The Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the State authorities to restrict the allotment of postgraduate medical seats to in-service candidates within the 30% quota, amid concerns that they may be receiving dual benefits under the existing admission rules.
A Division Bench of Chief Justice Alok Y. Kogje and Justice Vivek Jain passed the interim directions on November 2, 2026, while hearing a petition challenging the admission process for NEET PG 2026-27.
Background
The petitioners, Dr Sarvjeet Singh and another, approached the Court alleging that in-service candidates were benefiting both from 30% reservation and additional marks awarded for their government service experience.
Under Rule 14 of the Madhya Pradesh Chikitsa Shiksha Pravesh Niyam, 2018, in-service candidates receive additional weightage of 10%, 20% or 30%, depending on their length of service.
The petitioners argued that this arrangement was adversely affecting fresh candidates with higher NEET PG scores.
They illustrated the issue by pointing out that an in-service candidate with an All India Rank of 13,865 was placed at Rank 333 after receiving additional marks.
Taking note of the submissions, the Bench observed that the admission mechanism appeared to give in-service candidates a dual advantage through reservation and additional marks for experience.
The Court recorded:
"It appears that the modus adopted by the respondent/Director for admitting the students to the course is having an effect by which the in-service candidates are getting dual benefit both in the quota of reservation of 30% and the addition of marks on the basis of their experience which is causing great injustice to the fresh students who are having higher NEET PG score."
Considering the ongoing counselling and urgency of seat allotment, the High Court directed the respondents to ensure that branches and subjects allotted to in-service candidates remain restricted to the 30% seats specified under the applicable seat-distribution documents.
The Court issued notices to the respondents and permitted the petitioners to serve them through personal service and email. It also directed the parties to complete their pleadings.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on November 5, 2026, at 2:30 PM.
Case Details
Case Title: Dr Sarvjeet Singh and Another v. State of Madhya Pradesh and Another
Case Number: WP No. 44909 of 2026
Judges: Chief Justice Alok Y. Kogje and Justice Vivek Jain
Decision Date: November 2, 2026
