Maharashtra CET Cell allows MBBS aspirant to join stray‑vacancy round after alleged coercion at SSPM Medical College

In a major relief for a medical aspirant who faced alleged harassment and intimidation at SSPM Medical College, Sindhudurg, the Maharashtra CET Cell has granted a one-time exception, allowing him to participate in the upcoming MBBS stray vacancy round. The student had previously refused admission due to claims of being coerced into paying excess, unapproved fees. This decision ensures the meritorious candidate, belonging to an economically weaker section, does not lose an academic year. The final stray vacancy round holds the key to the remaining 387 vacant MBBS seats across the state.

The State Common Entrance Test (CET) Cell, Maharashtra, has taken a decisive step to protect the career of a deserving medical aspirant. Following a formal complaint of alleged harassment, intimidation, and demand for excessive fees at SSPM Medical College, Sindhudurg, the CET Cell has allowed the affected student to participate in the crucial Stray Vacancy Round of MBBS admissions for the 2025-26 academic year.

​The student, who secured a seat through merit in one of the earlier rounds, claimed he was coerced by college authorities to pay an exorbitant fee—reportedly over ₹9 lakh—which was far greater than the Fee Regulatory Authority (FRA)-approved amount of ₹50,000 required at the time of admission. When he refused to pay the unapproved charges, he alleged he faced denial of admission, confinement, and psychological pressure to retract his complaint.

• ​The Dilemma: The student declined to take the allotted seat at SSPM Medical College, citing threats and safety concerns. Under standard counselling rules, refusing a seat after a certain round typically disqualifies a candidate from the subsequent rounds, potentially leading to the loss of an entire academic year.
• ​A "One-Time Exception": CET Commissioner Dilip Sardesai confirmed that the decision was made as a one-time exception to ensure that the candidate, who belongs to an economically weaker section (EWS) and possesses the requisite merit (scoring around 420 in NEET 2025), is not penalised by the alleged malpractice of the institute.
• ​Prioritising Merit: The official statement emphasized that the student's academic career must not be jeopardised due to such circumstances, confirming his eligibility to fill fresh choices in the final round.

​The Allegations Against SSPM Medical College

​The controversy surrounding the Sindhudurg Shikshan Prasarak Mandal (SSPM) Medical College has shed light on critical issues facing medical aspirants, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, during the admission process in private medical colleges. The student's formal complaint to the CET Cell and the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) triggered an official inquiry.

• ​Excessive Fee Demand: The core of the allegation was the demand for a substantially higher fee, purportedly covering mandatory hostel and mess charges, despite the FRA explicitly listing only a refundable caution money deposit as payable upfront.
• ​Coercion and Intimidation: The aspirant reported being illegally detained on the campus and subjected to psychological pressure, claiming college officials compelled him to send an email to the CET Cell stating he had "no grievance" against the institute.
• ​Systemic Complaint: This is reportedly not the first time SSPM Medical College has faced such allegations regarding admission irregularities and denial of seats to meritorious candidates on various pretexts.
• ​Inquiry Committee Formed: Following the public and official complaint, the government formed an inquiry committee to investigate the matter and submit a report, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations against the private institution.

The Crucial Stray Vacancy Round for MBBS Aspirants

​The State CET Cell’s decision to allow the student to participate is timely, as the Stray Vacancy Round represents the final opportunity to fill the remaining vacant MBBS seats in Maharashtra. This final centralised round aims to ensure all seats are filled purely on merit before the academic year commences.

• ​Final Opportunity: The Stray Vacancy Round is the last phase of the Centralised Admission Process (CAP) to fill any seats remaining vacant after the previous counselling rounds (Round 1, 2, and 3).
• ​Available Seats: As of the latest update, there are approximately 387 MBBS seats still available across Maharashtra, including seats in various Government, Corporation, and Private Unaided/Minority Colleges. This specific aspirant is now eligible to compete for these seats based on his NEET merit rank.
• ​Key Dates for Stray Vacancy:
  • ​Seat Allotment Result: November 14, 2025.
  • ​Physical Joining/Reporting: November 15 to November 17, 2025 (until 5:30 PM).
• ​Student Advocacy: The aspirant, while welcoming the relief, has urged the CET Cell and the Admission Regulatory Authority to take strict disciplinary action against the SSPM Medical College and establish an immediate Help Desk at semi-government colleges to support students facing similar difficulties during the admission process.

​Conclusion

​The Maharashtra CET Cell's compassionate and decisive intervention in this case is a vital victory for aspirant rights, offering a lifeline to a student who faced severe obstacles to pursuing his medical dream. The allowance for the aspirant to join the MBBS Stray Vacancy Round upholds the principle of meritocracy and serves as a strong signal against malpractice in the admission process. While the immediate career concern is resolved, the larger issues of fee regulation, transparency, and the need for stronger oversight at private medical colleges remain paramount for all future medical aspirants.

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