Editor
GUWAHATI: The Assam Government has proposed significant amendments to the MBBS/BDS admission rules in order to accommodate the increase in MBBS seats in the state's medical colleges. The proposed changes aim to ensure fair representation and provide opportunities to various categories of students aspiring to pursue medical education.
One of the key highlights of the proposed amendment is the reservation of 10% of the total remaining MBBS seats, after deducting the 15% All India Quota, Central Pool, North Eastern Council quota, and Royal Government of Bhutan quota seats, for NRI/NRI-sponsored students who have cleared the NEET UG examination. This move aims to attract talented students from non-resident Indian families and promote diversity in medical education.
In addition, the proposal seeks to increase the reservation for six communities under the OBC/MOBC (Other Backward Classes/MOBC) category, specifically the Children of Tea Garden/Ex-Tea Garden Communities/Tribes, Moran, Matak, Tai Ahom, Chutia Koch Rajbongshi. The current number of reserved seats for these communities in MBBS programs and the proposed number of reserved seats (for both MBBS and BDS) are as follows:
- Children of Tea Garden/Ex-Tea Garden Communities/Tribes: Currently 27 reserved seats (20 in Brahmaputra Valley and 7 in Barak Valley) with a proposed increase to 30 reserved seats (22 in Brahmaputra Valley and 8 in Barak Valley).
- Moran: Currently 5 reserved seats with a proposed increase to 8 reserved seats (1 for BDS).
- Matak: Currently 5 reserved seats with a proposed increase to 8 reserved seats (1 for BDS).
- Tai Ahom: Currently 7 reserved seats with a proposed increase to 10 reserved seats (1 for BDS).
- Chutia Koch Rajbongshi: Currently 6 reserved seats with a proposed increase to 9 reserved seats (1 for BDS).
Furthermore, the proposed amendment aims to reserve 10% of the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) quota for MBBS seats in six medical colleges across Assam. The colleges included in this provision are Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Silchar, Jorhat, Tezpur, and Barpeta. This initiative is aimed at providing opportunities to students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue medical education.
The proposed amendments reflect the government's commitment to inclusivity and equitable access to education in the field of medicine. By reserving seats for NRI/NRI-sponsored students, communities under the OBC/MOBC category, and economically weaker sections, the Assam Government aims to create a level playing field and ensure representation from diverse backgrounds in medical colleges across the state.
These proposed changes will undergo review and consultation before being implemented. The government aims to strike a balance between merit-based admissions and providing opportunities to underrepresented communities, thereby fostering a more inclusive and robust healthcare system in Assam.
As the amendment process progresses, aspiring medical students and stakeholders will closely watch the developments, anticipating a fair and transparent admission process that reflects the state's commitment to quality medical education.