Odisha NEET UG 2026: who qualifies for an NRI-quota MBBS/BDS seat
Odisha’s counselling authority has circulated the eligibility rules for candidates applying under the NRI quota for MBBS and BDS admission. The criteria come from the Medical Counselling Committee notice (Ref U-11011/07/2025-MEC) and follow the Supreme Court’s ruling in Anshul Tomar vs State of M.P.
A candidate can claim an NRI seat if:
- a parent is an NRI ordinarily residing abroad; or
- a first-degree relative (including a real brother or sister) is an NRI residing abroad.
Where a more distant relative sponsors the candidate as guardian, that person must be the nearest blood relation, that is a real uncle or aunt (paternal or maternal), a grandparent, or a first cousin. The sponsor must ordinarily reside abroad and must have genuinely looked after the candidate as guardian, supported by an affidavit.
During counselling, the committee will seek legal proof that the sponsor is a bona fide guardian under the Guardians and Wards Act, 1890. Candidates planning to apply under the NRI quota should arrange these documents before registration.