Hello Ragini,

If you belong to the OBC-NCL category at the state level but are classified as General at the central level, and you've filled in OBC-NCL in your NEET 2024 application, you might face some issues during the counseling process, especially if the state you are applying in (e.g., Gujarat) considers you as General.

Key Points to Consider:

1. Central vs. State OBC-NCL Status :

   • Central OBC-NCL : NEET UG is a national-level exam, and the central government's OBC-NCL list is used for the reservation of seats under the 27% OBC-NCL quota in central institutions (AIIMS, AFMC, etc.).
   • State OBC-NCL : States have their own OBC-NCL lists, which may include communities that are not recognized as OBC-NCL at the central level.

2. Filling OBC-NCL in NEET Application :

   Recommended
   • If you have indicated OBC-NCL in your NEET application but are only recognized as OBC-NCL at the state level (not at the central level), you could be treated as a General category candidate during the counseling process for seats under the central quota.
   • State Counseling : If Gujarat treats you as General based on its criteria, you will be considered General in the state quota counseling, regardless of what you filled in your NEET application.

3. Possible Issues :

   • Document Verification : During counseling, your OBC-NCL certificate will be scrutinized. If it’s found that you do not qualify under the central OBC-NCL list, you may lose the benefits of the OBC-NCL reservation and be moved to the General category.
   • Impact on Seat Allotment : Being considered General could affect your chances of getting a seat in a preferred college, as the cutoff ranks are generally higher for General candidates compared to OBC-NCL.

What You Should Do:

• Consult with Counseling Authorities : It's advisable to contact the NEET counseling authorities or the Gujarat state counseling body to clarify your category status and avoid any complications.
• Prepare for Both Outcomes : Be prepared to be considered under the General category during counseling if your OBC-NCL certificate does not meet the central criteria.

Addressing this issue early on can help prevent any last-minute surprises during the counseling process.

Hope it helps !