The Maharashtra State CET Cell has granted a Dalit MBBS aspirant from Gadchiroli district permission to participate in the NEET UG stray round counselling 2025. This decision follows a detailed inquiry by the Admission Regulating Authority (ARA) concerning the student’s allegations of admission denial and excessive fee demands by Sindhudurg Shikshan Prasarak Mandal (SSPM) Medical College.
Admission Denial and Disputed Fees
The student secured a provisional spot for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) admission, having been shortlisted in the third round of NEET UG counselling. Despite this shortlisting, the student alleged that SSPM Medical College demanded an initial fee ranging between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 8 lakh. This sum starkly contrasted with the college’s official website, which listed only Rs 50,000 as a refundable caution deposit.
The fee demands escalated, with the student ultimately citing a request for Rs 9.2 lakh. Due to the inability to meet this higher financial demand, the student claimed SSPM Medical College denied admission.
Official Investigation Launched
In response to the student’s formal complaints, the Directorate of Medical Education and the Maharashtra ARA initiated a comprehensive investigation. Authorities formed a dedicated committee to thoroughly examine the allegations surrounding the MBBS admission process at SSPM Medical College.
As part of the inquiry, both the student and representatives from SSPM Medical College authorities were formally summoned. They were directed to appear before the ARA office on November 10, 2025 , at 2 PM. Both parties were required to submit their official statements and all pertinent documentary evidence to the committee.
Coercion Allegations Detailed
The student presented further serious allegations against the SSPM college administration. The student claimed college officials coerced him into sending an email to the CET Cell. This email reportedly stated he had no grievances regarding his admission process.
According to the student’s testimony, he was summoned to the college office and subsequently detained for several hours, remaining there until 6 PM. During this period of detention, the student alleged, he was compelled by college staff to dispatch the email retracting his earlier complaints.
College Responds to Claims
SSPM Medical College has not released an official public statement concerning the specific incident. However, the institution has formally refuted all allegations. The college denies claims related to demanding exorbitant fees and denies any accusations of coercion against the student.
Activist Advocates for Reforms
Tejas Ahire, a Pune-based activist actively supporting the student’s case, has strongly advocated for official repercussions. Ahire called for immediate disciplinary action against SSPM Medical College from both the CET Cell and the ARA. He emphasized the need for decisive measures to uphold fair admission practices.
Additionally, Ahire proposed the establishment of dedicated help desks. These desks, he suggested, should be present at semi-government institutes, managed by the CET Cell, to facilitate a transparent and smoother admission process for all candidates.
The ARA’s intervention underscores its role in safeguarding student interests and ensuring adherence to established counselling guidelines in Maharashtra’s medical admission process.