NEET-PG 2025 Counselling Delay Disrupts Medical Education in Uttar Pradesh
A significant delay of nearly six months in the NEET-PG 2025 counselling process for admissions to MD, MS, and DNB courses has severely impacted the medical academic session in Uttar Pradesh. This prolonged postponement has resulted in hundreds of young doctors losing several months of crucial training time, while simultaneously affecting hospital services across the state.
Exam Schedule Changes and Counselling Delays
According to Professor Narsingh Verma, a former teacher at King George's Medical University and spokesperson for private medical colleges, postgraduate medical sessions typically commence in August. However, this year, the problem originated from repeated alterations in the examination schedule. "For the first time, the National Testing Agency announced the exam in January. Later, it was postponed to March. Then court cases were filed over whether the exam should be held in one or two shifts. Finally, the exam was held in June," he explained.
Although the results were declared in July, proper counselling did not initiate for the subsequent four months. "Even now, two phases are pending. The session that should have started in July may begin only in February," Professor Verma added, highlighting that this situation has left numerous MBBS graduates without residency training, a regular income, or a clear academic pathway.
Vacant Seats and Systemic Issues
Uttar Pradesh possesses 4,297 postgraduate medical seats, with 2,137 in government colleges and 2,160 in private institutions. While two rounds of counselling have been completed, the third round remains pending, leaving approximately 1,200 seats vacant. "On one hand, authorities say there is a shortage of doctors and that medical seats are being increased; on the other, counselling stretches for months," Professor Verma remarked.
He further noted that government colleges have extended admissions until January 31, and private colleges may continue into February, despite the process being managed by a central agency like the Medical Counselling Committee. Some candidates skip early counselling rounds in hopes of securing better colleges or subjects in later rounds, which further delays the session. "Ideally, counselling should finish in one or two rounds. Stretching creates confusion," Verma emphasized.
Impact on Students and Institutions
Students have expressed that the delay has profoundly affected them. "I cleared NEET-PG hoping my residency would start by September. It is January now, and I am still waiting," shared an MBBS graduate from Uttar Pradesh. Another aspirant echoed similar sentiments, stating, "We studied for years. Now, we are sitting at home without training, income, or any clarity."
Professor Shally Awasthi, Vice-Chancellor of a private medical university, commented on the broader implications: "The delay harmed both students and institutions. Because of the delay, the entire session is disturbed, and the academic rhythm is broken." She explained that while students must complete a fixed number of working days under National Medical Commission rules, the delay creates stress and imbalance in real-life scenarios.
Clinical and Hospital Ramifications
Teachers report that the most significant impact is observed in clinical departments, where resident doctors play a pivotal role in patient treatment. Fewer residents mean increased workloads for senior doctors and heightened pressure on hospitals. Medical professionals have pointed out that with sessions potentially starting in January or February, almost an entire academic year is being wasted, exacerbating the strain on healthcare services and medical education in Uttar Pradesh.
