NEET PG Counselling 2024: MCC Releases Revised Brochure, Adds AFMC Eligibility Criteria

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has released an updated information bulletin for the NEET PG 2024 counselling process, now including significant details about the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) counselling and eligibility criteria. This revised brochure is available on the official website, mcc.nic.in, 

The Supreme Court is scheduled to review petitions filed against the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) on November 19, potentially impacting the NEET PG process.

New Counselling Framework for AFMS Candidates

As per a letter from June 26, 2024, the office of the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) confirmed that this year, MCC will oversee counselling for AFMS Priority III, IV, and V candidates seeking admission into AFMS Postgraduate Teaching Institutes.

Under this policy, AFMS has established specific eligibility conditions for civilian and military candidates:

• Priority 3 and 4 candidates: The DGAFMS will provide MCC with a screened list of eligible candidates.

• Priority 5 candidates: Civilian candidates will be assigned seats based on merit, choice, and seat availability. They must also pass a medical examination at their assigned AFMS institution before admission.

Candidates who qualify under the AFMS criteria but are not medically fit will be disqualified from admission.

Counselling Guidelines and Service Obligations

AFMS Postgraduate Teaching Institutes aim to train in-service medical officers to meet the Armed Forces' specialized healthcare needs. Civilian doctors admitted to AFMS programs (MD, MS, DNB) will be required to serve as Short Service Commissioned (SSC) Officers for a minimum of five years.

Seats will be allocated according to the following priority system:

• Priority 1: AFMS officers enrolled in Advanced Specialist or Postgraduate courses.

• Priority 2: Government-sponsored foreign students and AFMS officers on Study Leave.

• Priority 3: Medical Officers sponsored by paramilitary or other government organizations.

• Priority 4: Ex-SSC AFMS officers within three years of service release.

• Priority 5: Civilian candidates.

Important Information on Candidature Cancellation

The MCC has clarified procedures for cancellation of candidature, along with required certifications for admission. These guidelines emphasize the importance of submitting accurate documentation to ensure a smooth counselling experience.

With a robust process in place for both civilian and military candidates, NEET PG 2024 counselling aims to address AFMS’s training needs while opening opportunities for civilian doctors to serve the nation’s armed forces.