July 25, 2023, New Delhi, Puducherry Medical Courses Quota – In a landmark decision aimed at empowering students from government schools, the Puducherry Cabinet has recommended a 10% *horizontal reservation for NEET-qualified government school students in medical courses.
This decision, if approved by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), will open up new opportunities for deserving students from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue MBBS, BDS, and BAMS courses in the Union Territory.
There are 370 seats available under the government quota in four medical colleges, around 37 students are expected to benefit from this reservation policy.
*Note: Horizontal reservation is a policy that sets aside a certain number of seats or jobs for different disadvantaged groups, like lower castes, tribes, women, or people with disabilities. The aim is to provide equal opportunities and representation for all these groups in education and employment.
Puducherry Medical Courses Quota – Additional Details
- The recommendation for 10% reservation in MBBS and BDS courses was made during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister N. Rangasamy.
- Chief Minister N. Rangasamy expressed hopefulness about obtaining approval from the Lieutenant Governor and the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
- In the past, a similar recommendation from the previous government faced challenges due to power struggles, leading to rejection by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
- However, the present administration’s renewed efforts and collaboration have boosted confidence in securing the necessary approval to implement this progressive measure.
Puducherry Medical Courses Quota – Way Ahead
- Educational Equity: The decision to grant 10% reservation for government school students in MBBS, BDS, and BAMS courses aims to bridge educational disparities and increase access to medical education.
- Empowerment of Students: Prioritizing government school students empowers those with limited resources but immense potential and dedication to excel in the medical field.
- Toward Equitable Society: This progressive measure aligns with efforts to create a more equitable society and ensures deserving students aren’t held back by financial constraints.
Puducherry Medical Courses Quota – Benefits to Students
- As per the new reservation policy, 37 students from government schools will secure admission in four medical colleges offering MBBS, BDS, and BAMS courses.
- In addition, the dental stream will witness 10% reservation, with 112 seats in three dental colleges included under the government quota.
- The implementation of the 10% horizontal reservation policy will pave the way for 11 NEET-qualified government school students to secure medical college admissions. Moreover, four students will benefit from this policy at Rajiv Gandhi Ayurvedic Medical College.
- This progressive measure aims to uplift students from rural areas and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, offering them equal opportunities to pursue a career in medicine.
Puducherry Medical Courses Quota – No. of Seats and Allocation
- A total of 370 government quota seats are available in four medical colleges.
- For MBBS, 37 seats will be reserved exclusively for government school students.
- The allocation of MBBS seats includes 34 for Puducherry, 2 for Karaikal, and 1 for Mahe.
- Additionally, Indira Gandhi Medical College will reserve 13 seats for government school students, distributed as 10 for Puducherry, 2 for Karaikal, and 1 for Mahe.
- In private colleges, 24 seats will be reserved for government school students, with 9 each in Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College and Sri Venkateswara Medical College, and 6 in Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences for Puducherry students.
- The allocation considers existing regional reservations in Karaikal (18%), Yanam (3%), and Mahe (4%).
- Furthermore, the Cabinet recommends 11 BDS seats and 4 BVSc seats for government school students at Mahatma Gandhi PostGraduate Institute of Dental Sciences and Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Veterinary Education and Research, respectively.
Puducherry Medical Courses Quota – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is eligible for the 10% reservation in medical admissions?
A1. NEET-qualified students from government schools in Puducherry are eligible for the reservation.
Q2. How many seats are available under the government quota in medical colleges?
A2. There are 370 seats available under the government quota in four medical colleges.
Q3. How many students will benefit from this reservation policy?
A3. Around 37 students from government schools are expected to benefit from the 10% reservation policy.
Q4. What courses are covered under the reservation policy?
A4. The reservation policy covers MBBS, BDS, and BAMS courses.
Q5. Will the reservation policy apply to dental colleges as well?
A5. Yes, the dental stream will also witness 10% reservation, with 112 seats in three dental colleges included under the government quota.
Q6. When will the reservation policy come into effect?
A7. The policy is proposed to be implemented from the current academic year, subject to Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) approval.
