On 2 November 2026, the Government of Himachal Pradesh amended its Postgraduate (PG) and Super-Speciality (SS) Policy, and Atal Medical & Research University (AMRU) has issued a notice on 4 November 2026 clarifying how this change affects Job Trainee medical officers in the ongoing NEET-PG 2026 counselling. The key change: Job Trainee medical officers who have already applied for Round 1 of PG (MD/MS/DNB) counselling under the In-Service quota and hold a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Director of Health Services, Himachal Pradesh, will now be considered under the 33.33% Direct Candidates quota instead. This is a significant shift in how their candidature is evaluated and affects their eligibility, bond obligations, and service terms. If you are a Job Trainee medical officer in Himachal Pradesh who has already submitted your application, this notice directly impacts your counselling outcome.
Job Trainee medical officers already in Round 1 counselling for NEET-PG 2026 are now reclassified from In-Service quota to the 33.33% Direct Candidates quota, with a Rs 40 lakh bond and 2-year state service plus 1-year mandatory field posting after PG completion.
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Unlock My College ListWhat Changed: The Policy Amendment Explained
On 2 November 2026, Himachal Pradesh issued a government notification (HFW-B(F)4-9/2017-II-L) that amended the state's PG and Super-Speciality Policy. The amendment specifically addresses how the cadre of Government Doctors (GDOs) is built and who is eligible to pursue postgraduate medical qualifications.
The most important change for NEET-PG candidates is this: Job Trainee medical officers—those appointed under the Department of Personnel Notification No. PER(AP)-C-B(15)-3/2024 dated 19 July 2025—are now allowed to pursue PG (MD/MS) and PG (MDS) courses against the 33.33% quota reserved for Direct Candidates. Previously, they would have been considered under the In-Service quota. This reclassification affects how their merit is ranked, which seats they compete for, and what obligations they must fulfil after completing their postgraduate degree.
Who This Notice Applies To
This notice applies specifically to medical officers who meet ALL of the following criteria:
You must be a Job Trainee medical officer appointed under Department of Personnel Notification No. PER(AP)-C-B(15)-3/2024 dated 19 July 2025 or any further instructions/notifications issued by the Department of Personnel. You must have already submitted your online application form for the 1st Round of PG (MD/MS/DNB) Common/Centralized Counselling-2026. You must have applied under the In-Service Quota. You must have been issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the Director of Health Services, Himachal Pradesh, vide Letter No. HFW-(1)B(3)/NEET-PG/2026/Job Trainee dated 2 November 2026.
If you meet all four conditions, your candidature will now be reconsidered under the Direct Candidates Quota (33.33%) for the 1st Round of counselling. If you do not have an NOC dated 2 November 2026, or if you applied under a different quota, this notice does not apply to you.
- Job Trainee medical officer appointed under Department of Personnel Notification No. PER(AP)-C-B(15)-3/2024 dated 19 July 2025
- Already submitted online application for 1st Round PG (MD/MS/DNB) counselling 2026
- Applied under the In-Service Quota
- Hold a valid NOC from Director of Health Services, Himachal Pradesh, dated 2 November 2026
What 'Direct Candidates Quota' Means for You
The Direct Candidates Quota is a separate pool of seats (33.33% of available seats in Himachal Pradesh government medical colleges) reserved for doctors who are not employed by the state government. By being reclassified into this quota, you are now competing for seats against other direct candidates rather than against in-service medical officers.
This change affects your ranking and merit position. Your NEET-PG score will be ranked within the Direct Candidates pool, not the In-Service pool. Depending on the number of Job Trainee candidates and direct candidates, this may improve or worsen your chances of getting a seat in your preferred specialty and college. The exact impact depends on your NEET-PG score and the cutoff marks for each specialty in the Direct Candidates quota.
Importantly, being in the Direct Candidates Quota does NOT change your eligibility to pursue PG courses. You are still eligible for MD/MS and MDS courses. However, it does change the bond amount and service obligations you must fulfil, as explained in the next section.
Bond Amount and Service Obligations
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If you are selected to pursue postgraduation in a Government Medical or Dental College in Himachal Pradesh under this amended policy, you must sign a bond (a legal commitment) to serve the state. The bond amount is Rs 40 lakhs (40,00,000 rupees). This is the amount you would be liable to pay if you break the bond and do not complete your service obligation.
