Delay in NEET PG 2025 Counselling Affects Thousands of Doctors
Current Situation of Aspiring Postgraduate Medical Students
Chennai: The ongoing postponement of the National Eligibility Entrance Test Postgraduate (NEET PG) 2025 counselling has left thousands of doctors in a state of uncertainty. These medical professionals, who recently took the PG medical entrance examination, find themselves unable to secure positions in hospitals or enroll in postgraduate medical courses due to the indecision surrounding their admissions.
Impact on Healthcare Facilities
This delay not only affects the doctors but also exacerbates staffing shortages in hospitals, particularly state-run medical colleges across the country. The absence of new postgraduate students, who typically fill essential roles in these institutions, intensifies the strain on existing medical staff.
Concerns Raised by Medical Associations
Dr. Meet Ghonia, the National General Secretary of the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA), expressed the distress caused by the delays, stating, “The continuous delay in NEET PG counselling has become a recurring crisis that causes immense distress to thousands of young doctors across the country. Every year, these delays leave an entire batch of qualified doctors sitting idle for months — without work, pay, or clarity about their future.” He emphasized that this administrative inaction results in the loss of valuable manpower that could enhance healthcare services, especially in public hospitals.
Consequences of Prolonged Delays
Dr. Ghonia further noted, “It’s not just about numbers — these delays disrupt academic timelines, increase burnout among current residents, and push many young doctors into financial and emotional uncertainty.” He called on authorities such as the NMC, NBEMS, and MCC to streamline the counselling process, adhere to deadlines, and enhance transparency.
Timeline of Events Surrounding NEET PG 2025 Counselling
This year’s NEET PG 2025 AIQ counselling has seen significant delays. Although the exam occurred on August 3, 2025, and results were announced on August 19, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) only initiated the registration process over two months later. Additionally, the MCC provided the information bulletin and counselling scheme for candidates registering for NEET PG 2025.
The MCC had initially set a schedule for the first round of counselling, with seat allotment set to begin on November 6 and results expected by November 8, 2025. However, a recent notice from the MCC announced an extension of the choice-filling period for Round-1 due to necessary revisions in the seat matrix following updates from the National Medical Commission (NMC) regarding PG seats.
Reactions from the Medical Community
Criticism of the current situation has emerged from various quarters. Dr. Sumit K voiced his frustration on social media, stating, “Doctors are jobless, hospitals short-staffed — but who cares? NMC, MCC & NBE are too busy ‘revising seat matrix’ for 3 months straight.” Similarly, the medicopenia handle highlighted the broader implications of these delays, noting that they derail careers and impose burdens on families.
Dr. Lakshya Mittal, National Chairperson and President of the United Doctors’ Front (UDF), remarked on the significant toll this situation takes on doctors who have left their jobs to prepare for the NEET PG exam. He stressed the need for a timely counselling process to prevent further uncertainty for these medical professionals.
Call for Urgent Action
Dr. Akshay Dongardive, National President of the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), emphasized that healthcare cannot afford such delays. He noted, “Keeping trained doctors idle is not just an academic issue—it is a public health concern.” He urged authorities to expedite the counselling process to allow the next batch of postgraduate resident doctors to join hospitals and provide essential healthcare services.
In conclusion, the prolonged delay in NEET PG counselling has far-reaching implications for both aspiring doctors and the healthcare system at large, necessitating immediate and effective action from regulatory bodies.