Mumbai, Nov 18, 2025 — The Maharashtra NEET UG 2025 counselling process has been hit by a major controversy after two MBBS aspirants were denied admission for allegedly refusing to pay an additional ₹61.2 lakh ‘assurance’ fee demanded by two private medical colleges.

The students, allotted seats under the institutional quota at Terna Medical College (Navi Mumbai) and Dr. Rajendra Gode Medical College (Amravati), claim they were asked to submit four post-dated cheques of ₹15.30 lakh each. These were described as an “assurance” towards a possible future fee hike — a demand not authorised under any official fee structure.

What the Students Say Happened

• Both candidates reported to their allotted colleges on the scheduled dates for physical verification.

• Instead of being guided to the counselling hall, they were taken to administrative offices where officials allegedly pressured and intimidated them.

• Each student was instructed to deposit ₹61.2 lakh in post-dated cheques, failing which they would not be granted admission.

• When they refused, the colleges cancelled their MBBS seats, despite the legitimate allotment through the counselling process.

• One student said, “We completed all formalities, but they demanded extra cheques. When we denied, they refused to give us the seat.”

• Another said the entire experience left them “broken and helpless.”

Why the Demand Is Controversial

• The so-called assurance fee is not part of the approved FRA (Fee Regulating Authority) structure.

• No medical college is allowed to collect extra deposits or guarantees beyond approved fees.

• Such demands raise concerns of extortion, exploitation, and opaque admission practices, especially during the high-pressure stray vacancy rounds.

Counselling Background

• Maharashtra’s first stray vacancy round for MBBS/BDS had numerous seats left unfilled, prompting institute-level admissions.

• Over 44,000 candidates are still competing for remaining seats, with more than 380 MBBS/BDS seats vacant at the time of this incident.

• Court-mandated changes and delays in adding newly approved seats have already sparked frustration among students.

Students File Complaint

The two affected candidates have submitted a formal complaint to the Maharashtra CET Cell, requesting:

• A new counselling round

• Strict action against the colleges

• Protection from coercion during reporting

• Re-allotment of seats in a safe and fair environment

They accuse the colleges of using their institutional quota autonomy to exploit vulnerable students at the last moment.

Growing Scrutiny on Private Medical Colleges

• Admission irregularities have been rising in Maharashtra this year, prompting the state government to establish a probe committee to investigate such cases.

• Earlier, over 150 students were flagged for allegedly using fake or manipulated documents, revealing systemic loopholes.

• Parents and counsellors are now demanding tighter monitoring, real-time recording of reporting processes, and legal penalties for colleges demanding unauthorised payments.

What May Happen Next

• CET Cell may launch an official inquiry into the two colleges.

• The FRA could investigate whether the fee-hike “assurance” practice is being used elsewhere.

• Students may approach the Bombay High Court if no timely relief is provided.

• The controversy may force the government to redesign stray vacancy norms to eliminate college-level manipulation.

Why This Matters

This incident exposes the pressure, vulnerability, and lack of transparency in private medical admissions. As students chase the few remaining MBBS seats, colleges allegedly exploit the situation — imposing demands far beyond regulations.

The outcome of this case may influence future counselling rules, college accountability, and student safety in Maharashtra’s medical education system.