Supreme Court Fines 10 Dental Colleges INR 10 Crore Each

The Supreme Court has imposed a penalty of INR 10 crore each on 10 private dental colleges in Rajasthan for violating BDS admission rules. The ruling came after the court found serious irregularities in admissions made during the 2016–2017 academic session. The judgement was delivered on December 18, 2025. The apex court observed that the actions of the colleges, along with lapses by the state government, had compromised the standards of medical education. The bench strongly criticised the unauthorised relaxation of eligibility norms and termed the violations deliberate and illegal.

Supreme Court Observations on BDS Admission Irregularities

A bench comprising Justices Vijay Bishnoi and J K Maheshwari noted that the Rajasthan government had reduced the NEET qualifying percentile without approval. The state lowered the minimum requirement by 10 percent and later by an additional 5 percent, which was beyond the permissible limit. This unauthorised relaxation allowed several ineligible candidates to secure admission to dental colleges. The court further noted that some colleges admitted students even beyond the relaxed eligibility threshold, aggravating the violation of established regulations.

Violation of Dental Council of India Regulations

The Supreme Court highlighted that admissions were made in clear violation of the 2007 regulations framed by the Dental Council of India. These rules strictly define eligibility criteria and limits on any relaxation in qualifying percentile. The court stated that the colleges had committed willful violations by admitting students beyond the permitted relaxation. The failure of the state government to promptly communicate directives issued by central authorities and the Dental Council of India was also criticised in the judgement.

Relief Granted to Students Admitted in 2016–2017 Session

While imposing penalties on institutions, the Supreme Court granted relief to students admitted during the disputed academic session. The court regularised their BDS degrees by invoking its constitutional powers to ensure complete justice. Students who benefited from the relief have been directed to file affidavits before the Rajasthan High Court. These affidavits will include a commitment to provide pro bono services to the state during public emergencies, disease outbreaks, or natural calamities.