The Controversy Surrounding PG Medical Seats and Reservation Policies in India

India's medical education system, particularly at the Post-Graduate (PG) level, has long been a hotbed of controversy surrounding the allocation of seats and reservation policies. A key point of contention is how certain PG medical courses perpetually have zero seats for the unreserved category, sparking debates over fairness and the effectiveness of the current reservation system.

Simplifying the Mathematics

Let's dive into the numbers. The reservation category in India, often referred to as UR (Unreserved), is generally given a quota between 35-40% of the total seats, depending on the state. This quota is fairly consistent, providing a standard framework to understand the distribution of seats.

For instance, if a PG medical branch has 10 seats, the UR category could hypothetically be allotted 3 to 4 seats. But what happens when a branch like Ophthalmology or Dermatology has only 1-2 seats in total? How do you divide such a limited number among the UR category?

The issue becomes particularly acute when the total number of seats is extremely low. As a case in point, consider VMMC Dermatology, which had zero UR seats from AIQ this year. This is just one example of a larger problem that pervades many specialized PG medical courses.

Reservation System: A Double-Edged Sword?

It is noteworthy that while the present Modi government has shown significant reluctance towards freebies, it has not been as critical of the reservation system, a form of affirmative action. However, this system has become a contentious issue. Reservation can be seen as a form of free access, lending a disadvantage to the unreserved category students.

This conflict is not just theoretical; it manifests in stark and controversial results, such as the 2024 INICET results, where the UR category's seat allocation for MDS came to an end at Rank 13, while an ST (Scheduled Tribe) candidate was admitted at Rank 220 to AIIMS New Delhi. These outcomes raise significant questions about the fairness and efficacy of the reservation policy.

The same issue has been repeated in the 2023 batch, where no seats were available for UR candidates at AIIMS Delhi. Policy makers and stakeholders need to address these insensitive outcomes to ensure that deserving candidates have a fair chance.

A Proposed Solution

A proposed solution to address this issue is to allow reservation, but with a lifetime restriction. Students could only claim reservation once, either during school admission or during college admission for graduation or during PG. This rider would potentially streamline the allocation process and eliminate the perpetual issue of unutilized seats.

While this proposal is met with skepticism and potential trolling, it highlights the need for reform in the reservation system. Addressing the voices of those who feel the most impacted is crucial to finding a balanced solution.

It is concerning to observe that many hard-working and deserving candidates from the unreserved category find themselves at odds with the current system. It is essential to tackle this issue comprehensively to ensure a fair and just system in India's medical education sector.