NEET-SS: Doctors allege counselling deposits stuck with MCC, move court

Thousands of young doctors across India are alleging that crores of rupees in refundable counselling deposits remain stuck with the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), months after the completion of NEET Super Speciality (NEET-SS) counselling cycles, triggering financial stress, repeated complaints, and now legal action before the Delhi High Court.

Under MCC rules, candidates appearing for NEET-SS counselling are required to deposit Rs 2 lakh as a refundable security amount (Rs 2.5 lakh, including a non-refundable component). This amount is meant to ensure candidates do not block seats and is to be returned after the counselling process concludes, whether or not a seat is allotted, provided candidates follow the rules.

‘I had to take a loan to pay deposit’

However, multiple candidates told The Federal that refunds from the previous two cycles have been delayed for months, with no clear communication, timeline, or grievance redressal.

Shashwat Lohia, one of the petitioners who has approached the Delhi HC along with 346 others, said he had to take a loan to pay the deposit.

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“We had submitted Rs 2 lakh in 2024 after taking a loan because my personal savings were not that high, and I had family commitments. It was an overdraft at 14 per cent interest. This has been going on for 8-10 months, even though we were supposed to get the money back in 3 months,” he said.

‘Lack of communication distressing’

He added that the lack of communication has been as distressing as the delay itself.

“The worst part is that there is no accountability and no clear picture of what was happening. There is no timeline, no explanation, and no communication; we are completely in the dark,” he said.

Candidates said they had exhausted all possible channels without success.

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“We tried everything: emails, phone calls, RTIs, even tagging officials on social media. But there was absolutely no response,” Lohia said. “We completed all the required steps by 31st January, but even after that, two to three months passed with no response,” he added.

While refunds have now begun, Lohia said the pace remains slow.

“Only 5-6 people are getting their money back every day… at this pace, it will take a very long time,” he said.

No refunds for two cycles for some candidates

For others, the issue has compounded across cycles. Pranav RK, a candidate from Ernakulam in Kerala who appeared for both 2024 and 2025 counselling, said he is yet to receive refunds from either attempt.

“In NEET-SS 2024, I participated in counselling but didn’t get a seat, so ideally, the Rs 2 lakhs should have been refunded. In 2025, I again participated, and this time I got a seat in CMC Vellore which I took. So, as per the rules, both amounts should have been returned to me. But I have not received anything till now, even though I am eligible for a refund in both cases,” he said.

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Pranav said the money came from family savings accumulated over the years.

“This money came from my parents’ savings. Even then, Rs 4 lakh is a significant amount. Keeping it blocked for so long affects financial planning,” he said.

Despite repeated attempts to follow up, he said responses have been largely automated.

“I have written nearly 100 emails… but every time, I only get an auto-generated reply saying they are waiting for instructions from higher authorities,” said Pranav.

‘One feels completely helpless’

For Supriya Pulivarthi, a doctor from Andhra Pradesh, the delay has directly shaped her career decisions.

“My stipend was only around Rs 25,000-30,000, and I also had a car EMI, so saving Rs 2 lakh was not possible. I had to borrow the money from my brother, thinking I would return it in one or two months,” she said.

After not receiving a refund from the 2024 cycle, she was forced to arrange another Rs 2 lakh to participate again.

“Even before I got the previous Rs 2 lakhs back, the next counselling started… so in total, Rs 4 lakh got blocked,” she said.

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The uncertainty has had wider consequences. Supriya said she briefly took up a government hospital job but had to leave to prepare for the exam.

“I decided to sit at home for six months to prepare properly. That meant no income and complete dependence. You’re just sitting at home with no idea where your life is heading. There is no accountability and no one to answer your questions… it feels completely helpless,” she said.

‘What are they doing with the interest?’

Collectively, candidates estimate that thousands of aspirants may be affected, with Rs 2 lakh per candidate locked for several months, raising questions about the handling of these funds.

“Out of thousands of doctors, they have held Rs 2 lakh per person for so many months… what are they doing with the interest?” Lohia asked.

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The issue has now reached the court, with petitioners arguing that the continued withholding of refundable deposits amounts to arbitrary action and financial hardship. They have sought directions for immediate refunds, a time-bound mechanism, and greater transparency in the counselling process.

As per the petitioners, the hearing is scheduled for May 4.