Petitioners are permitted to participate in mop-up counselling for PG medical seats if they become eligible due to a reduction in the qualifying percentile, provided the university allows the exercise of web options for stray vacancies.

ORDER:

2. The petitioners became eligible for admission to the Post Graduate Medical Degree Courses under the in-service quota on reduction of the percentile of NEET scores pursuant to the notice dated 13.01.2026 issued by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences, New Delhi. The respondent University opened mop-up counselling for the stray vacancies to the eligible candidates vide notification dated 15.01.2026. The petitioners approached the Apex Court vide W.P. (Civil) No.71 of 2026 seeking permission to participate in the counselling process against stray vacancies after they became eligible on reduction of the cut-off marks. The said Writ Petition was disposed of as withdrawn with liberty to the petitioners to approach the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.

3. Learned counsel for the petitioners submitted that the delay in approaching this Court was for the above reason. The petitioners may be allowed to participate in the mop-up counselling for stray vacancies. On this submission, the matter was adjourned yesterday to enable the learned Standing Counsel for the University to obtain instructions.

4. Today, on instructions, learned Standing Counsel for the University submits that total number of 311 seats have become available for the mop-up counselling. Presently, the web options for mop-up counselling have been completed but allotments have been kept on hold. Till phase 2 counselling was over, 48 in-service candidates were allotted seats. In the event the web options are opened for mop-up counselling for the remaining vacancies, the petitioners may exercise their web options.

5. In view of the stand of the respondent University, in the event, the University issues notification for exercise of web options for the mop-up counselling for stray vacancies, the petitioners be allowed to exercise their web options. The question of law is left open to be raised in an appropriate proceeding.

With the aforesaid observations, the instant Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. Miscellaneous applications, if any pending, shall stand closed.