All-India quota in medical, dental seats: 27% for OBC, 10% EWS

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, July 29

The government today announced to reserve 27 per cent seats for OBC and 10 per cent for EWS students in undergraduate and postgraduate medical and dental courses (MBBS/MD/MS/diploma/BDS/MDS) under the All India Quota (AIQ) Scheme from the current academic session.

This will make it easier for students from Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) to study in any medical college of their choice across India. PM Narendra Modi, at a meeting held on Monday, had directed the ministries concerned to facilitate an effective solution to the long-pending issue.

Also read: Amit Shah welcomes decision to provide quota to OBC, economically backwards in medical education

Hailing the move as a landmark, the PM today said, “The decision will help thousands of our youth every year get better opportunities and create a new paradigm of social justice in our country.”

The decision would annually benefit around 1,500 OBC students in MBBS and 2,500 in postgraduation, besides around 550 EWS students in MBBS and 1,000 in postgraduation, the government said.

The all-India quota comprises 15% of total available UG seats and 50% of total available PG seats in government medical colleges. Initially, there was no reservation under the AIQ Scheme. In 2007, the Supreme Court introduced a reservation of 15% for SCs and 7.5% for STs under the scheme. When the Central Educational Institutions (Reservation in Admission) Act became effective in 2007, providing for 27 per cent quota to OBCs, the same was implemented in all central educational institutions.

However, it was not extended to the AIQ seats of state medical and dental colleges. That gap is being filled now.

Quota applicability
MBBS, postgraduation, dental seats covered under the new provision

Who will benefit

• 1,500 OBC students in MBBS and 2,500 in postgraduation
• 550 EWS students in MBBS and 1,000 in postgraduation

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