Your service obligation consists of two parts: (1) Two years (02 years) of service in the state after completing your PG degree, and (2) One year (01 year) of mandatory field posting after completing your PG degree. The field posting is in addition to the two-year service period. So in total, you must serve the state for three years after your PG completion—two years in your specialty and one year in field posting (which typically means working in a rural or underserved area).
The bond period begins AFTER you complete your Job Trainee period. Here is the timeline: You are currently a Job Trainee. You pursue your PG (MD/MS/MDS) while still technically a Job Trainee. After you complete your PG degree, you must serve the remaining balance of your Job Trainee period (if any). Only after the Job Trainee period ends does the bond period for your PG course begin. This means your total commitment to the state extends beyond just the three years of PG service.
- Bond amount: Rs 40 lakhs
- Service obligation: 2 years after PG completion
- Mandatory field posting: 1 year after PG completion (in addition to 2 years)
- Bond period begins after Job Trainee period is completed
Stipend During Your PG Course
While you are pursuing your PG course (MD/MS/MDS) within Himachal Pradesh, you will receive a stipend. However, the stipend you receive is only what is applicable to direct candidates, not what in-service medical officers receive. This is an important distinction because in-service doctors often receive higher stipends than direct candidates.
The exact amount of the stipend is not specified in this notice. You should contact the Director of Medical Education & Research, Himachal Pradesh, or AMRU for the exact stipend amount applicable to direct candidates. Do not assume your stipend will be the same as what other in-service doctors receive.
Important: This Notice Supersedes an Earlier Notice
AMRU issued an earlier notice on 30 October 2026 (Notice No. AMRU/(COE)-Admission-129/2026-27 PG (MD/MS) 6681-6684). That notice is now cancelled and replaced by this new notice dated 4 November 2026. If you read the earlier notice or received any information based on it, disregard it. The current notice reflects the amended policy and is the authoritative guidance.
This supersession is important because the earlier notice may have contained different information about Job Trainee eligibility, quota classification, or bond terms. Always refer to the most recent notice from AMRU.
What You Must Do Now
If you are a Job Trainee medical officer who has already applied for Round 1 counselling and hold an NOC dated 2 November 2026, you do not need to take any action right now. Your candidature will be automatically reconsidered under the Direct Candidates Quota by AMRU and the counselling committee.
However, you should verify that you have received the NOC from the Director of Health Services, Himachal Pradesh. The NOC letter number is HFW-(1)B(3)/NEET-PG/2026/Job Trainee and it should be dated 2 November 2026. If you have not received this NOC, contact the Director of Health Services immediately to obtain it, as it is mandatory for your candidature to be considered.
Keep all your documents ready for the counselling process: your NEET-PG admit card, your MBBS degree certificate, your NOC, your caste/category certificate (if applicable), and any other documents required by the counselling committee. The exact list of documents will be provided in the counselling brochure or on the AMRU website.
- Verify you have received the NOC from Director of Health Services dated 2 November 2026
- Keep your NEET-PG admit card, MBBS degree, and NOC ready
- Check the AMRU website (www.amruhp.ac.in) for the full counselling brochure and document requirements
- Do not take any action unless instructed by AMRU or the counselling committee
How This Affects Your Counselling Rank and Seat Allotment
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Your NEET-PG score remains the same, but your rank within the counselling process changes. Instead of being ranked among in-service medical officers, you are now ranked among direct candidates. This means you will compete for seats in the Direct Candidates Quota (33.33% of seats) rather than the In-Service Quota.
The impact on your seat allotment depends on several factors: (1) How many Job Trainee candidates are being reclassified into the Direct Candidates Quota, (2) How many direct candidates are competing in Round 1, (3) Your NEET-PG score relative to other direct candidates, and (4) The cutoff marks for your chosen specialty. If there are fewer direct candidates than in-service candidates, you may have a better chance of getting a seat. If there are more direct candidates, your chances may decrease.
You will not know the exact impact until the merit list and seat allotment are published by AMRU. The counselling committee will publish the merit list showing the rank of all candidates (including Job Trainees now in the Direct Candidates Quota) and then conduct the choice-filling and seat allotment process.
