The Federation of Indian Medical Association (FAIMA) has urged the Union Health Ministry, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and the Supreme Court to urgently intervene and resume the stalled Super Specialty Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET SS) counseling process. The association has warned that the prolonged delay has left thousands of qualified doctors in limbo and exacerbated specialist shortages in hospitals across the country.The second round of NEET SS counseling has been put on hold for nearly five months due to an ongoing legal dispute over super specialty seats in service in Tamil Nadu. According to FAIMA, the prolonged hiatus is affecting not only the careers of aspiring specialists but also the functioning of India’s healthcare system.
CJP Jantar Mantar Protest Updates
FAIMA requests an urgent hearing in the Supreme Court
In its appeal, FAIMA requested the Supreme Court to accord top priority to the pending matter so that admissions can resume without further delay. The medical body has also appealed to the Union Health Ministry and the DGHS to consider the allotment of provisional seats, allowing eligible candidates to start their DM and M.Ch. training while the court proceedings continue.The association argued that the move would help prevent the loss of an entire academic session and reduce uncertainty for thousands of doctors hoping to begin advanced medical training.
Why has NEET SS counseling been delayed
The counseling process has been mired in a legal battle over the allotment of 151 unfilled super specialty posts under the Tamil Nadu state counseling process and issues related to in-service quota. While Round 1 counseling was completed earlier, Round 2 option filling has been repeatedly postponed and remains on hold till further orders.The unresolved litigation has stalled admissions, leaving candidates unable to get seats despite qualifying the entrance test.
Doctors face academic and financial uncertainty
According to FAIMA, the prolonged delay has put many doctors under great professional and financial stress. Several candidates had given up senior residency positions or other clinical roles after qualifying NEET SS, hoping to join higher specialty programs.With admissions on hold, many are now without jobs, regular income or academic progression. The association said the uncertainty has caused significant mental anguish as candidates continue to wait without clarity as to when the counseling process will resume.The delay has also disrupted career timelines, postponing the entry of qualified specialists into advanced clinical practice and delaying their contribution to the health care system.
Hospitals are struggling with a shortage of specialists
FAIMA has warned that the blockage of advice is also affecting patient care. Super-specialty departments in several hospitals are reportedly running with fewer resident doctors, adding to the workload of existing healthcare professionals.The student shortage has put additional pressure on departments that rely heavily on resident physicians to provide specialized services. The association warned that continued delays could deepen the workforce crisis in critical medical disciplines and affect the quality and availability of specialist health services.
Key developments in the NEET SS counseling crisis
NEET SS second round counseling has been stalled for almost five months.
- The delay stems from a legal dispute involving in-service quota seats and 151 unfilled super specialty seats in Tamil Nadu.
- FAIMA has requested an urgent hearing before the Supreme Court to resolve the matter.
- The association has urged the Center and the DGHS to allow provisional allotment of seats so that the candidates can start training without missing the academic year.
- Thousands of qualified doctors are still unable to join DM and M.Ch. programs, while hospitals continue to face a shortage of specialty resident physicians.
what happens next
The future of the NEET SS admission process now depends on the outcome of the ongoing proceedings before the Supreme Court. Until the legal dispute is resolved or an interim settlement is approved, the second round of counseling is expected to remain on hold.Medical associations have maintained that a speedy resolution is essential not only to protect the careers of aspiring superspecialty doctors, but also to ensure that hospitals receive the skilled workforce needed to meet growing healthcare demands.