Meritorious MBBS Graduates Say Reservation Policy Denying Them PG Seats
Srinagar, Oct 31: Several MBBS graduates from Jammu and Kashmir have expressed deep resentment over what they described as “unjust and discriminatory” seat allocation in the NEET-PG counseling process conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (JKBOPEE), alleging that the existing reservation policy has pushed meritorious candidates out of contention for postgraduate medical courses.
One of the affected doctors said he remains unemployed not because of lack of merit but because the current system gives disproportionate advantage to candidates from reserved categories. He pointed out that in the JKBOPEE’s present seat distribution pattern, a general-category aspirant with an All India Rank (AIR) of 1,000 competes against a reserved-category candidate ranked around 10,000, while a general candidate ranked 2,000 equates to a reserved candidate ranked 20,000.
“This is completely unfair. We study day and night, sacrificing years to achieve good ranks, but our efforts are nullified by a skewed reservation policy that undermines merit. Is this justice?” the doctor asked.
Several candidates echoed similar sentiments, saying that the system not only demoralizes open merit students but also leads to a waste of talent, as many bright MBBS graduates either opt for foreign universities or abandon the pursuit of postgraduate training altogether.
While officials maintain that the reservation policy follows constitutional provisions and government orders, discontent among doctors has continued to rise. Many are now calling for a comprehensive review of the NEET-PG counseling framework to ensure a fair balance between social equity and merit-based selection.
Several medical associations said that they have submitted formal representations to the authorities, urging the government to revisit the existing quota structure and restore confidence among merit-based candidates. [KNT]
