Introduction:
In a recent development, students admitted to medical colleges through offline processes are facing a potential threat of admission cancellation. The National Medical Commission (NMC), the apex medical education regulator, is meticulously verifying records of 1.04 lakh admissions to identify and nullify those considered ‘genuine.’ This move comes as part of the NMC’s initiative to eradicate the prevalent practice of “seat buying” by ensuring that all admissions align with the mandated online allocation based on the centralized merit list.
The NMC Mandate:
The NMC had previously mandated that even the remaining seats allocated during the last “stray vacancy or mop-up rounds” should be assigned online, following the centralized merit list. This strategic decision aimed to curb the unethical practice wherein individual colleges allocated leftover seats to students lower on the merit list in exchange for higher fees.
Verification Process:
The NMC’s rigorous verification process involves scrutinizing records of 1.04 lakh admissions to identify those conducted offline. In a recent notice, the regulatory body stated that while the names of these students might currently be part of the final list, their admissions would be subject to cancellation once the verification process concludes.
Challenges in the Admission Process:
The final list, comprising 1.04 lakh students, was compiled based on information provided by colleges after completing the admission process. However, it was brought to the NMC’s attention that some colleges included names of students admitted offline in violation of the mandated online counseling process.
Actions Taken by NMC:
Colleges found to have overlooked the directive to upload only online counseling-based admissions are receiving show-cause notices. Importantly, students who followed the proper online counseling process will not face any adverse consequences, as their admissions will be authenticated. However, those who secured admission offline with individual colleges may see their admissions canceled.
Collaboration with Counselling Bodies:
To verify the authenticity of admissions, the NMC has reached out to all counseling bodies. A letter sent on Tuesday requests details of students admitted through the central merit list. The counseling bodies, including the Medical Counselling Committee and state authorities, will provide lists for cross-verification against the final list of candidates.
Preventing Recurrence:
The NMC underscores the need for strict action to prevent the continuation of such practices. By conducting a thorough verification process, the regulatory body aims to ensure the integrity of the admissions system and maintain fairness for all aspiring medical students.
Conclusion:
As the NMC intensifies its efforts to eliminate offline admissions and uphold the integrity of the medical education system, students and colleges alike are urged to adhere to the mandated online counseling process. This latest crackdown follows a similar move earlier in the year, where nearly 600 students’ admissions were invalidated, emphasizing the commitment to fair and transparent admission procedures in medical colleges.