Chennai: The continuous delay in the commencement of NEET PG 2025 counselling has left thousands of doctors across India in a state of uncertainty. Having cleared the postgraduate medical entrance exam months ago, these young medicos now find themselves unable to join hospitals or begin their PG courses, resulting in widespread frustration and financial strain.
Hospitals and government medical colleges are also struggling with manpower shortages as new batches of PG residents — who form a crucial part of the hospital workforce — are yet to join.
FORDA Calls It a “Recurring Crisis”
Expressing concern over the prolonged delay, Dr. Meet Ghonia, National General Secretary of the Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA), said,
“The continuous delay in NEET PG counselling has become a recurring crisis that causes immense distress to thousands of young doctors. Every year, these delays leave an entire batch sitting idle for months — without work, pay, or clarity about their future.”
Dr. Ghonia added that this administrative paralysis weakens public healthcare delivery, increases burnout among current residents, and pushes aspirants into financial and emotional uncertainty.
Delay Despite Exam and Results in August
The NEET PG 2025 exam was held on August 3, and results were announced on August 19. However, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) began registration only in October — after more than two months of waiting.
While Round 1 seat allotment was scheduled for November 6–8, the process was again halted after MCC announced a revision of the seat matrix following new inputs from the National Medical Commission (NMC) and National Board of Examinations (NBE).
Outrage on Social Media
Doctors have taken to social media to vent their frustration.
A user wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“Doctors are jobless, hospitals short-staffed — but who cares? NMC, MCC & NBE are too busy revising the seat matrix for three months straight. Maybe by the time counselling starts, NEET PG 2026 will be here.”
Another user, @medicopenia, commented,
“NEET PG delays aren’t just schedule changes — they derail careers, burden families, and shatter dreams. A nation that needs more specialists is forcing its own healers to stand still.”
Doctors’ Associations Demand Accountability
Highlighting the cascading impact, Dr. Lakshya Mittal, National Chairperson of the United Doctors’ Front (UDF), said,
“Thousands of doctors quit their jobs to prepare for NEET PG. They’re now left waiting without clarity. Authorities should have verified seats and completed technicalities in advance so that counselling could start on time.”
Healthcare System Under Strain
Echoing similar sentiments, Dr. Akshay Dongardive, National President of the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), called the situation “a national concern.”
“Keeping trained doctors idle during a time of healthcare shortage is indefensible. These delays disrupt education timelines, affect mental health, and create financial burdens — especially for those from middle-class and rural backgrounds.”
Urgent Appeal for Action
FAIMA and FORDA have urged the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, NMC, and MCC to act swiftly.
Dr. Dongardive added,
“Doctors are not asking for privilege — they’re asking for the basic right to continue their education and serve society. Swift action is necessary to allow the next batch of PG residents to join hospitals and strengthen the public healthcare system.”
