M.R.K. Panneerselvam, State Health Minister released the merit list for MBBS and BDS admissions for 2009-10 sessions Monday. The list is available on www. tnhealth.org and www.tn.gov.in.

Panneerselvam announced the names of the eight toppers – six boys and two girls who scored 200 out of 200 at the Directorate of Medical Education.

Of these 8 students, only one, Varshini Ramesh, who secured the eighth rank, is from Chennai.

Karthika Sankar of Mayiladuthurai topped the list.

This year, a total of 14,321 applications were received for MBBS/BDS admissions.

Of these, 384 were found to ineligible. Of the remaining, 5,064 are male and 8,873 female.

Later on, speaking with the media persons, the minister said that the first phase of counseling would be held on July 6. It will go on till July 17 at the auditorium of the Kilpauk Medical College.

He also added that the candidates will be called for counselling in the order of merit and will be allotted seats of their choice based on the rule of reservation.

"Individual call letters will be sent to the candidates as per the rank and counselling schedule will be published on webpages," said Paneerselvam.