NEET-PG cut-off controversy: Panel suggests rank-based merit to address vacant seats

A 12-member expert committee has recommended replacing the percentile-based qualifying system for NEET-PG and NEET-SS admissions with a rank-based merit system, proposing that candidates be considered for postgraduate medical seats according to their examination ranks.

The committee submitted its report to the Supreme Court on Nov 3. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has given in-principle approval to the proposal, with implementation being considered from 2027. However, the final rules and details of the proposed admission system are yet to be announced.

The panel has also recommended that qualifying standards should not be lowered simply to fill vacant postgraduate medical seats. Other suggestions include reducing fees for non-clinical postgraduate courses and exempting students pursuing pre-clinical and para-clinical subjects from mandatory service bonds.

The recommendations also address delays in counselling and measures to reduce the number of vacant medical seats. The Supreme Court has granted the petitioners time to submit their responses to the committee's report and adjourned the matter.

Why NEET-PG cut-off reductions became an issue

The recommendations come amid concerns over repeated reductions in the NEET-PG qualifying cut-off to fill vacant postgraduate medical seats. The practice has raised questions about admission standards and the quality of postgraduate medical education.

In 2023, the qualifying percentile was reduced to zero across all categories, making candidates with negative marks eligible to participate in counselling.

During the NEET-PG 2024 admission cycle, the cut-off was initially reduced in January 2025 to the 15th percentile for General and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) candidates and the 10th percentile for reserved categories. The qualifying criteria were lowered further in February 2025.

The issue resurfaced during the 2025-26 admission cycle, when authorities again reduced the qualifying cut-off to accommodate candidates for vacant postgraduate medical seats.

On Jan 13, 2026, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) announced another reduction in the qualifying criteria for the third round of NEET-PG counselling.

Under the revised criteria, the qualifying percentile for General and EWS candidates was reduced from 50 to 7. For General Persons with Disabilities (PwD) candidates, it was lowered from 45 to 5.

For candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories, the qualifying percentile was reduced from 40 to zero.

The revised criteria also allowed candidates with negative marks to become eligible for counselling, further expanding the pool of applicants considered for the remaining postgraduate medical seats.

The decision came amid concerns over a large number of vacant postgraduate medical seats. Figures presented before the Supreme Court showed that 95,913 additional candidates became eligible for counselling after the qualifying cut-off was reduced.

The decision was subsequently challenged before the Supreme Court. The petitioners raised concerns about the implications of repeatedly lowering eligibility standards and its possible impact on the quality of postgraduate medical education.

Supreme Court seeks a long-term solution

In May 2026, the Supreme Court called for a permanent mechanism to address the recurring problem of NEET-PG cut-off reductions. A Bench comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe observed that the issue had repeatedly emerged during admission cycles, creating difficulties for candidates and leaving several postgraduate medical seats vacant.

The Court also raised concerns about the impact of lowering qualifying standards on medical education. The repeated changes to eligibility criteria brought attention to the need for a more consistent admission framework.

During the proceedings, the Centre informed the Supreme Court in August 2026 that it had constituted a 12-member expert committee headed by the Director General of Health Services. The committee was formed on July 23, 2026.

The panel was tasked with examining the existing postgraduate medical admission system, identifying its shortcomings and recommending measures to improve the process.

The committee has now submitted its report, proposing a shift from percentile-based eligibility to rank-based admissions for NEET-PG and NEET-SS from 2027.

The recommendations aim to address recurring challenges in postgraduate medical admissions, including vacant seats and counselling delays, while maintaining minimum eligibility standards.

The proposed changes also seek to address concerns over affordability and mandatory service requirements through reduced fees for non-clinical courses and exemptions for students pursuing pre-clinical and para-clinical subjects.

However, the recommendations have not yet been formally implemented. Their adoption will depend on the final regulations framed by the concerned authorities and further proceedings before the Supreme Court.