Karnataka Examinations Authority Tightens Scrutiny for MBBS Seats Reserved Under Disabled Quota

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has recently announced significant changes to the verification process for MBBS seats reserved under the physically handicapped (PwD) quota. This development follows complaints about irregularities in the allotment of such seats during the 2024 admission cycle. The move aims to enhance transparency and ensure only genuinely eligible candidates benefit from the quota, strengthening compliance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines.

Background: Complaints Spark Review of Disabled Quota Admissions

The issue came to light after Mithesh Kumar Moodukonaje, a National Pre-University Students, Parents, and Teachers Association representative, filed a formal complaint alleging irregularities involving three candidates who secured MBBS seats through the PwD quota last year.

The complaint highlighted serious discrepancies:

• In one case, the candidate did not declare any disability in school records or the Class 11 admission form.
• The candidates were reportedly absent from the official medical verification call list in two other cases. Yet, they appeared in the final verified list of allotted seats to PwD candidates.

These concerns questioned the authenticity of the disability claims and raised doubts about the allotment process's integrity under the PwD category.

Authorities Involved and Scope of Scrutiny

Following the complaint, multiple authorities were alerted, including the National Medical Commission (NMC), the Directorate of Medical Education (DME), the Governor of Karnataka, and the Medical Education Minister. The complainant sought a comprehensive review of the PwD seat allotments to ensure strict adherence to legal frameworks and guidelines governing admissions under the disabled quota.

The complaint demanded that all candidates admitted under this category be scrutinized for compliance with:

• The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, which outlines the criteria and rights for persons with disabilities in India.
   
• The guidelines set by the National Medical Commission for PwD seat allotments.
   

KEA’s Response and Verification Measures

In response, the KEA executive director, H Prasanna, clarified that the initial list of PwD candidates was published based on medical certificates issued by qualified doctors. No objections had been raised against the candidates listed at the time of publication.

However, KEA requested the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) to re-examine the candidates in question to address the concerns. Two candidates underwent fresh verification by KEA, and in one case, the candidate pursued a second verification through a third party, sanctioned by the High Court.

Acknowledging the gravity of the complaint, KEA has now decided to enhance the scrutiny process for PwD candidates moving forward.

Enhanced Scrutiny: More Teams, Senior Doctors, and Improved Facilities

To strengthen the verification process and eliminate any potential malpractice, KEA has asked DME to increase the number of medical verification teams from two to four. These teams will include senior doctors to ensure thorough and accurate evaluations.

Key changes include:

• Vision Testing: Continues to be conducted at Minto Hospital, where proper facilities exist.
• ​​​​​​​Hearing-impaired Testing: This will now be conducted at a hospital rather than the KEA office. The hospital is equipped with advanced medical technology that is unavailable at the KEA office, ensuring better assessment quality.
• Locomotive Disability Testing: Due to the nature of the tests required, this will still take place at the KEA office.
   

These steps aim to leverage better infrastructure and senior expertise to verify disabilities authentically.

Numbers and Upcoming Verification Schedule

The scale of the PwD verification process is significant:

• Last year, 834 students claimed PwD quota seats.
• ​​​​​​​Out of these, 534 students appeared for medical verification.
• Ultimately, 331 candidates were found eligible for the PwD category.
   

This year, KEA expects around 874 students to come forward for the medical verification process, indicating a growing number of applicants seeking reservations under this quota.

The verification for the current cycle is scheduled from June 3 to June 6, 2025. With enhanced protocols, KEA aims to ensure fair and legitimate admissions for students claiming disability benefits.

Importance of Transparent and Fair PwD Admissions

The PwD quota in medical education is a critical provision that promotes inclusivity by enabling students with disabilities to access professional courses like MBBS. However, maintaining strict verification protocols is essential to preserve the quota's sanctity and prevent misuse.

By strengthening scrutiny measures, Karnataka’s education authorities are taking an essential step toward:

• Upholding the integrity of the admissions process.
• Ensuring deserving candidates receive rightful opportunities.
• Aligning with national disability rights laws and medical commission guidelines.
• ​​​​​​​Building trust among students, parents, and the broader community.

Conclusion

The Karnataka Examinations Authority’s decision to enhance scrutiny for MBBS admissions under the disabled quota follows justified concerns regarding eligibility verification. With more verification teams, involvement of senior medical professionals, and improved testing infrastructure, KEA aims to eliminate irregularities and reinforce a transparent admissions process.

As the June verification window approaches, prospective candidates under the PwD category can expect a fair and rigorous evaluation, ensuring the quota benefits truly deserving students. This initiative reflects Karnataka’s commitment to equitable education while safeguarding the integrity of reserved seats in highly competitive courses like medicine.