In the ever-evolving field of medicine, the pursuit of higher knowledge and specialization is a common aspiration for many medical professionals. However, this pursuit often finds itself at a crossroads with administrative decisions and state requirements. A recent judgment by Sandeep Sharma, J., brings this delicate balance to the forefront, as it delves into a case where a medical professional’s request for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to pursue a post-doctor fellowship at AIIMS, Jodhpur, was rejected by the state, citing an acute shortage of Radiologists.