UP NEET UG 2025: Private College Fees & Reservation Quota Under Legal Scrutiny as Round 2 Begins

In a significant turn of events for medical aspirants in Uttar Pradesh, the ongoing NEET UG 2025 counselling process is being impacted by two major legal challenges. While the Directorate General of Medical Education (DGME) has issued an advisory for students regarding private college fees, the Allahabad High Court's Lucknow bench has also struck down a special reservation quota that had been in place in four government medical colleges.

These developments create a complex scenario for candidates, who are now expected to make crucial decisions while Round 2 of the state counselling has begun.

High Court Reviews Private College Fee Hikes

The Allahabad High Court has initiated a review of a substantial mid-session fee hike implemented by certain private medical colleges in the state. The DGME has issued an advisory instructing students who have been allotted seats in non-minority medical colleges to hold off on paying the revised fees until a final judgment is passed. This advisory provides a temporary relief to students and their families from the potential financial burden. The court has scheduled the next hearing for this matter on September 17, 2025, and its decision will have a wide-ranging impact on the fee structure for private medical education in Uttar Pradesh.

Special Reservation Quota Struck Down

In a separate but equally important ruling, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has quashed government orders that had pushed the reservation quota to over 79% in four government medical colleges located in Kannauj, Ambedkar Nagar, Jalaun, and Saharanpur. The court declared that the special quota was in violation of the state's Reservation Act of 2006, which mandates a fixed percentage for reserved categories and a general cap on reservations.

The court has directed the authorities to re-fill the affected seats based on the standard reservation policy. This decision will lead to a re-evaluation of the seat matrix for these colleges, potentially freeing up more seats for general and other category candidates in the upcoming counselling rounds.

What This Means for Aspirants

As the counselling for Round 2 begins, these legal battles add an element of uncertainty. For those considering private colleges, the DGME's advisory on fees means they must pay close attention to official notifications and court proceedings. For all aspirants, the re-evaluation of seats in the four government colleges presents a new opportunity. It is vital to stay informed on the evolving situation by regularly checking the official DGME website. For all the latest news on medical education and admissions, follow Only Education News.