Maharashtra:The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (CET) cell has issued notices to 152 candidates for allegedly submitting incorrect documents during the ongoingNEET UGthird round counselling for the academic year 2025 under the state quota, setting a deadline of October 16 to submit valid documents. Earlier, the CET Cell had released the provisional merit list for the third round of medical admissions, after which many students submitted new applications. Meanwhile, during the document verification of the new applicants, it was found that many of these candidates were from areas outside Maharashtra. Following this, numerous complaints were received regarding discrepancies in the documents uploaded by candidates. Following this, theCET Cellinitiated an internal investigation, which revealed that 152 applicants had submitted invalid or inconsistent documents. Subsequently, they were sent notices via email, instructing them to re-upload their original and authentic certificates by tomorrow, i.e. October 16, 12 noon, or they would be disqualified from the admission process. Meanwhile, the CET Cell's public relations officer said in an official statement that the process is currently under verification and it would be premature to comment on any large-scale irregularities. However, the Cell is committed to maintaining transparency and fairness in the admission process. If any irregularities are proven after a detailed investigation, the matter will be referred to the relevant authorities for further action. In this regard, speaking to theHT, a senior official on condition of anonymity said, “We suspect that some candidates may have used forged documents to secure seats under the Maharashtra quota”. Along with this, a CET cell official said, "This is not the first time such irregularities have come to light. The system needs to further strengthen the verification process to ensure that only eligible students get admission under the state quota."