Sonia Gandhi writes to PM Modi demanding OBC reservation in NEET

"I would like to bring to your attention, denial of reservation for OBC candidates under All-India Quota being filled through National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), in State/UT Medical education institutions," she wrote in the letter.

"Under the All India Quota, 15%, 7.5% and 10% seats are reserved for SC (scheduled caste), ST (scheduled tribes) and Economically Weaker Section candidates respectively, in both Central and State/UT Medical education institutions. However, reservation for OBC candidates under All India Quota is restricted to Central Institutions," she added.

She said since 2017, OBC candidates lost over 1100 seats in All India Quota, due to non-implementation of the reservation in the entrance examination.

"In the interest of equity and social justice, I strongly urge the Union Government to extend reservation for OBC candidates in All India Quota of medical and dental seats, even in the State/UT Medical education institutions."

The All India Quota seats comprise 15 per cent of all MBBS seats and 50 per cent of PG medical seats surrendered by state governments to the Centre.

Students from all across the country can apply for the reservation.

Meanwhile, the JEE and NEET examinations have been postponed and the Joint Entrance Examination-Main (JEE-Main) will be now be held from September 1-6, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The JEE Advanced will be held on Sept 27 and the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) on Sept 13.