NMC Rejects SMVDIME 100% AIQ: What it Means for MBBS

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has turned down the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME)'s request to allocate 100% of its MBBS seats to the All India Quota (AIQ). This decision firmly anchors the college to the standard 85:15 quota division for state/private colleges, meaning most seats will be filled by students with J&K domicile. The rejection underscores the NMC's commitment to consistent national policy and highlights the institutional limits on seat distribution changes. Aspiring medical students must note this as they prepare for the NEET-UG 2026 counselling and choice filling process.

In a move reinforcing the uniformity of national medical education policy, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has officially rejected the proposal submitted by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME), Katra, seeking to place 100% of its MBBS seats under the All India Quota (AIQ). The institute, which was recently sanctioned 50 MBBS seats for the 2025-26 academic session, made the request amidst a local controversy regarding the composition of its first batch of students, arguing that 100% AIQ would widen the candidate pool nationwide.

​The NMC's decision, however, confirms that SMVDIME will continue to operate under the standard quota guidelines—typically 85% State Quota and 15% All India Quota—for admission to its undergraduate medical seats. This ruling is a crucial piece of information for thousands of NEET-UG aspirants across the country and, particularly, for those within the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory, as it clearly defines the competitive landscape for securing a seat at this prestigious, shrine-funded institution. The NMC official cited that deviating from the standard policy requires broad consultation with all states and stakeholders and cannot be amended for a single institution, reaffirming the principle of policy consistency.

​ Understanding the Quota Rejection and Policy

​The NMC's rejection of SMVDIME's request is rooted in the existing, well-established national policy for MBBS seat distribution. Understanding the difference between the quotas is crucial for every medical aspirant.

• ​The Standard Division: 
  • ​All India Quota (AIQ): Typically comprises 15% of all government medical college seats and, importantly, 100% of seats in central universities (like AIIMS, JIPMER, etc.) and deemed universities. These seats are filled centrally by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), and are open to candidates from across the country based on their All India Rank (AIR), with no domicile restriction.
  • ​State Quota: Comprises the remaining 85% of seats in government medical colleges and often 100% of seats in private medical colleges (or the majority portion after accounting for AIQ/Management/NRI/Other specified quotas). These seats are reserved for candidates who fulfill the domicile/residency requirements of that particular state/UT and are filled via the state-level counselling body.
• ​Rationale for Rejection: 
  • ​SMVDIME is not a central or deemed university, which are the categories automatically granted 100% AIQ. It is affiliated with the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and operates like a private/state-level institution in terms of counselling policy.
  • ​The NMC stated that deviating from the existing 85:15 policy to grant 100% AIQ to a single non-Deemed/non-Central university would set an unsustainable precedent and requires major policy revisions involving extensive dialogue with all national stakeholders.
• ​Implication for SMVDIME: The majority (85%) of the 50 MBBS seats (approximately 42-43 seats) will remain under the Jammu & Kashmir State/UT Quota, while only about 7-8 seats will be accessible through the All India Quota (MCC) counselling.

​ Impact on NEET-UG 2026 Aspirants (J&K Domicile Focus)

​The NMC's firm decision has a direct and significant impact on the admission strategy for the upcoming NEET-UG 2026 counselling cycle, particularly for students in Jammu and Kashmir.

• ​Higher State Competition: With 85% of seats reserved under the State/UT Quota, competition among J&K domicile candidates will intensify for these limited seats. Candidates must focus on achieving a high State Rank to secure admission. 
  • ​Action Point: J&K aspirants must thoroughly prepare for the J&K Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (BOPEE) counselling, as this body will manage the 85% state seats.
• ​Limited AIQ Opportunity: The 15% AIQ seats (approx. 7-8 seats) will be highly contested by candidates from across India, resulting in a potentially higher cut-off for those specific seats compared to the state quota.
• ​Controversy and Transparency: The decision keeps the spotlight on the need for absolute transparency and adherence to merit-based admissions (based on NEET-UG rank) within the J&K quota, especially following the recent controversy regarding the first batch's admission list. Aspirants can be assured that the selection process must be strictly merit-based, irrespective of the student’s background. 
  • ​The institute is not a Minority Institution, and admissions must adhere to the central and state reservation policies based purely on NEET merit, not on religious affiliation.

​ Strategic Counselling Checklist for 2026

​Aspiring MBBS students must adjust their counselling strategy for the 2026 admission cycle to account for this ruling and the standard AIQ/State Quota distribution model.

• ​Dual Strategy for All-India Candidates: Candidates from outside J&K can only target the 15% AIQ seats. They must focus on MCC counselling for this quota.
• ​State-Specific Documentation: J&K domiciled candidates must ensure all their domicile, category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), and other required documents are complete and valid for the 85% State Quota counselling conducted by the designated UT authority.
• ​Priority and Choice Filling: When filling choices, aspirants should prioritize colleges and quotas strategically: 
  • ​High-ranking candidates should fill both AIQ (15%) and State Quota (85%) options.
  • ​Mid-to-low ranking J&K candidates should heavily prioritize the 85% State Quota seats, including the majority of seats at SMVDIME.
• ​Monitor Official Updates: Always refer to the official websites of the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for AIQ and the J&K Counselling Authority for the state quota, as seat matrices can be updated late in the process.

​Conclusion

​The National Medical Commission’s rejection of the 100% AIQ proposal for SMVDIME is a strong affirmation of its commitment to standardized, nation-wide medical admission policies. This decision clarifies that the vast majority of MBBS seats at the Katra institute will be allocated to students with J&K domicile, significantly impacting the competition and strategy for the upcoming 2026 counselling rounds. Aspirants are advised to plan meticulously, focusing on the two distinct quota systems to maximize their chances of securing an MBBS seat.

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