NEET PG cut off 2023 reduces to zero percentile for this year: Health Ministry

NEET PG Cut Off 2023: The Health Ministry has taken a step by reducing the qualifying percentile to zero for NEET PG Cut Off 2023, opening the doors for all medical graduates to partake in the counseling process for admission to super specialty courses this year. This move comes as an effort to address the issue of vacant PG medical seats in India, with approximately 2,000-2,500 seats remaining unfilled annually due to a lack of takers.

An official from the Health Ministry emphasized the necessity of this cut in the qualifying percentile to ensure that no PG seat remains unoccupied, pointing out that even after two rounds of counseling for NEET-PG this year, many seats in specialties like physiology, anatomy, and biochemistry still remain vacant.

Government’s Directive

According to the government’s latest directive issued on Wednesday, candidates who have now become eligible due to the reduction in percentile can initiate fresh registration and participate in round 3 of counselling. The order clarifies that previously registered candidates need not register again but will have the opportunity to edit their choices. A revised schedule for PG counselling from round 3 onwards will be soon available on the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) website.

National Medical Commission (NMC) officials have clarified that this drastic reduction in the qualifying percentile is a one-time intervention, aimed at addressing the need for teachers in pre-clinical specialties like physiology and anatomy as new medical colleges continue to emerge. Despite the zero cut-off, NEET-PG’s relevance remains intact as applicants will still be ranked based on their scores.

While the decision has garnered both support and opposition from the medical fraternity, with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) backing the move, organizations like the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA) have expressed their disagreement. Dr. Vinay Aggarwal, Chairman of IMA’s action committee, welcomed the government’s gesture in reducing the percentile but stressed the importance of ensuring that merit receives its due recognition.