THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Despite getting high marks in NEET examination, the poor and backward students who get admission in 50% merit seats in self-financing medical colleges in the state, can now study for Rs 25,000. The Medical Commission has recommended that in half of the seats in self-financed medical colleges and deemed universities, should charge the fees of government medical colleges.

The fee will be applicable to 1370 seats, out of total 2745 seats available in 19 self-financed medical colleges and deemed universities. Earlier in self-financing medical colleges, Rs 25,000 was the fees for BPL and SEBC groups and Rs 2.5 lakh for others. But High Court quashed this order. With this, a single fee was introduced in 85% of the seats. Self-financing colleges charge fees ranging from Rs 6.61 lakh to Rs 7.65 lakh, for even those who have high rankings. Many poor students have dropped out due to this.