As the Round 2 allotment for NEET SS 2025 counselling approaches, concerns are mounting among candidates over uncertainty in the admission process. The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) has formally urged the Union Health Ministry to intervene and ensure transparency regarding cut-off reduction and counselling rounds.
FORDA Flags Uncertainty in Counselling Process
In a representation submitted on April 15, 2026, FORDA requested the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to direct the Medical Counselling Committee and the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences to reduce the qualifying cut-off before the Round 2 seat allotment.
The association highlighted that current NEET SS 2025 counselling guidelines mention only two rounds, with no clarity on a third round or stray vacancy round, leaving candidates in confusion.
Fear of Seat Wastage in Super Speciality Courses
FORDA warned that the absence of timely decisions could lead to large-scale wastage of super speciality seats, which would negatively impact both medical education and healthcare services in India.
The association stressed that such vacancies are avoidable if proactive measures—like cut-off reduction—are taken at the right time.
Past Trends Show Consistent Cut-Off Relaxation
Citing previous years, FORDA pointed out a clear pattern:
- In 2022 and 2023, cut-offs were reduced by 20 percentile before the second or special round.
- In 2024, the cut-off was reduced to zero percentile, and a third round of counselling was conducted.
According to the association, this establishes cut-off reduction as a standard and necessary policy, not an exception.
Core Concern: Timing and Transparency
FORDA emphasised that candidates’ biggest concern is not just whether the cut-off will be reduced—but when the decision will be announced.
The association noted that:
- Candidates have already made critical choices regarding seat preferences and upgrades.
- Lack of clarity on additional rounds compromises fairness in the counselling process.
“If a third round is planned, it should have been disclosed in advance. Retroactive announcements after Round 2 would be unfair,” the association stated.
Key Demands Put Forward by FORDA
The doctors’ body has made several specific demands to ensure fairness and transparency:
- Immediate cut-off reduction before Round 2, in line with past precedents.
- Official clarification on third round or stray vacancy round at the earliest.
- Allowing all eligible candidates, including those who opted “No” for upgradation in Round 1, to participate in Round 2.
- Shifting unfilled Tamil Nadu state quota seats to All India Quota before Round 2 to maximise seat utilisation.
Doctors’ Body Calls for Urgent Action
Speaking on the issue, Dr. Meet Ghonia, General Secretary of FORDA, stressed that delays in decision-making could harm candidates and lead to inefficient seat allocation.
He warned that lack of transparency and delayed cut-off reduction could result in unfair outcomes and wasted opportunities for aspiring super speciality doctors.
Why This Matters
NEET SS counselling plays a crucial role in filling super speciality medical seats across India. Any delay or lack of clarity in the process can:
- Affect career decisions of candidates
- Lead to vacant seats in critical medical fields
- Impact the overall healthcare system
Conclusion:
With Round 2 approaching, the spotlight is now on authorities to ensure timely decisions and transparent communication. FORDA’s appeal highlights the urgent need for policy clarity to protect merit, prevent seat wastage, and uphold fairness in one of India’s most important medical admission processes.
