No central quota for AYUSH graduates in MBBS admissions, government tells Rajya Sabha

The Union government has clarified in Parliament that there is no specific reservation policy (central quota) for AYUSH graduates who want admission to MBBS through NEET-UG. The statement came in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha by Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel.

In other words: an AYUSH degree does not create a separate “reserved bucket” of MBBS seats at the central level. AYUSH graduates can still apply through NEET-UG, but they do so under the existing eligibility rules and reservation categories that already apply.

What’s new vs what was already known

New (today’s clarification):

• The government explicitly states no central reservation policy exists for AYUSH graduates seeking MBBS via NEET-UG.
• It also states AYUSH graduates get no special preference in MBBS admissions based on their prior degree.

Known (how admissions generally work):

• All India Quota counselling is conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) under DGHS using the Government of India’s existing reservation framework.
• State quota counselling is governed by each state/UT’s eligibility and reservation rules.

What the government said

The reply explains three key points:

1. No central “AYUSH quota” in MBBS admissions
   There isn’t a separate central reservation pool for AYUSH graduates in MBBS seats allotted through NEET-UG.
2. AYUSH graduates may still appear for NEET UG if they meet eligibility rules
   The reply points to eligibility as notified under the Graduate Medical Education Regulations (GMER) and updates issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
3. Counselling rules depend on seat type

• All India Quota: MCC follows the Government of India’s reservation policies.
• State Quota: States/UTs set their own reservation and eligibility rules.

Why this matters for students (and AYUSH graduates)

If you’re an AYUSH graduate hoping an extra quota will improve your odds, this clarification matters because it resets expectations:

1) Your AYUSH degree is not a “reservation category”

For MBBS admissions through NEET-UG, your AYUSH qualification does not automatically provide a separate seat quota at the central level.

2) You still compete on NEET-UG + existing categories

If you qualify through NEET-UG and meet the relevant eligibility requirements, you are considered within the same broader framework as others — for example, any reservation benefits would come from existing categories you already fall under (as applicable), not from being an AYUSH graduate.

3) State policies can still create limited pathways

The reply references Kerala reserving 11 MBBS seats for AYUSH candidates under the state quota (shared as part of the parliamentary response). That’s a reminder that state quota rules can differ — and any similar provision (if it exists) would be state-specific, not national.

Practical impact box

If you’re an AYUSH graduate planning MBBS next:

• Treat “AYUSH quota in MBBS” as state-by-state, not central.
• Focus on NEET-UG score strategy and verifying eligibility for your chosen counselling route (AIQ vs state).
• If you’re targeting a state that offers any special provision, confirm it in that state’s official counselling notification and seat matrix.

What to do next

1. Identify your target route: All India Quota vs specific state quota.
2. Verify eligibility: Check the latest NEET-UG eligibility + NMC/GMER rules (don’t rely on social posts).
3. Read the state counselling bulletin: Look for any AYUSH-specific clauses (if any).
4. Confirm documentation needs: If a state has a category for AYUSH candidates, it may require proof of degree, registration, internship completion, etc.
5. Plan for uncertainty: If a state changes category rules year to year, assume nothing until the notification is out.

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