OBC-NCL Reservation: The NEET UG exam is the only gateway for admission to MBBS and BDS courses across India. One of the crucial elements that affect seat allocation is the reservation policy, particularly for the Other Backwards Classes (OBC) category. In NEET UG 2025, knowing how OBC reservation works under the All India Quota (AIQ) is important for eligible candidates to plan their strategy, preferences, and documentation.
In this article, we diagnose the OBC reservation policy in AIQ seats, eligibility conditions, the list of institutions offering OBC seats, and tips to secure admission under this quota.
What is the All India Quota (AIQ)?
The All India Quota (AIQ) refers to 15% of seats in government medical and dental colleges across all Indian states, reserved for candidates from any state based on NEET merit and reservation norms. This is conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).
| NEET UG Counselling Guide 2025 | |
|---|---|
| State-wise MBBS/BDS Counselling Guide eBook 2025 | 📥 Download |
| MCC NEET UG Counselling Guide eBook 2025 | 📥 Download |
| AACCC AYUSH NEET Counselling Guide eBook 2025 | 📥 Download |
Implementation of OBC-NCL Reservation
Since 2021, the OBC-NCL (Non-Creamy Layer) reservation has been formally implemented in AIQ, following a Supreme Court judgment and government notification.
OBC Reservation in NEET UG 2025 AIQ: Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
| Applicable Quota | 15% AIQ in government medical/dental colleges |
| Reservation % | 27% for OBC-NCL candidates |
| Applicable Institutions | All central and state government colleges participating in AIQ |
| Conducted By | MCC (Medical Counselling Committee) |
| Category Code | OBC-NCL as per Central OBC List (not state-specific list) |
| Seats Affected | MBBS, BDS, and BSc Nursing under AIQ |
| Documents Required | Valid OBC-NCL certificate issued in the correct format |
Who is Eligible for OBC Reservation in NEET AIQ?
To claim the 27% OBC reservation under NEET UG 2025 AIQ seats, a candidate must fulfil the following criteria:
Join NEET News 2025 1. Belong to the Central OBC List
- Only those communities listed in the Central OBC list are eligible.
- State OBCs not listed in the central list are not eligible for AIQ OBC reservation.
2. Be from the Non-Creamy Layer (NCL)
- Annual family income should be below ₹8 lakh (excluding income from agriculture).
- Creamy Layer OBCs are treated as the General category in AIQ counselling.
3. Have a Valid OBC-NCL Certificate
- Must be issued by a competent authority after April 1, 2024, for NEET 2025.
- Should mention category, caste, NCL status, and be in the prescribed format.
OBC Reservation in NEET AIQ: Where is it Implemented?
The OBC reservation is applicable in the following institutions under NEET AIQ counselling:
- All Government Medical Colleges are participating in AIQ counselling.
- Central Institutions like:
- VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, Delhi
- Lady Hardinge Medical College, Delhi
- Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi
- ESIC Medical Colleges
- Deemed Universities (OBC reservation may vary)
- AIIMS & JIPMER (follow separate reservation policies; OBC quota is available but differs from MCC AIQ)
Documents Required for OBC-NCL Candidates in NEET AIQ
Make sure to upload and produce original documents during counselling and at the time of admission:
- OBC-NCL Certificate (as per MCC format)
- Proof of caste inclusion in the Central OBC list
- Income Certificate (if required)
- NEET 2025 Scorecard
- 10th & 12th Marksheet and Certificates
- Identity Proof (Aadhar Card, PAN, etc.)
⚠️ Failure to produce valid OBC-NCL documents will lead to disqualification from the OBC quota, and the candidate will be treated as General (UR).
OBC Seat Matrix Example
Here’s an example of how OBC reservation works in NEET AIQ counselling:
| College Name | Total AIQ MBBS Seats | OBC Seats (27%) |
| Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi | 37 | 10 |
| King George’s Medical College, Lucknow | 23 | 6 |
| Madras Medical College, Chennai | 38 | 10 |
| B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad | 38 | 10 |
| Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad | 38 | 10 |
How MCC AIQ Counselling Allots OBC Seats
During NEET 2025 counselling rounds, seat allotment follows this sequence:
- Merit List Generation: Based on NEET score.
- Choice Filling: Candidate selects colleges and courses.
- Seat Allotment:
- First based on UR merit
- Then OBC candidates are allotted OBC reserved seats
- If a high-merit OBC candidate gets a UR seat, they can opt for OBC seat if available
- Document Verification & Reporting: Candidate must report with proper documents to the allotted college.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Consequence |
| Submitting state OBC certificate only | Not eligible for AIQ OBC seat |
| Missing NCL status in certificate | Treated as General (UR) |
| Old certificate issued before April 2024 | Considered invalid |
| Belonging to creamy layer | Ineligible for OBC quota |
Tips to Maximise OBC Quota Advantage
- Double-check your caste in the Central OBC List
- Renew the OBC-NCL certificate every year, especially before NEET counselling
- Use the MCC OBC format for uploading certificates
- Fill choices widely in AIQ counselling — many top colleges have competitive OBC cut-offs
- Use cutoff trends to decide priority colleges
The OBC reservation under NEET UG 2025 AIQ is a critical opportunity for candidates belonging to non-creamy layer OBCs listed in the central list. With 27% reservation, thousands of seats in premier government medical colleges are accessible to deserving students. However, the benefits can only be availed through accurate documentation, timely action, and a clear understanding of eligibility rules.
