The Andaman and Nicobar Administration has announced counselling for candidates seeking admission to medical and nursing courses reserved at mainland institutions for island students during the 2025–26 academic session. The session will be held on September 19 at 10 am onwards in the Seminar Gallery of Tagore Government College of Education (TGCE), offering opportunities for students in courses such as Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS), Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS), and General Nursing and Midwifery (GNM).
According to the schedule released, there are four seats available each in BHMS and BAMS, while five seats have been allotted for GNM. Candidates whose names appear on the official merit list for these courses have been directed to attend the counselling session in person, accompanied by their original educational certificates, testimonials, and other necessary documents. In addition, they must provide five passport-sized photographs and two permanency certificates for sureties, along with category documents where applicable.
The counselling will determine allotment strictly based on merit, with seats being distributed according to existing category reservations. However, if seats remain unutilized within the reserved categories, they may be allotted to candidates from Category V, which covers the general merit list. This mechanism ensures that no seat remains vacant while maintaining fairness for reserved category candidates.
The administration has made it clear that no subsequent claims will be entertained from any candidate who fails to attend the counselling session or is unable to present the required documents in original form. This directive underlines the importance of timely participation and complete documentation for securing admission.
The announcement also coincides with a technical update to the Common College Admission Portal. Information relating to allotment of professional, technical, and non-technical seats reserved at mainland institutions will now be available on the website https://collegeadmission.andamannicobar.gov.in/, replacing the earlier domain https://collegeadmission.andaman.gov.in/. Students have been advised to make note of the change to avoid missing important notifications.
For aspirants across the islands, this counselling session represents a significant opportunity to access professional education on the mainland, which continues to be a preferred option due to wider exposure, better facilities, and expanded career opportunities. The availability of reserved seats for A&N Islands students is part of long-standing arrangements to ensure equitable access to specialized higher education programmes, given the limited infrastructure for such courses within the islands themselves.
Medical and nursing courses such as BAMS, BHMS, and GNM remain highly sought after among students, with demand consistently outstripping supply. BAMS and BHMS graduates often pursue careers in alternative medicine, clinics, hospitals, and research institutions, while GNM opens pathways into the growing healthcare and nursing sector, both in India and abroad. The allocation of these reserved seats is therefore seen as a crucial step in supporting students’ professional aspirations and strengthening the health sector workforce in the long term.
Parents and students have been urged to ensure that they arrive well prepared for the session on September 19, as failure to comply with the documentation requirements or absence from the venue would result in forfeiture of their claim. The administration has stressed that strict adherence to the rules will maintain the integrity and smooth functioning of the admission process.
As the date approaches, the spotlight remains on the candidates shortlisted for counselling. For many, this opportunity marks the culmination of years of preparation and the start of a career in the medical or nursing fields. With limited seats and high competition, the outcome of the September 19 session will determine who among the aspirants secures a place in these professional courses.
