What is Free Exit and Forfeiture in AYUSH Counselling and when to choose it?

What is Free Exit in AYUSH Counselling?

Free Exit is a system in AYUSH Counselling which is applicable only for Round 1. It means that if a student is allotted a seat in Round 1 and does not wish to join it, he can leave the counselling without any penalty. In this process, neither his security deposit is forfeited nor he becomes ineligible for further rounds (like Round 2, Round 3, SVR). This system gives freedom to the students to make an informed decision, especially when they have not got the college of their choice.

Have you ever thought that if a student joins a college in a hurry and regrets it later, how costly that decision can be? Free Exit gives an opportunity to avoid this regret. However, this option is available only in Round 1, so proper use of time and information is important.

There is no specific procedure to avail of a Free Exit — if you do not report to the allotted seat on time, it is considered as a Free Exit. In this case, you can participate in future rounds with fresh choice filling. Many times students think that rejecting a seat will end their counselling, but the Free Exit system gives them the facility to try again — without any loss.

What is Exit with Forfeiture and why is it harmful?

Exit with Forfeiture is a situation in AYUSH Counselling in which a student leaves his allotted seat but the Free Exit time has passed. In this case, his security deposit (₹20,000 or ₹50,000) is forfeited and he may also be disqualified from some further counselling rounds. These rules apply specifically to Round 2, Round 3 and Stray Vacancy Rounds (SVR).

Think carefully about each option – you chose a college, got a seat, but you don’t join. The result? Money is lost and so is eligibility. Exit with Forfeiture reflects this situation where a mistake in decision making can cause great harm to the students.

The purpose of this arrangement is to ensure that seats do not go vacant in the counselling process and seriousness is maintained. If a student does not join after getting a seat in Round 2, he will have to face a forfeiture and  may be ineligible for further counselling.

Make this decision only if you have a strong backup — like a good chance of getting counseling in a state, or you have locked in the wrong choice due to a technical mistake. But remember, Exit with Forfeiture should be a last-resort decision, not a move made without thinking.

When and how is Free Exit taken in AYUSH Counselling?

The facility of Free Exit is available in AYUSH UG Counselling only during Round 1. This means that if a student is allotted a seat in Round 1 and does not report to the allotted college, he is not out of counselling. Rather, he can participate in Round 2, 3 and SVR by filling fresh choices and his security deposit is also refunded.  

Consider each option carefully - A student got allotted a college less than his choice in Round 1. He thinks that he will get something better in the next round. In such a case, Free Exit is a big relief, as he can participate in the next rounds without any loss.

The technical implementation of Free Exit is also very simple — if you do not report to the allotted institute, the system considers it as Free Exit. There is no need to fill any separate form or declaration.

One thing to note is that Free Exit is available only in Round 1. If you take a seat in Round 2 or any subsequent round and do not report, it will not be called Free Exit – it will be considered Exit with Forfeiture. So read the counselling calendar carefully and take the decision at the right time.

What are the risks involved in Exit in Round 2?

Round 2 is the critical stage of AYUSH Counselling, exiting from which can lead to direct financial and eligibility loss. If a student does not join the allotted seat in Round 2, or resigns after joining, his/her security deposit is forfeited and he/she becomes ineligible for further AACCC counselling rounds (such as Round 3, SVR).

Think carefully about each option — you paid a deposit of ₹20,000 or ₹50,000, and left the seat as soon as you got it. Is it worth the loss? Many times students do this in haste or due to misunderstanding and end up wasting the entire academic year.

However, if a student exits 3 days before the declaration of the final result of Round 2, he/she can participate in State Counselling despite the forfeiture. But this time limit is very strict. Even a one-day delay can forfeit eligibility.

Therefore, if you feel it necessary to exit after Round 2, note each day of the counselling schedule and complete the formal resignation process on time.

Why exit is not allowed in Round 3 and Stray Vacancy Round?

Round 3 and Stray Vacancy Round (SVR) of AYUSH Counselling are the final stages and there is no scope for exit here. If a student is allotted a seat in these rounds and does not join, his/her security deposit is forfeited and he/she becomes ineligible for counselling at both Central and State levels.

Have you ever thought that one wrong step can push your medical career back by a year? This is what happens when a student ignores the allotted seat in Round 3 or SVR. The system is designed in such a way that only those students who are serious participate in the last rounds.

Not joining after being allotted a seat in SVR means being out of the entire AYUSH admission system. Therefore, there should be 100% clarity before filling choices in this stage.

If you are unsure, then do not participate in SVR. But once you participate and get a seat, it is mandatory to join. Otherwise, neither the seat will be available nor the eligibility for future counselling.

Can one participate in State Counselling even after Exit with Forfeiture?

This question comes in the mind of hundreds of students every year. In some cases you can participate in State Counselling even after Exit with Forfeiture, but it completely depends on the rules of timely resignation and eligibility. For example, if a student accepts a seat in Round 2 and then resigns on time, he remains eligible for State quota counselling even after facing forfeiture.

Consider every option carefully. If you have the option of a good state college and you have decided to leave the Central counselling seat, make sure the resignation happens within the stipulated time limit.

However, if the student takes a seat in Round 3 or SVR and does not report, he/she will not only face a forfeiture but may also lose eligibility in most states. Hence, it is very important to take timely action.

The policy of every state may be slightly different in this regard, so do read the notification of state counselling. But the basic principle is this – take a decision in time, otherwise the opportunity will be lost.

Most common misconceptions related to Exit in AYUSH Counselling

Many students and parents are confused about the concept of Exit and Forfeiture in AYUSH Counselling. The most common misconception is that if a seat is rejected in any round, then one cannot participate in counselling, whereas there is a complete system of free exit in Round 1.

The second big mistake is not reporting after getting a seat in Round 2 or Round 3, thinking that you will get a seat in the next round. But by doing this, not only the security deposit is forfeited, but eligibility is also lost.

Consider every option carefully. Counselling is a structured process, where every step is based on documentation, deadlines and correct information. There is no room for error.

Furthermore, many times students forget to resign after reporting or do not follow the procedure properly, resulting in both forfeiture and future disqualification.

What things must be considered before taking Exit?

Exit is a serious decision, especially when it comes to your career and an academic year. Consider the following before exiting:

• Do you have a better alternative? (like state counseling or private college)
  
• Have you read the schedule and deadlines of all the counselling rounds carefully?
  
• Have you understood the document verification and reporting rules?
  
• Will your financial situation be affected after forfeiture?
  

Consider every option carefully. If you are exiting only in the hope that you will find something good in the future, then this strategy may prove to be wrong. Exiting without a clear plan is only harmful.

In every situation, seek advice from your counsellor or expert, so that you can take an informed decision and avoid any regret in the future.

Conclusion: When to exit and when not to?

Exit is an option in AYUSH Counselling, but it should be used wisely. If you have got less colleges than expected in Round 1 and you want to participate in further rounds, then it is wise to take Free Exit. But exit in Round 2 or further rounds may not only mean financial loss but also eligibility loss.

Consider every option carefully. If you are confident that a better option will be found, consider exiting. But if you are unsure, it is safer to accept the allotted seat and finalize the admission.

Take every exit decision as a strategy. Exit without strategy can lead to a waste of a year.

By joining NEET COUNSELLING GUIDANCE CENTRE you can get personalized counselling, verified information. Based on our 10 years of experience we ensure that your every step is closer to admission.

If you are also confused about when to take Exit and when not to – then contact us today. Only the right information, right advice and timely decision can take you to your dream college.