Eligibility Conditions You Must Still Meet
Even though you are now in the Direct Candidates Quota, you must still meet all the prescribed eligibility conditions for NEET-PG counselling in Himachal Pradesh. These typically include: (1) You must be an Indian citizen or a person of Indian origin (PIO) or an Overseas Citizen of India (OCI), (2) You must hold a valid MBBS degree from a recognized medical college, (3) You must have passed NEET-PG 2026 and obtained a valid score, (4) You must not have any criminal conviction or disciplinary action against you, and (5) You must meet any other eligibility criteria specified in the NEET-PG prospectus or the Himachal Pradesh PG counselling brochure.
The amended policy does not waive any of these eligibility conditions. If you do not meet any of these conditions, you will not be eligible for counselling, regardless of your NOC or Job Trainee status. If you are unsure whether you meet all eligibility conditions, contact AMRU or the Director of Medical Education & Research, Himachal Pradesh, before the counselling process begins.
- Indian citizen, PIO, or OCI
- Valid MBBS degree from recognized medical college
- Valid NEET-PG 2026 score
- No criminal conviction or disciplinary action
- Meet all other eligibility criteria in NEET-PG prospectus and HP PG counselling brochure
Key Dates and Timeline
The policy amendment was notified on 2 November 2026. This notice from AMRU was issued on 4 November 2026. The 1st Round of PG (MD/MS/DNB) counselling is ongoing, and your candidature will be reconsidered under the Direct Candidates Quota in this round.
The exact dates for merit list publication, choice-filling, and seat allotment are not specified in this notice. You must check the AMRU website (www.amruhp.ac.in) or the counselling brochure for the complete schedule. Do not miss any deadlines for choice-filling or document submission, as late submissions are typically not accepted.
- Policy amendment notified: 2 November 2026
- AMRU notice issued: 4 November 2026
- 1st Round counselling: Ongoing (exact dates on AMRU website)
- Check www.amruhp.ac.in for merit list, choice-filling, and allotment dates
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Assuming your NOC is automatic. The NOC is issued by the Director of Health Services, not by AMRU. You must actively obtain it and verify its date (2 November 2026). If you do not have this NOC, your candidature will not be reconsidered under the Direct Candidates Quota.
Mistake 2: Ignoring the bond obligation. The Rs 40 lakh bond is a serious legal commitment. If you do not complete your 2-year service and 1-year field posting after your PG, you may be liable to pay this amount. Understand the service terms before accepting a seat.
Mistake 3: Confusing the Job Trainee period with the PG bond period. These are two separate periods. Your bond period for PG begins AFTER your Job Trainee period ends. Do not assume your total service obligation is just 3 years; it may be longer depending on how much of your Job Trainee period remains.
Mistake 4: Not checking the AMRU website for updates. The counselling process is dynamic, and new notices or clarifications may be issued. Check www.amruhp.ac.in regularly for any updates or changes to the schedule or eligibility criteria.
Mistake 5: Assuming the stipend is the same as in-service doctors. The notice clearly states you will receive stipend 'only as applicable to direct candidates.' This is likely lower than in-service stipends. Verify the exact amount before counselling.
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
I am a Job Trainee medical officer and I applied for Round 1 counselling under the In-Service Quota. What happens to my application now?
Your application will be reconsidered under the Direct Candidates Quota (33.33%) instead of the In-Service Quota. This means your NEET-PG score will be ranked among direct candidates, not in-service doctors. You will compete for seats in the Direct Candidates pool. Your candidature will be automatically reconsidered by AMRU if you hold a valid NOC from the Director of Health Services dated 2 November 2026.
What is the NOC and how do I get it?
The NOC (No Objection Certificate) is issued by the Director of Health Services, Himachal Pradesh. It confirms that you are a Job Trainee medical officer eligible to pursue postgraduation under the amended policy. The NOC letter number is HFW-(1)B(3)/NEET-PG/2026/Job Trainee and should be dated 2 November 2026. If you have not received it, contact the Director of Health Services immediately. You must have this NOC for your candidature to be considered under the Direct Candidates Quota.
What is the bond amount and what does it mean?
