The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Government of India, has issued a notice for candidates who claim NRI/OCI status or wish to convert their nationality from Indian to NRI for participation in upcoming UG/PG counselling for the academic year 2026-27.

According to the notice, candidates seeking admission under the NRI quota will have to comply with the eligibility criteria laid down by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in W.P. No. 13393 of 2007 and connected matters, including the case referred to in the notice as Anshul Tomar vs. State of M.P. (2008).

MCC has advised NEET aspirants to carefully follow the prescribed requirements before claiming NRI quota seats during counselling.

Who Can Be Considered Eligible Under the NRI Quota?

As stated in the MCC notice, the Supreme Court order provides eligibility in the following situations:

NRI Parent

If the mother or father of the student is an NRI and ordinarily residing abroad, the candidate may be considered eligible for an NRI quota seat.

NRI First-Degree Relative

If the candidate's first-degree relation is an NRI and ordinarily residing abroad, the candidate may also be considered eligible. The notice states that this includes the candidate's real brother or sister, in addition to the mother and father.

NRI Relative Acting as Guardian

The notice further refers to situations where an NRI person considers the student as a ward. Such a claim is subject to specific conditions relating to the relationship, residence, guardianship and supporting evidence.

Eligible Nearest Relations Mentioned in the Notice

The MCC notice refers to the following blood relations as nearest relations for the purpose described in the Supreme Court order:

• Real brother or sister of the father — real paternal uncle or aunt
• Real brother or sister of the mother — real maternal uncle or aunt
• Father's father or mother — paternal grandfather or grandmother
• Mother's father or mother — maternal grandfather or grandmother
• First-degree paternal and maternal cousins

The person claiming to be the nearest relation must also fulfil the other conditions specified in the notice.

Conditions for an NRI Guardian/Sponsor

According to the MCC notice, where an NRI relative is claiming eligibility as the guardian/sponsor of the candidate, the following conditions are important:

1. The person should be the nearest relation as specified.
2. The person should be an NRI.
3. The person should be ordinarily residing abroad.
4. The person should have looked after the student as the guardian of the student.
5. Evidence supporting the guardianship relationship must be produced before the concerned committee.
6. An affidavit confirming the stated facts should also be provided.

MCC to Seek Legal Proof During Counselling

MCC has specifically informed NEET aspirants that the MCC/competent authority may seek evidential proof and legal documents during counselling for cases covered under points 3(d) and 3(e) of the Supreme Court order.

The purpose is to establish that the NRI sponsor is actually the bona fide legal guardian of the candidate, as per the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890.

Therefore, candidates claiming NRI quota eligibility should ensure that they have the required supporting documents and legal evidence before participating in counselling.

NRI/OCI Candidates Advised to Follow Eligibility Requirements

Candidates who intend to participate in NRI quota counselling for NEET UG or PG 2026-27 must adhere to the eligibility conditions mentioned in the MCC notice.

The notice is particularly relevant for candidates who:

• Claim NRI status
• Claim OCI status
• Want to convert their nationality from Indian to NRI
• Intend to seek an NRI quota seat
• Have an NRI relative acting as their sponsor or guardian

Candidates should carefully verify their relationship with the NRI sponsor and keep the required documentary and legal evidence ready for the counselling process.

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