NEW DELHI — The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), has issued an important notice dated May 27, 2026, for candidates seeking admission under the Non-Resident Indian (NRI) quota. The notice is specifically directed at candidates who claim NRI/OCI status or wish to convert their nationality from Indian to NRI for the upcoming UG and PG medical counselling for the academic year 2026–2027.
The MCC has strictly outlined the eligibility criteria based on the landmark Supreme Court of India ruling in W.P No. 13393 of 2007 (Anshul Tomar vs. State of M.P) to streamline the verification process and ensure only genuine candidates benefit from the reserved seats.
Public Notice for eligibility of NRI candidature for Academic Year 2026-27
Key Eligibility Criteria for NRI Quota
According to the official notification, a candidate can claim NRI status under one of the following verified conditions set by the Hon’ble Supreme Court:
- Parents’ Status: The mother or father of the student must be an NRI and ordinarily residing abroad. PDF
- First-Degree Relations: If the parents are not NRIs, first-degree relations—which strictly include real brothers and sisters residing abroad—are considered eligible sponsors. PDF
- Nearest Blood Relations as Guardians (Ward/Palya): If a candidate is being sponsored by a broader family member acting as a guardian, the definition is strictly restricted to the following nearest blood relations who must be NRIs ordinarily residing abroad: PDF
- Real paternal uncle and aunt (father’s real brother and sister).
- Real maternal uncle and aunt (mother’s real brother and sister).
- Paternal grandfather and grandmother.
- Maternal grandfather and grandmother.
- First-degree paternal and maternal cousins.
Mandatory Legal Proof and Guardianship Act Compliance
The MCC has introduced a stringent verification measure for candidates falling under the third category (sponsored by a relative guardian).
Important Note: Aspirants for the academic year 2026 must produce legal, evidential proof during counselling demonstrating that the sponsor is the Bonafide legal guardian of the candidate as per the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890. Additionally, an explicit affidavit stating these facts must be submitted.
Candidates failing to adhere to these criteria or those unable to produce the required legal documentation will not be permitted to participate in the counselling process under the NRI candidature.
Summary of Requirements for Candidates
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Target Audience | NEET UG/PG 2026–27 aspirants claiming NRI/OCI status or seeking nationality conversion. |
| Sponsorship | Must be by parents, real siblings, or predefined nearest blood relatives. |
| Mandatory Documents | Evidential proof of guardianship under the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890, and a supporting affidavit. |
| Official Contact | Candidates may reach out via email at adgme@nic.in for further queries. |
All medical aspirants planning to apply under the NRI quota are advised to keep their legal documents and affidavits ready well in advance of the counselling dates.