In Brief
The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of Rule 3(1)(c) of Assam's Medical Colleges admission rules, which require candidates to study from Class VII to XII within the State to be eligible for State-quota seats. The petitioners, who had studied Class XI and XII outside Assam, challenged this as violative of Article 14. The Court held that the requirement is a valid classification with rational nexus to ensuring medical professionals serve the State, particularly in remote areas. Such domicile and institutional requirements are permissible for basic MBBS/BDS courses. The Court distinguished between government and private employees' wards, and noted exemptions exist for government officials posted outside. The classification was held neither irrational nor arbitrary, and candidates were presumed aware of eligibility criteria when choosing outside education.
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