After NEET hullabaloo, only 5 of 122 seats allotted for the differently-abled were filled up on Thursday

Despite reserving 122 seats for students from the differently-abled category, only 5 percent of those seats were allotted on Thursday.

The first day of medical counselling in the city started with special category students- differently-abed quota, sports quota and ex-servicemen quota and a total of 13 seats were allotted- five differently-abled, five from ex-servicemen quota and three from the sports quota.

I've always wanted to become a doctor and my parents have encouraged me constantly. I went
for coaching classes as well and I'm very happy now that I got a seat

V Sathiyapriya, a diff-abled applicant

Only 58 applicants

Among these seats, 122 seats were allotted for differently-abled students, however, only 58 students applied for counselling. From these only 20 were deemed eligible to appear for counselling but after the medical tests to determine disability, a mere five students were able to realise their medicine dreams.

V Sathiyapriya from Ramanathapuram who is physically handicapped was one of the students at the counselling who got a seat at the Madras Medical College. "I've always wanted to become a doctor and my parents have encouraged me constantly. I went for coaching classes as well and I'm very happy now that I got a seat," said Sathiyapriya whose father is a shopkeeper. The 18-year old wants to specialise in cardiology after her MBBS.

The vacant seats will now be allotted to the general category students. 

Looking out for their peers

A number of students who had arrived at their counselling surprisingly opted out. When the medical counselling committee was questioned about the same, it was known that many of the students who have secured high ranks usually give up their seats under the special categories so their peers with lesser marks would avail the seats.

Bro code: Students who have secured high ranks usually give up their seats under the special categories

"If the students are confident of getting their seats under the general category then they give up their seats for their friends who have less marks and might not have the chance to get a seat under the special category," said G Selvarajan, Secretary, Selection Committee.

Number of students to be called for counselling 

Total - 13, 248

August 24-  86 | August 25- 1209 | August 26- 1464 | August 27- 1596 | August 28- 2989 |
August 29 - 4817 | August 30- 108