The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), has released a crucial notice for candidates applying under the NRI quota in NEET UG and PG Counselling 2026-27. The notice specifically addresses students claiming NRI/OCI status or those seeking conversion of nationality from Indian to NRI during the counselling process.
According to the official notification dated May 27, 2026, the eligibility criteria for NRI quota seats are based on the Supreme Court judgment.
Key Eligibility Criteria for NRI Quota
The Supreme Court guidelines state that candidates can be considered eligible for NRI quota seats under the following conditions:
1. Parents as NRIs
If either the mother or father of the student is an NRI residing abroad ordinarily, the candidate may be considered eligible for NRI quota admission.
2. First-Degree Relative as NRI
Candidates may also qualify if their first-degree relatives are NRIs residing abroad. This includes:
Join NEET News 2026 - Real brother or sister
- Parents of the candidate
3. Sponsorship by a Close Blood Relative
The Court has also permitted candidates to apply under NRI quota if they are sponsored by a close blood relative who is an NRI and ordinarily residing abroad.
The list of acceptable blood relatives includes:
- Real paternal or maternal uncle/aunt
- Grandparents (both paternal and maternal)
- First-degree paternal and maternal cousins
However, the sponsor must:
- Be an actual NRI residing abroad
- Be the nearest blood relation
- Have acted as the legal guardian of the candidate
- Provide documentary proof supporting guardianship
Mandatory Legal Documents Required
MCC has further informed NEET aspirants that candidates applying under the NRI quota must submit evidential proof and legal documents during counselling. The competent authority will verify whether the sponsor is a bona fide legal guardian under the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890.
Additionally, an affidavit confirming the relationship and guardianship details will also be required during the admission process.
Advice for NEET 2026 Aspirants
Candidates planning to participate in NEET UG or PG Counselling 2026 under the NRI quota are advised to arrange all supporting documents in advance to avoid issues during verification.
The MCC notice emphasizes that only genuine NRI candidates fulfilling the Supreme Court-prescribed criteria will be allowed to participate in counselling under the NRI category.
