The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has clarified that candidates upgraded in NEET SS 2025 counselling’s Round 2 will not have to repay their stipends. The decision provides financial relief to doctors who moved to new institutions after initially joining Round 1. NBEMS issued a notice stating that the stipend is payment for work performed, not an advance.
Stipend Recovery Prohibited
NBEMS has directed medical colleges not to recover stipends from candidates who upgraded their seats. The board emphasized that these doctors actively participated in patient care and clinical duties. Their stipend represents earned wages for this work. Colleges cannot deduct or reclaim this payment due to a seat upgrade. The notice aims to protect doctors for their service during the counselling process.
Streamlining Round 2 Admissions
The NBEMS notice also addresses the joining process for upgraded candidates in NEET SS 2025 Round 2. New institutions must facilitate prompt joining for these students. Old institutes are instructed to relieve upgraded candidates quickly. This ensures a smooth transition and adherence to deadlines. Students are also urged to complete their admission formalities without delay.
Counselling Delays and Seat Reallocation
This year's NEET SS counselling faced delays due to multiple court cases. These cases reached the Supreme Court. During the delay, many doctors continued their hospital duties. The Supreme Court later ordered the Tamil Nadu government to return vacant seats to the central pool. The Medical Counselling Committee then added these seats to NEET SS 2025 Round 2. This resulted in many candidates securing upgraded positions in new colleges.
The NBEMS clarification ensures these doctors are not penalized for the seat changes. Their earned stipends are secured. This policy respects the clinical services provided by the doctors during the extended counselling period.
