AIQ Round 3 Admissions: To avoid losing seats, those allotted seats must join by 5 p.m. on February 7, 2025.
2. Be Aware of Limited Extensions: The possible extension applies only to KEA Round 3 and AIQ Round 3 candidates until February 9, 2025.
3. Prepare for the Stray Vacancy Round: Candidates who missed the AIQ Round 3 admissions can consider this round the next opportunity to secure seats.

The NEET PG 2024 SC Hearing Verdict clarified AIQ Round 3 seat allocations and reaffirmed the Supreme Court’s commitment to upholding a structured counselling process. By ruling in favor of No Fresh AIQ Round 3, the court ensured that the existing framework's fairness and transparency remained intact.

With this decision, NEET PG 2024 aspirants must focus on completing their admissions, understanding the next steps in the counselling process, and preparing for the Stray Vacancy Round if necessary. The ruling marks a crucial moment in NEET PG 2024 counselling, reinforcing the importance of a structured and legally sound admissions process.

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