Rajasthan HC Rules Non-Domicile Candidates Ineligible for Reserved Seats in NEET-PG Counselling

In a landmark judgement, the Rajasthan High Court has now decided that candidates who are not domiciled in the state cannot take up seats reserved under the Rajasthan NEET PG counselling. The court delivered its verdict on a petition filed against the February 18, 2026, resolution issued by the counselling committee restricting the reservation policy for candidates from other states, irrespective of their SC/ST/OBC category. In the same way, the court made it clear that reservations will apply only to domicile candidates of each state and cannot extend to candidates from other states.

Background of the Case

• The Federation of Private Medical and Dental Colleges of Rajasthan has moved the petition in the court. 

• A case was filed against the decision of the NEET PG counselling board regarding the reservation of seats to the domicile of Rajasthan only.

• The High Court rejected the petition, stressing that the facilities of reservation are not transferable between states.

Key Highlights of the Judgment

• Candidates who do not have domicile in the state shall be considered general category candidates.

• Reservation facilities like lower qualifying percentile and quota seats shall be available only to candidates domiciled in the state.

• This judgment conforms to the federal principle enshrined in the Constitution

Impact on NEET-PG Exam Aspirants

Implications for Medical Admissions

• Rajasthan Applicants: Continue to avail of reserved category privileges, such as lower qualifying percentile requirements.

• Non-Rajasthan Applicants: Have to contest in the open category in the Rajasthan NEET PG counselling 2026 irrespective of their caste or community.

• Institutes: The judgment makes counselling easier and helps avoid any issues regarding seat distribution.

Expert Opinions

• According to legal scholars, this decision provides a strong backing to domicile-based reservation schemes.

• From an educational perspective, this decision is likely to be seen as a precedent by which other states can follow suit, guaranteeing fairness in the admission process of postgraduate medical studies.

The decision of the Rajasthan High Court will stand as an important precedent in the field of admissions in medical education, clearly stating that any benefit of reservation will strictly be domicile-based. It means that for NEET PG exam candidates, only residents of Rajasthan will qualify for reservation quotas, while others need to apply for the general categories.