Delhi HC Permits NEET-PG Candidates to Appear for SPMD Counselling, Says Non-Joining of Stray Vacancy Seat Not an Obstacle

The Delhi High Court has delivered an important judgment that brings huge relief to NEET-PG aspirants. The court clarified that candidates who did not join seats allotted during the stray vacancy round are still eligible to participate in SPMD counselling.

This decision clears long-standing confusion and ensures students are not punished for a single counselling decision.

Background: NEET-PG Counselling System

In India, the NEET-PG counselling process is conducted by the
Medical Counselling Committee under the Directorate General of Health Services.

The counselling is conducted in multiple rounds:

• Round 1


• Round 2


• Mop-up Round


• Stray Vacancy Round

Stray Vacancy Round

The stray vacancy round is the final round of admissions, conducted to fill seats left vacant after earlier rounds.

Previously, candidates who were allotted seats but did not join were sometimes considered ineligible for further counselling opportunities.

What Is SPMD Counselling?

SPMD (Sponsored Post-MBBS Diploma) counselling is conducted by the
National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences.

It provides:

• Postgraduate diploma opportunities


• Training for sponsored or in-service candidates


• An alternative pathway to postgraduate medical education

After qualifying NEET-PG, candidates can enter these diploma programs through centralized counselling conducted by NBEMS.

Core Issue Before the Court

The controversy started when authorities treated non-joining of a stray vacancy seat as a reason to disqualify candidates from participating in SPMD counselling.

Many candidates argued that:

• They were not enrolled in any PG course


• They should not be denied future opportunities


• Forfeiture of the security deposit should be enough penalty

The court reviewed whether the disqualification rule was justified.

Delhi High Court’s Key Observations

Non-Joining Is Not a Disqualification

The court ruled that not joining a stray vacancy seat cannot automatically disqualify a candidate from SPMD counselling.

Financial Penalty Is Enough

Candidates who do not join the allotted seat may still face:

• Forfeiture of the security deposit

But the court observed that further punishment like disqualification is excessive.

Academic Opportunities Must Be Protected

The court emphasized that:

• Students should not suffer irreversible academic loss


• A single counselling decision should not determine their entire career

Only One Condition Applies

Eligibility depends on one key factor:

• The candidate must not be admitted to another PG course

If this condition is satisfied, they can participate in SPMD counselling.

Impact on NEET-PG Aspirants

This judgment has significant implications for medical aspirants.

Increased Flexibility

Candidates can now:

• Decline a seat that does not suit them


• Still participate in SPMD counselling

Reduced Pressure During Counselling

Earlier, students felt forced to accept any seat offered in the final round. Now:

• Decision-making becomes more strategic


• Students can wait for better options

Better Seat Utilization

Allowing more candidates into SPMD counselling helps:

• Reduce vacant seats


• Improve utilization of medical training resources

NBEMS conducts centralized counselling for sponsored DNB and diploma seats to maximize seat utilization in accredited hospitals.

Wider Context: Medical Education in India

This decision aligns with the broader regulatory framework of the
National Medical Commission, which aims to:

• Ensure fairness in medical admissions


• Improve transparency


• Prevent wastage of seats

Many students also explore international medical education options such as MBBS in Georgia, where recognition from organizations like the
World Health Organization and the
World Directory of Medical Schools is important.

This judgment strengthens confidence in India’s admission system.

Important Points Candidates Must Remember

• Not joining a stray vacancy seat does not block SPMD counselling


• Security deposit forfeiture may still apply


• Candidates must not be enrolled in another PG course


• Always follow official counselling guidelines

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Assuming you are disqualified after skipping a seat


• Ignoring SPMD counselling opportunities


• Relying on unofficial information


• Making counselling decisions without proper planning

Final Conclusion

The ruling by the Delhi High Court is a major step toward a fair and student-friendly NEET-PG counselling system.

By allowing candidates who skipped stray vacancy seats to participate in SPMD counselling, the court has protected the academic future of many aspirants.

The key message is simple:
One missed opportunity should not decide an entire medical career.