The latest notification comes in response to concerns raised by several candidates who had already joined their allotted institutions after Round 1 counselling and had begun performing their clinical responsibilities. Following the publication of the Round 2 seat allotment results, many of these candidates received upgraded seats and moved to new institutions.

During this transition, reports emerged that certain medical colleges were attempting to recover the stipends paid to these doctors during their stay at the previously allotted institutions. NBEMS has now categorically stated that such recoveries are not permitted.

The clarification provides significant relief to medical professionals participating in the ongoing counselling process and establishes clear guidelines for all participating institutions.

NBEMS Clearly States That Stipends Cannot Be Recovered

According to the latest NBEMS notice, medical colleges cannot demand the return of stipends from candidates who joined institutions after the first round of counselling and later upgraded their seats during the second round.

The board emphasized that stipends paid to resident doctors are legitimate compensation for clinical services rendered and should not be treated as temporary or refundable payments.

NBEMS has made it clear that:

• A stipend is the rightful remuneration for medical services performed.

• It cannot be considered a provisional advance.

• Colleges cannot recover or adjust stipend payments after seat upgradation.

• Doctors who actively performed clinical duties are entitled to receive the full stipend for the period they worked.

The board's decision reinforces the principle that resident doctors should receive fair compensation for their contributions to patient care and hospital services.

Why Did the Stipend Recovery Issue Arise?

The issue surfaced after several candidates who had been allotted seats during Round 1 NEET SS counselling joined their assigned colleges and immediately began participating in clinical activities.

Subsequently, the Round 2 counselling process resulted in seat upgrades for many candidates, requiring them to leave their previously allotted institutions and report to new colleges.

During this transition, some institutions reportedly attempted to recover stipends that had already been disbursed.

NBEMS intervened after these concerns were brought to its attention and issued a directive prohibiting such practices.

NBEMS Directs Institutions to Relieve Upgraded Candidates on Priority

The official notice also addresses the issue of timely reporting by candidates who received upgraded seats during Round 2.

According to NBEMS, institutions currently accommodating these candidates must ensure that they are relieved without unnecessary delays.

The board instructed colleges to prioritize the completion of administrative formalities so that candidates can report to their newly allotted institutions within the prescribed deadlines.

Candidates who have received upgraded seats are also expected to complete all admission procedures promptly to avoid complications during the transition process.

Court Cases Led to Delays in the Counselling Process

NBEMS acknowledged that the counselling process experienced delays because of multiple legal proceedings.

The Supreme Court dealt with several cases related to the counselling process, resulting in changes to the counselling schedule.

Because of these delays, many doctors continued to work in their allotted hospitals for extended periods and played an important role in delivering healthcare services.

NBEMS recognized the significant contributions made by these medical professionals during the prolonged counselling phase.

Supreme Court Orders Resulted in Additional Seat Transfers

The recent developments in NEET SS counselling were also influenced by an important decision of the Supreme Court.

The court directed the Tamil Nadu government to transfer unfilled seats back to the central pool.

Following the order, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) incorporated these vacant seats into the Round 2 counselling process.

The addition of these seats resulted in several changes to the allotment process, leading to numerous seat upgrades and institutional transfers.

This reshuffling significantly affected candidates who had already joined colleges after the first round.

What This Means for NEET SS 2025 Candidates

The latest clarification from NBEMS provides much-needed relief to candidates who upgraded their seats during the second round of counselling.

The notice ensures that:

• Resident doctors will not lose their legitimate earnings.

• Institutions must process relieving requests without delays.

• Candidates can transition to upgraded institutions smoothly.

• Clinical work performed during the transition period will be appropriately compensated.

Candidates participating in the counselling process should continue to monitor official notifications and strictly follow reporting deadlines to avoid admission-related complications.