The Maharashtra State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has identified 152 candidates who submitted forged documents during the NEET UG 2025 Round 3 counselling. These individuals sought admission to Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programs across Maharashtra. The CET Cell issued a direct notice, compelling these candidates to resubmit their original and valid documents by October 16, 12 noon . Failure to comply with this directive will result in their immediate disqualification from the admission process.
This critical discovery emerged after the release of the provisional state merit list. The CET Cell received numerous complaints alleging widespread misuse of the admission policy. Specific concerns highlighted instances of seat-blocking. Many aspirants suspected that some candidates had already secured confirmed medical seats in other states or through the All India Quota (AIQ) counselling. Despite holding other confirmed seats, these individuals allegedly uploaded fake or invalid documents to apply for additional seats within Maharashtra’s government and private medical colleges.
Officials at the CET Cell initiated a thorough preliminary investigation. They cross-verified all documents submitted by candidates for the current counselling round. This meticulous review process uncovered 152 distinct cases exhibiting either outright forgery or significant mismatches in documentation. The CET Cell has communicated directly with these affected candidates via email. The notices instruct them to either present their factual case or re-upload their legitimate original documents for verification.
Understanding Seat Blocking and Its Consequences
Seat blocking is a serious breach of admission ethics. It occurs when a candidate holds onto multiple medical seats simultaneously, preventing other deserving applicants from gaining admission. For example, a candidate might secure an MBBS seat through the AIQ, then also apply and hold a seat in a state-level counselling round. This effectively removes two potential seats from the pool, even though the candidate can only join one program.
The practice directly harms genuine candidates. It reduces the availability of seats, especially in highly competitive fields like medicine. This manipulation inflates cut-off scores and denies opportunities to students who rely solely on their merit for a single seat. The CET Cell confirmed that some of the 152 flagged candidates had already been allocated seats in previous counselling rounds, strengthening suspicions of deliberate seat-blocking tactics.
Such actions stall the entire admission process. They create delays, necessitate additional counselling rounds, and generate uncertainty for thousands of aspiring medical students. The integrity of the state’s medical education system depends on preventing these unfair practices.
Legal Oversight and Preventative Measures
The issue of multiple seat holdings and fraudulent representation has garnered attention at the highest judicial levels. The Supreme Court of India has previously intervened in cases concerning irregularities in medical admissions, including those for NEET PG (Postgraduate) programs. In response to these concerns, the Court issued directives aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability.
Specifically, the Supreme Court instructed officials to introduce Aadhaar-based tracking systems for medical seats. This mandate serves as a critical measure to eliminate the possibility of individuals holding onto multiple seats. By linking seat allocations directly to a unique Aadhaar identity, authorities can effectively monitor and prevent false representations. This system enhances the verification process, ensuring that each candidate occupies only one legitimate seat.
The Maharashtra CET Cell’s current action reflects this broader commitment to fair and transparent admissions. By promptly addressing suspected forgery and seat blocking, the Cell aims to uphold the sanctity of the medical entrance examination and counselling process. This proactive approach ensures that only eligible candidates with genuine documents secure admission.
Urgent Action for Identified Candidates
The 152 candidates who received notices face a critical deadline. They must take immediate and decisive action to rectify their application status. The deadline for submitting original documents or providing satisfactory clarification is stringent: October 16, 12 noon .
- Review Official Communication: Candidates must meticulously check their registered email addresses for the official notice from the Maharashtra CET Cell.
- Prepare Authentic Documents: Assemble all necessary original academic certificates, identity proofs, and other supporting documents as per NEET UG guidelines.
- Follow Submission Instructions: Adhere strictly to the instructions provided in the email regarding the re-uploading or physical submission process for documents.
- Respect the Deadline: Ensure all required actions are completed well before the stated deadline of October 16, 12 noon to avoid automatic disqualification.
Failure to meet this deadline or to provide legitimate, verifiable documentation will result in permanent disqualification from the ongoing MBBS admission process in Maharashtra. The CET Cell underscores its commitment to maintaining equity and merit in medical education admissions, ensuring that every seat is allocated fairly.
