NEET PG 2025: 1,666 candidates convert to NRI; ‘legal loopholes’ let low scorers into costly seats

More than 1,600 candidates have been converted from the Indian to the NRI category in the first three rounds of MCC NEET PG counselling 2025, a trend that has triggered questions over the use of quota by low-scoring candidates to get access to high-fee and low-competition postgraduate medical seats.

According to the NRI list published by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), a total of 811 candidates have been provisionally converted from Indian to NRI category in round 3 after scrutiny of documents submitted by applicants. Earlier, 637 candidates were converted in round 1, followed by 218 candidates in round 2, taking the total number to 1,666.

The NRI quota rules for NEET 2025 were tightened as per the instructions from the ministry of external affairs. Under the existing rules, along with NRI candidates, “wards of NRIs” are also eligible. This allows candidates residing in India to qualify for NRI quota if their blood relative is living abroad, including an uncle, aunt, or grandparents. They will have to submit an undertaking to sponsor their education, as per the Supreme Court order.

Also read NEET PG Counselling: Which medical colleges, branches need the cut-off drop to fill MD, MS seats?

#BanNEET: 811 converted in round 3

“Of the 811 candidates converted in round 3, 698 secured NRI eligibility by citing relatives as sponsors,” Vignesh Anand, an X user, said.

“Students with very low scores are using this route. For instance, a candidate who scored just 28 out of 800 marks (3.5%) has become eligible for admission to postgraduate medical courses through the NRI quota. On the other hand, nearly 60% of candidates scoring below 215 marks are securing seats in top medical colleges by climbing the NRI quota ladder,” as per reports.

This change is happening by using a legal loophole, Anand said, demanding for a ban on NEET.

Also read NMC to speed up NEET counselling with seat-approval calendar, allow for-profits to set up medical colleges

Fake NRI certificates

Candidates in the NRI eligibility list are required to submit original documents, including proof of NRI status and relationship certificates, at the time of reporting to the allotted medical college. The seat allotment can be cancelled by the college if candidates fail to provide the relevant documents.

Notably, in August 2025, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) along with MEA busted a massive admission racket that revealed nearly 18,000 NEET UG and PG seats were filled using forged Non-resident Indian (NRI) certificates.

BJP MLA Y Bharath Shetty raised the matter in the Karnataka Assembly, alleging that seats meant for local students in government medical colleges are being converted into high-fee NRI seats, according to Times of India.

He also claimed that several NRI quota MBBS seats have been allotted to non-NRI students at higher fees. In private and deemed universities, the annual fee for MD and MS courses range from Rs 45 lakh to Rs 95 lakh, nearly touching Rs 1 crore, including miscellaneous expenses.

As per the revised schedule, the MCC will announce the NEET PG round 3 seat allotment on February 3 on the official website, mcc.nic.in.