MBBS counselling schedule announced for 50 J&K students of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Medical College

January 22, 2026

Jammu: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (BOPEE) on Thursday announced the counselling schedule for 50 supernumerary MBBS seats created in newly established Government Medical Colleges of the Union Territory for students of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence (SMVDIME).

Physical counselling on January 24

According to an official notification, BOPEE will conduct physical counselling on January 24, 2026, from 10 a.m. onwards for the 50 MBBS candidates selected from SMVDIME. The counselling will be held strictly on the basis of merit, and the entire seat allocation process will be completed on the same day.

Seats to be allocated in seven new medical colleges

The notification stated that the 50 supernumerary seats have been created following orders issued by the National Medical Council (NMC). These seats will be allocated across seven new Government Medical Colleges in Jammu and Kashmir. Allocation will be done on a merit-cum-preference basis, ensuring fair distribution among eligible candidates.

BOPEE further said that the detailed notification (No. 015 of 2026 dated January 21, 2026) has already been uploaded on the official website of the board. All 50 candidates have also been informed through various modes of communication. Candidates have been advised to visit the BOPEE website for further details and instructions.

Relief for students amid recognition controversy

The announcement comes as a major relief to the 50 SMVDIME students whose academic future was left uncertain after the NMC withdrew recognition of the institute, citing inadequate faculty strength and infrastructure deficiencies.

The issue had triggered widespread concern after a Sangharsh Samiti launched protests against the admission of 14 Muslim students to the college, claiming that SMVDIME was a minority Hindu institution meant exclusively for Hindu candidates. However, the admissions were made purely on the basis of merit.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah rejected the minority status claim, stating that the medical college receives grants from the J&K government and that its statutes do not classify it as a minority institution. Following the controversy and regulatory action, the creation of supernumerary seats has now ensured that the affected students can continue their medical education without disruption.