NEET PG 2027: Rank-Based Merit System May Replace Percentile, NMC Proposes Major Admission Reform

India's postgraduate medical admission system could see a major change from 2027, with the National Medical Commission (NMC) proposing to replace the existing percentile-based system with a rank-based merit list for NEET PG and NEET Super Speciality (NEET-SS).

The proposal was presented to the Supreme Court on November 3 by a 12-member expert committee formed to examine problems in the medical admission process. The committee said the NMC had given in-principle approval to the proposed change and was preparing new regulations. Under the proposed system, candidates would receive ranks instead of percentile scores in their results. However, the final rules are still being prepared, and the change should not be treated as an implemented rule yet.

The development comes after widespread criticism of the decision to reduce NEET PG 2025 qualifying marks, including allowing candidates with negative scores to become eligible for counselling.

Why Is NEET PG Moving From Percentile to Rank?

To understand the proposed change, it is important to know how the current system works. A percentile score shows how a candidate performed compared with other people who appeared for the same examination. A rank, on the other hand, shows a candidate's position among all test-takers. Rank 1 means the candidate secured the highest position. Under the existing NEET PG system, candidates must meet a minimum qualifying percentile to become eligible for counselling. These qualifying requirements can be reduced by the authorities when a large number of postgraduate medical seats remain vacant.

The proposed rank-based system aims to simplify this process and reduce delays between counselling rounds. The expert committee believes that moving to a rank-based list could help complete admissions within a more predictable schedule. However, the change raises another question: will replacing percentile scores with ranks actually ensure that candidates meet a reasonable minimum score? The final regulations will need to clarify this.

NEET PG 2025 Cut-Off Reduction: What Triggered the Controversy?

The proposed reform follows the controversy surrounding the NEET PG 2025–26 counselling process. On January 13, 2026, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) issued a notification reducing the qualifying percentile for the third round of counselling. The decision followed directions from the Union Health Ministry.

The revised qualifying marks were:

The reduction meant that candidates from certain categories could become eligible for counselling even with negative marks. The decision was taken amid concerns about vacant postgraduate medical seats. The government argued that reducing the qualifying requirements would help fill seats that might otherwise remain empty. However, the move raised concerns among doctors and medical aspirants about the standards expected of candidates entering postgraduate medical education. Petitions challenging the decision reached the Supreme Court, bringing the issue of vacant seats and admission standards into focus.

What Did the Supreme Court Ask the Government to Examine?

Following the legal challenge, the Supreme Court asked the government to examine the existing NEET PG admission process and suggest practical improvements. The Union Health Ministry subsequently formed a 12-member expert committee on July 23, 2026, headed by the Director General of Health Services. Representatives from medical education and examination authorities were also included.

The committee examined several issues, including the reduction of qualifying marks, vacant postgraduate seats and delays in counselling. Its report was presented before the Supreme Court on November 3. The court has allowed the parties time to examine the recommendations and respond. The committee's recommendations are not the same as a final Supreme Court order or an implemented government policy.

Major Changes Suggested for NEET PG Admissions

Apart from replacing percentile scores with ranks, the expert committee has suggested several measures to address the problem of vacant postgraduate medical seats.

1. Lower fees for non-clinical courses

The committee has suggested considering lower fees for non-clinical postgraduate courses. High fees and limited interest in certain branches can make some seats difficult to fill.

2. Exemption from service bonds

It has also recommended considering exemptions from service-bond requirements for candidates choosing pre-clinical and para-clinical subjects. Such bonds can require doctors to work in particular locations after completing their courses.

3. Biometric verification

The panel has suggested using identity checks and biometric verification to prevent candidates from appearing in examinations simply to block seats or interfere with the admission process.

4. Faster and more transparent counselling

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) is working towards a more digital counselling process with less manual intervention. The committee has also suggested a fixed counselling schedule and better coordination between examination authorities and state counselling bodies.

5. Reviewing seats that remain vacant

The committee has suggested examining courses where seats remain vacant for two to three consecutive years. This could help authorities understand whether the problem is related to fees, course demand or other conditions.

Will the New NEET PG System Solve the Merit Controversy?

The proposed change could make the admission process more organized, doctors have questioned whether it will address the real problem. One concern is that changing the result format from percentile to rank does not automatically establish a minimum qualifying score. The Indian Medical Association-Junior Doctors' Network has also questioned whether the proposed system will prevent candidates with negative marks from getting postgraduate seats. Vacant seats are a genuine concern, particularly when India needs more trained medical specialists. But repeatedly lowering qualifying requirements may not address why certain seats remain unfilled in the first place.

Candidates should not assume that the admission rules have already changed. The NMC is preparing new regulations, and the detailed eligibility requirements and implementation process are still awaited.

The proposed rank-based system is being considered for implementation from 2027. Aspirants should continue checking official NBEMS, NMC and MCC announcements for confirmed updates. The bigger challenge for the authorities will be to create an admission system that fills available medical seats without weakening the standards expected of future specialists.