MUMBAI – The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell has identified 152 NEET-UG candidates who submitted forged or invalid documents during the ongoing MBBS and BDS admission process. Officials have issued notices, requiring these candidates to provide original, authentic documents by October 16 . Failure to comply will lead to the cancellation of their applications and potential further action.
This verification drive follows the identification of patterns involving seat-blocking and document discrepancies during Round 3 of NEET-UG counselling. The CET Cell found various issues, including domicile certificates not in the prescribed Maharashtra format and discrepancies in Class 10 certificates or other submitted records.
Some candidates flagged had reportedly already secured admission through the All India Quota or in medical colleges in other states. Despite this, they appeared on Maharashtra’s merit list, effectively blocking seats for other eligible candidates. This marks the first time such a large-scale verification has been initiated during an active counselling round, aiming to ensure transparency in the admission process.
Understanding Seat-Blocking
Seat-blocking is a persistent issue in medical admissions nationwide. It involves candidates securing a seat and later vacating it, often to manipulate seat availability for others. Maharashtra officials indicate that Round 3 of counselling is particularly susceptible to these irregularities. Many top-ranked candidates withdraw or migrate to different colleges at this stage, creating opportunities for such manipulations.
Nationwide Efforts Against Fraud
Similar incidents of document fraud and manipulation have been reported in other states. Last year, authorities in Tamil Nadu uncovered multiple cases where students used fake community and income certificates to claim seats under reserved categories. In 2022, Karnataka’s KEA identified over a dozen candidates who used duplicate documents or concealed information while participating in multiple counselling rounds.
These cases have prompted several states to advocate for more robust verification processes and cross-database checks during NEET-UG admissions. The goal is to create a more secure and equitable admission system for all candidates.
Enhanced Verification Measures in Maharashtra
In response to these challenges, the Maharashtra CET Cell has implemented stricter verification protocols. Officials are now cross-checking student records with databases from other states and the All India Quota to detect duplicate entries. This cross-referencing aims to identify candidates attempting to secure multiple seats or conceal previous admissions.
Additionally, the CET Cell has proposed linking Aadhaar or other unique identification numbers to each seat allotment. This measure is intended to further curb manipulation and enhance the integrity of the admission process by making it more difficult for individuals to falsify identities or documents.
Important Action for Candidates
The Maharashtra CET Cell urges all aspirants to ensure that every document uploaded is genuine and strictly conforms to the state’s prescribed format. Submitting fraudulent or incorrect documents will lead to disqualification and potentially severe penalties. Candidates with notices must submit their original documents by the October 16 deadline to avoid candidature cancellation.