Against All Odds: Panipuri Vendor’s Son Secures General Category MBBS Seat After Quota Setback

Ahmedabad: A panipuri vendor's son from Meghraj town in Gujarat , has secured an MBBS seat in the general category despite facing significant challenges. Interestingly, Alpesh Rathod had already secured a seat under the SEBC category two years ago, but his admission was revoked when his SEBC quota certificate was deemed invalid.

Alpesh who moved to the Supreme Court, granted him interim relief and temporarily halted the state government from canceling his admission. However, showing resilience, Rathod chose to retake the NEET exam, which resulted in him securing a general category seat at GMERS Medical College.

Govt Cancels Reservation Seat, Aspirant Gives Another NEET Attempt, Clears Exam In Open Category

His performance improved significantly; while he scored 613 marks two years ago, he achieved 644 marks this time around.

“I didn’t want any uncertainty hanging over my head,” Alpesh explained for sitting in another NEET -UG attempt. 

Challenges Alpesh Faced 

In addition to navigating challenges related to reservation, Alpesh Rathod also faced financial hurdles. To vacate his seat, the college imposed a fine of Rs 5 lakh, despite being the institution that initially held up his admission.

Rathod, whose father operates a modest panipuri stall in Meghraj, will now have to pay higher fees than he would have at a government college. Furthermore, to retrieve the certificates he submitted for his initial admission, he is required to pay that same Rs 5 lakh fine.

Alpesh will be the first member of his family, as well as the entire Kenthwa village in Uttar Pradesh, to become a doctor.