The NEET UG 2025 counselling in Uttar Pradesh has been shaken by a major controversy after authorities uncovered widespread misuse of the two per cent freedom fighter quota in MBBS admissions.
Of the 88 reserved seats, 79 were allotted, and 71 students had reportedly joined medical colleges under this quota. The scandal erupted when one certificate found in Firozabad was fake, leading to a thorough investigation across 10 districts.
The inquiry revealed that 64 candidates secured admissions using forged freedom fighter dependent certificates, leading to cancellation of their admissions and FIRs being filed. This has raised serious questions about the integrity of the reservation process and the transparency of medical admissions in the state.
Details of the Investigation and Official Responses
The probe was led by Agra District Magistrate Bhanu Chandra Goswami, who described the incident as a “systematic racket involving forged documents.” The fake certificates were found across multiple districts including Meerut, Saharanpur, Ballia, Bhadohi, and Ghazipur, exposing a network of malpractice.
Directorate of Medical Education’s Director-General Kinjal Singh confirmed that all admissions secured through fraudulent certificates have been cancelled and urged district magistrates to initiate FIRs against those involved. The authorities are also reviewing NEET UG 2024 admissions to identify similar irregularities.
Officials have highlighted the urgency to reform certificate verification processes and called for stricter digital authentication to prevent future misuse.
Background and Scope of the Quota
The two per cent freedom fighter quota reserves 88 MBBS seats out of 4,442 in Uttar Pradesh’s medical colleges as a recognition of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and their families. While the quota aims to offer deserving candidates a fair opportunity, this incident casts a shadow over the implementation and oversight of such reservations.
Experts warn that these fraudulent practices harm genuine candidates and undermine public trust in the education system. The misuse also tarnishes the legacy of freedom fighters, as their sacrifice is disrespected through such exploitation. This scandal highlights broader challenges in reservation policies and the critical need for transparent, accountable systems in higher education admissions.
Public Outcry and Calls for Accountability
The scam has sparked outrage among students, parents, and opposition parties, who accuse the Uttar Pradesh government of negligence.
Political analysts emphasize the need for digitised and centralised verification systems to plug loopholes. Many genuine candidates express anxiety over lost opportunities and demand swift action to restore fairness in admissions, urging authorities to ensure no repeat of such large-scale deceit.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At its core, the freedom fighter quota embodies respect and gratitude for those who fought for India’s independence. Exploiting this quota through forgery betrays this noble intent and creates injustice for students who deserve admission based on merit and rightful entitlement.
The Logical Indian believes that education, especially in critical fields like medicine, must be safeguarded through honesty, transparency, and fairness. To restore faith in reservation policies, authorities must strengthen verification infrastructure, ensure legal accountability, and promote ethical practices in admissions.
