Supreme Court Ends Domicile Reservation in PG Medical Courses

New Delhi, [29 Jan 2025] – In a major decision, the Supreme Court of India has ruled that domicile-based reservation in postgraduate (PG) medical courses is unconstitutional. This means that students will no longer get PG medical seats in a state just because they belong there. The court said that such reservations violate Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees equality for all.

However, domicile quota will still be allowed for MBBS admissions, so students can continue to get UG medical seats in their home states. But for PG courses, only NEET-PG merit will decide admissions, just like the All India Quota (AIQ) system.

What This Means for MBBS Students

This judgment brings a big change for medical students, especially those who planned to take state PG quota benefits. Until now, many students did their MBBS in a particular state just to secure PG admission there through domicile quota. But with this new rule, MBBS students can study anywhere in India, as state PG reservations will not exist anymore.

Earlier, students from states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and Union territories like DNH&DD had the advantage of domicile-based PG admissions, but now, every seat will be given only on merit.

Key Points of the Supreme Court’s Decision

✔ No domicile quota in PG medical courses – Students cannot claim PG seats in a state just because they are residents.

✔ Domicile reservation allowed only for MBBS admissions – Undergraduate medical seats will still have state quotas.

✔ State PG seats to be filled based on NEET-PG merit – No special preference for local students; selection will be like All India Quota (AIQ).

✔ No immediate effect on current admissions – The judgment will apply from NEET-PG 2025. Students currently in NEET-PG 2024 counselling will not be affected.

How Will This Affect Future PG Medical Admissions?

This decision will completely change how students plan their medical careers. Until now, many MBBS students chose their college based on PG reservation policies, but now that will not matter.

✔ More Competition for PG Seats – Since domicile quotas are removed, students from all over India will compete for every state’s PG seats.

✔ Students Have More Freedom to Choose MBBS Colleges – Earlier, students had to stay in their home state for MBBS if they wanted PG reservation later. Now, students can study MBBS in any state without worrying about losing PG seats.

✔ Better Chances for Merit-Based Students – Many students who lost PG seats due to state reservations will now have equal opportunities across India.

Final Takeaway – A New Era for PG Medical Admissions

With NEET-PG 2025, medical admissions will enter a new phase, where only merit will decide PG medical seats. The state PG quota advantage is now gone, so MBBS students must prepare well to secure seats anywhere in India.

For future aspirants, this means more competition but also more opportunities. No matter where you do your MBBS, you now have an equal chance to get a PG seat in any state.