NSUI delegation meets the Health Minister’s OSD, submits memorandum seeking impartial verification of the merit list and candidates’ documents
Raipur : Political tensions and student anger over the NEET UG 2026 Chhattisgarh merit list spilled onto the streets on Wednesday as the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) staged a protest, alleging irregularities in the use of domicile, caste and category-related documents.
Carrying empty plates, MBBS students and NSUI workers marched from Ambedkar Chowk towards the residence of the state Health Minister. Police stopped the protesters using barricades, following which the demonstrators raised slogans and pressed their demands.
After the protest, an NSUI delegation met the Health Minister’s Officer on Special Duty (OSD) and submitted a memorandum seeking an impartial investigation into the merit list and verification of the documents submitted by candidates.
Students March With Empty Plates
NSUI adopted a symbolic form of protest against what it described as alleged irregularities in NEET UG counselling and the Chhattisgarh merit list.
MBBS students and NSUI activists marched from Ambedkar Chowk towards the Health Minister’s residence carrying empty plates. Protesters raised slogans and demanded that the government ensure that deserving students are not deprived of their rights.
Police Stop Protesters With Barricades
As the protesters moved towards the minister’s residence, police personnel stopped them by putting up barricades.
The demonstrators then intensified their slogan-shouting at the spot and raised their concerns before the administration.
NSUI Delegation Meets Health Minister’s OSD
Following the protest, NSUI representatives met the Health Minister’s OSD and submitted a memorandum.
The delegation raised concerns regarding transparency in NEET UG/CGDME counselling and verification of candidates’ documents. It demanded that the merit list and supporting documents be thoroughly examined before the admission process moves ahead.
Demand to Treat Current Merit List as Provisional
One of NSUI’s key demands is that the existing CGDME merit list should be treated as provisional.
The organisation has called for comprehensive verification of candidates’ documents before a final merit list is issued.
Verification of Domicile and Caste Certificates Demanded
NSUI has demanded verification of candidates’ domicile certificates, caste certificates and other required documents before finalising admissions.
The organisation alleges that if an ineligible candidate benefits from incorrect or invalid documentation, it could adversely affect the rights of eligible students.
NSUI has therefore called for an impartial verification process covering the entire merit list.
Demand to Make NTA Eligibility Spreadsheet Public
NSUI has also demanded that the NTA eligibility spreadsheet be made public, as was reportedly done in the previous year.
According to the organisation, making the data available would improve transparency and allow the eligibility of candidates included in the merit list to be independently scrutinised.
Opportunity to Withdraw From Round 1 Also Sought
The student organisation has demanded that candidates who entered Round 1 on the basis of incorrect information or documents be given a limited final opportunity to withdraw.
It has further demanded strict action according to rules if an investigation subsequently establishes that a candidate used forged documents or provided incorrect information.
Comparison of NEET Figures Raises Questions
In its memorandum, NSUI also cited a comparison between last year’s and this year’s figures.
According to the figures presented by the organisation, 43,718 candidates appeared for NEET last year, of whom 22,261 qualified. This year, 41,411 candidates appeared and 21,291 qualified, according to the memorandum.
NSUI has sought an impartial examination of category-wise changes in the merit list in light of these figures.
NSUI Claims Increase in Reserved Categories
The organisation has also highlighted changes in the numbers of candidates appearing in different categories.
According to the memorandum, the number of candidates in the ST category increased by around 782, the SC category by 322 and the OBC category by 409 this year.
NSUI has demanded an independent examination of these differences to establish the reasons behind the changes and verify whether all candidates meet the applicable eligibility and documentation requirements.
Organisation Challenges Authorities to Verify Suspect Documents
NSUI said it has information about certain candidates whose documents it believes require scrutiny.
However, the organisation has demanded that the investigation not be limited to the names on its list. Instead, it has called for document verification of candidates across the entire merit list.
It has also sought appropriate action against candidates whose eligibility or documents are found to violate the rules.
‘Fight Is for Eligible Students’ Rights’
NSUI said its protest is not directed against any individual student.
The organisation maintained that its demand is focused on protecting the rights of eligible Chhattisgarh students and ensuring transparency and fairness in the admission process.
Warning of Further Protest
NSUI has warned that if the government does not take an appropriate and impartial decision, it will intensify its agitation.
The organisation said responsibility for any further protest would lie with the government and administration if its demands are not addressed.
Note: The allegations regarding irregularities, documents and category-wise changes are claims made by NSUI and should be treated as allegations unless independently verified by the competent authorities.
