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directs NTA to issue duplicate NEET-UG scorecards to foreign medical graduates
The has directed the to issue duplicate NEET-UG scorecards to a batch of medical graduates who had misplaced or lost their original scorecards, clearing the way for them to appear in the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) scheduled for .
Justice Jasmeet Singh, hearing a batch of writ petitions, observed that since the aspirants were preparing for an examination crucial to their career prospects as doctors, with all formalities at the last minute would not be possible. The court accordingly relaxed certain documentation requirements prescribed by the NTA.
Background of the Petitions
The petitioners, all medical graduates, had either lost or misplaced their NEET-UG scorecards from previous years. Without these scorecards, their applications for the FMGE remained incomplete. The FMGE is conducted by the and the last date for submitting applications was , with a window to rectify deficiencies until .
NTA’s Existing Procedure and Court’s Intervention
During the hearing, the NTA’s counsel drew the court’s attention to a public notice and office memorandum dated , which prescribed a detailed procedure for issuing duplicate scorecards. This procedure required, among other things, an attested by a or , a in cases of loss or theft, and photographs attested by a or head of institution.
The NTA voluntarily informed the court that it would not insist on the police report requirement or the attestation of photographs by a or head of institution. Taking note of this, the court further relaxed the requirements for the petitioners, holding that the stringent formalities could not be imposed on candidates preparing for a career-defining examination at the last minute.
Relaxed Documentation Requirements
The court directed that the petitioners need only submit the following documents to obtain duplicate scorecards:
- A duly filled and signed application in the prescribed form (Annexure I).
- A (Annexure II) declaring the loss and undertaking to surrender the original if recovered.
- Two recent passport-size colour photographs (one on the application form and one on the affidavit) – no stamp paper required.
- A self-attested photocopy of a government-issued photo identity document (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID or Driving Licence).
- A statement regarding availability of the admit card or registration slip, and a self-attested copy if available.
- Proof of payment of the prescribed fee via NEFT (to the NTA’s account) instead of a demand draft.
- A self-attested (Annexure III) – no stamp paper required.
Key Observations
The court emphasised the urgency of the matter, noting: “I am of the view that since the petitioners are preparing for their examination which is crucial for their career prospects as doctors, it will not be possible for them to comply with all the aforesaid formalities at the last minute.”
It further directed that the petitioners could submit their applications to the NTA within seven days, and the scorecards would be generated within seven days thereafter. Additionally, the court permitted the petitioners to write a simple letter to NBEMS expressing their desire to appear in the FMGE, which would be treated as and a .
Final Directions
The court disposed of all petitions with the following directions:
- Petitioners must submit the relaxed documentation to NTA within seven days from .
- NTA shall generate duplicate scorecards within seven days of receiving the applications.
- All deficiencies must be rectified by the petitioners by , at 11:55 PM.
- The relaxed procedure applies only to the present petitioners; for future examinations, the NTA’s September 17 notification shall apply .
The decision provides immediate relief to dozens of medical graduates who risked missing the FMGE due to lost scorecards, and underscores the courts’ willingness to intervene when procedural hurdles threaten career opportunities.
