Ladakh implements single merit list for medical admissions

The Union Territory of Ladakh has overhauled its admission guidelines for medical and dental courses under the Central pool. Approved by Lieutenant Governor V. K. Saxena, the new policy replaces the previous multi-tiered, category-based roster system with a single, unified merit list.

Under the revised guidelines, selection for MBBS and BDS seats will be based strictly on National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) rankings and the preferences of the candidates. This replaces the 2021 system, which utilized various categories including gender, reserved/unreserved status, and specific district designations for Leh and Kargil.

The reform follows the administrative restructuring of Ladakh into seven new districts. For the 2026-27 academic session, the Centre has allocated nine seats to the region under the Central pool, consisting of seven MBBS seats and two BDS seats. The new system aims to increase transparency and ensure admissions are determined by academic merit rather than domicile or category-based quotas.