Frame policy for counselling rounds: HC to NBE

The Delhi High Court today asked the National Board of Examination (NBE) to frame a transparent policy for counselling rounds for admitting candidates to its post graduate medical courses.
"Any transparent policy, which is reasonable, would address the uncertainties faced by candidates. In the circumstances, the present petition is disposed of with the direction that respondent frame a clear policy for conduct of counselling in future," a bench of Justice Vibhu Bakhru said.
While disposing of the writ petition filed by Arun A and others, the bench asked the National Board of Examination to also ensure that the policy is publicized and is adhered to.

"The policy could either fix the number of rounds of counselling or provide that the additional counselling rounds would be held till the seats remaining vacant are less than the threshold number which may be specified. The NBE could also fix a cut-off date beyond which further counselling would not be held," it said.
Petitioners, who are qualified doctors, had appeared for Diplomate of National Board examination conducted by National Board of Examination for the July 2014, session.
Diplomate of National Board is a post-MBBS course which is equivalent to postgraduate and post doctorate degrees awarded by other Indian Universities for all purposes including appointment to teaching posts.

The holders of Board's qualification awarded after an examination i.E. DNB are eligible to be considered for specialist's post/faculty in any Hospital including a training/teaching institution on a teaching post/ as faculty member.
Petitioners said that three rounds of counselling of candidates were conducted by the NBE for the July 2014, session and claimed that certain numbers of seats have still remained vacant for which another round of counselling should be held.
"It is apparent that the vacant seats are carried forward to the next session as a result of the seats remaining vacant after the last round of counselling or falling vacant on account of the candidates not joining the course after the last round of counselling is over," the bench said adding that there is no infirmity with the process.