The bond amount is Rs 40 lakhs (40,00,000 rupees). This is a legal commitment you must sign if you are selected for a PG seat in a Government Medical or Dental College in Himachal Pradesh. If you do not complete your service obligation (2 years of service + 1 year of field posting after PG completion), you may be liable to pay this amount to the state. The bond is a serious commitment and should not be taken lightly.
How long must I serve the state after completing my PG degree?
You must serve the state for a total of 3 years after completing your PG degree: 2 years in your specialty and 1 year of mandatory field posting. The field posting is typically in a rural or underserved area. Additionally, after your PG is complete, you must serve the remaining balance of your Job Trainee period (if any) before the PG bond period begins. So your total commitment extends beyond just the 3 years of PG service.
Will I receive a stipend while pursuing my PG course?
Yes, you will receive a stipend while pursuing your PG course within Himachal Pradesh. However, the stipend is only what is applicable to direct candidates, not what in-service medical officers receive. The exact amount is not specified in this notice. Contact AMRU or the Director of Medical Education & Research for the exact stipend amount.
Does this amendment change my eligibility to pursue PG courses?
No, the amendment does not change your eligibility to pursue PG (MD/MS) and PG (MDS) courses. You are still eligible. What changes is the quota you compete under (now Direct Candidates instead of In-Service), the bond amount (Rs 40 lakhs), and the service terms. You must still meet all other prescribed eligibility conditions for NEET-PG counselling.
What if I do not have the NOC dated 2 November 2026?
If you do not have the NOC, your candidature will not be reconsidered under the Direct Candidates Quota. You must obtain it from the Director of Health Services, Himachal Pradesh, immediately. The NOC is mandatory for your candidature to be considered under the amended policy. Contact the Director of Health Services without delay if you have not received it.
How will this change affect my chances of getting a seat?
The impact depends on several factors: how many Job Trainee candidates are being reclassified, how many direct candidates are competing, your NEET-PG score, and the cutoff marks for your chosen specialty. You will not know the exact impact until the merit list is published. Your rank will now be among direct candidates instead of in-service doctors, which may improve or worsen your chances depending on the competition.
What should I do now?
Verify that you have received the NOC from the Director of Health Services dated 2 November 2026. Keep all your documents ready: NEET-PG admit card, MBBS degree, NOC, and caste/category certificate (if applicable). Check the AMRU website (www.amruhp.ac.in) regularly for updates on the counselling schedule, merit list, and choice-filling dates. Do not take any action unless instructed by AMRU or the counselling committee.
Is this notice final or can it change again?
This notice is based on the government's policy amendment dated 2 November 2026. It supersedes an earlier AMRU notice dated 30 October 2026. While the policy is now amended, further clarifications or instructions may be issued by the government or AMRU. Check the AMRU website regularly for any updates or changes.
What happens if I break the bond and do not complete my service obligation?
If you do not complete your 2-year service and 1-year field posting after your PG, you may be liable to pay the bond amount of Rs 40 lakhs to the state. The exact consequences and recovery procedures are governed by the bond agreement you will sign. Breaking the bond can have serious financial and legal consequences, so ensure you understand and are committed to the service obligation before accepting a seat.
Can I appeal or request a change in my quota classification?
This notice does not mention any appeal or request process. The reclassification from In-Service to Direct Candidates Quota is automatic for all Job Trainee candidates who hold a valid NOC dated 2 November 2026. If you have concerns about your classification or believe you should be in a different quota, contact the Director of Medical Education & Research, Himachal Pradesh, or AMRU for guidance.
If you are a Job Trainee medical officer in Himachal Pradesh who applied for Round 1 NEET-PG 2026 counselling, verify immediately that you have received the NOC from the Director of Health Services dated 2 November 2026—this is mandatory for your candidature to be reconsidered under the Direct Candidates Quota. Keep all your documents (NEET-PG admit card, MBBS degree, NOC, caste certificate if applicable) ready and check the AMRU website (www.amruhp.ac.in) regularly for the merit list, choice-filling dates, and seat allotment schedule. Understand the bond obligation (Rs 40 lakhs, 2-year service + 1-year field posting) before accepting a seat, as breaking it carries serious financial consequences.
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