COURTKUTCHEHRY SPECIAL ON LAWS ON DISABILITY QUOTA FOR MBBS ENTRANCE EXAM
UP NEET Shocker: Aspirant Self-Amputates Toe to Claim Disability Quota, Raising Questions on Medical Admission Rules
Supreme Court and NMC Guidelines on Disability Quota in NEET
Legal Definition of Disability: Born, Acquired, and Certified Conditions
By Our Legal Reporter
New Delhi: January 24, 2026:
In a disturbing incident from Uttar Pradesh’s Jaunpur district, a pharmacy graduate aspiring to become an MBBS doctor allegedly self-amputated his toe to qualify under the disability quota for NEET medical admissions. The shocking act has sparked nationwide debate on the misuse of disability provisions, the integrity of medical entrance examinations, and the urgent need for clarity in disability quota rules.
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This case has also brought into focus the legal definition of disability in India, the eligibility criteria for medical entrance under the quota, and whether both congenital and acquired disabilities are recognized under law.
The Incident
According to police reports, the youth, identified as Suraj Bhaskar, had failed the NEET exam twice. Desperate to secure admission into a government medical college, he resorted to amputating his toe and claimed he was attacked by assailants. Investigations revealed that the injury was self-inflicted, raising serious concerns about the lengths to which aspirants may go to exploit quota provisions.
Authorities are now examining possible charges under criminal law, including cheating and self-harm, while medical boards are expected to reject his claim for disability certification.
Disability Quota in NEET: Rules and Guidelines
The National Medical Commission (NMC) and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) oversee disability quota implementation in NEET. The Supreme Court has repeatedly directed these bodies to finalize clear guidelines and ensure uniformity across states.
Key points include:
- Eligibility Threshold: Candidates must have at least 40% disability, certified by a recognized medical board.
- Types of Disabilities Covered: Locomotor disability, visual impairment, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, and multiple disabilities.
- Medical Boards: Disability must be certified by designated medical boards, not private practitioners.
- Appellate Mechanism: The Supreme Court has asked for an appellate body to hear disputes over disability certification.
Legal Definition of Disability in India
The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPwD Act) provides the legal framework.
- Disability Includes Both Born and Acquired Conditions:
- Congenital: Conditions present at birth, such as cerebral palsy or congenital blindness.
- Acquired: Conditions developed later in life, such as loss of limb due to accident, hearing loss, or neurological disorders.
- Recognized Categories (21 in total):
These include locomotor disability, visual impairment, hearing impairment, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, chronic neurological conditions, blood disorders, and more. - Certification Requirement: Only disabilities certified by government-recognized medical boards are valid for quota benefits.
Why Self-Inflicted Injuries Do Not Qualify
The RPwD Act and NMC guidelines make it clear that disability must be genuine and medically certified. Self-inflicted injuries, such as amputating a toe, do not qualify because:
- They are not recognized medical conditions.
- They lack certification from a medical board.
- They amount to fraud and can attract criminal charges.
Legal experts argue that such acts undermine the purpose of the quota, which is to ensure equal opportunity for genuinely disabled candidates.
Broader Implications
This case raises several important issues:
- Integrity of Medical Admissions: The incident highlights loopholes in monitoring and certification.
- Need for Awareness: Many aspirants may not fully understand the legal requirements of disability quota.
- Judicial Oversight: The Supreme Court’s intervention ensures that disability quota rules are standardized and not misused.
- Social Responsibility: The quota is meant to empower disabled candidates, not to be exploited by those seeking shortcuts.
Expert Opinions
- Medical Professionals: Doctors emphasize that disability quotas should be strictly monitored to prevent misuse.
- Legal Experts: Lawyers point out that fraudulent claims can be prosecuted under sections of the Indian Penal Code related to cheating and forgery.
- Policy Analysts: Analysts suggest stronger verification mechanisms, including biometric checks and centralized disability registries.
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Conclusion
The shocking case of a NEET aspirant self-amputating his toe to claim disability quota has exposed vulnerabilities in India’s medical admission system. It underscores the need for strict enforcement of disability certification rules, greater awareness among aspirants, and stronger legal safeguards against fraud.
The Supreme Court’s directives and the RPwD Act provide a robust framework, but effective implementation remains the key challenge.
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