The National Medical Commission (NMC) has given in-principle approval to a proposal to replace the existing percentile-based qualifying system for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET-PG) and NEET Super Speciality (NEET-SS) examinations with a rank-based merit system. The proposed change could reshape postgraduate medical admissions, particularly amid concerns over repeated reductions in qualifying cut-offs to fill vacant medical seats.According to a report by LiveLaw, the proposal was placed before the Supreme Court on November 3 through a report submitted by a 12-member expert committee constituted on the court’s recommendation. The committee has suggested that candidates’ examination results should reflect their ranks instead of percentile scores.The NMC is currently working on regulations to implement the proposed framework. A draft regulation will be issued after consultations with relevant stakeholders. However, the commission has not finalised the rules, and the existing admission framework remains in place until further notification.
Supreme Court examines proposal after NEET-PG cut-off controversy
The development came during the hearing of a petition challenging the reduction of qualifying percentile requirements for NEET-PG 2025-26. A bench comprising Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe heard the matter.The petition raised concerns over the substantial reduction in qualifying thresholds during the third round of NEET-PG counselling. The Supreme Court has adjourned the proceedings to examine the expert committee’s recommendations and allow the parties concerned to submit their responses.The proposed shift towards rank-based merit comes against the backdrop of repeated cut-off reductions aimed at filling vacant postgraduate medical seats.For the third round of NEET-PG 2025-26 counselling, the qualifying percentile for General and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) candidates was reduced from the 50th percentile, corresponding to 276 marks, to the seventh percentile, or 103 marks.For General candidates under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category, the qualifying threshold was lowered from the 45th percentile, equivalent to 255 marks, to the fifth percentile, or 90 marks.The reduction was even more substantial for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST) and Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories. Their qualifying requirement, including that of PwBD candidates in these categories, was reduced from the 40th percentile, corresponding to 235 marks, to zero percentile, equivalent to minus 40 marks.These relaxations triggered concerns about the standards expected of candidates entering postgraduate medical education. Petitioners argued that permitting candidates with negative marks to qualify for admission could undermine academic standards and raise concerns about patient safety.The expert committee has also recommended that qualifying requirements should not be diluted to an extent that candidates with grossly inadequate or negative examination performance become eligible for postgraduate medical seats.
NEET-PG counselling may see changes in admission timelines
Apart from the proposed rank-based merit framework, the expert committee has recommended changes to streamline postgraduate medical counselling and reduce the number of vacant seats.One of the recommendations is to reduce the time gap between successive counselling rounds. The committee has also called for fixed timelines for examinations and admissions to bring greater predictability to the process.Medical colleges may also be required to submit verified information about available seats well before counselling begins. This is intended to improve seat allocation and prevent discrepancies during the admission process.The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) is also working towards digitising the counselling mechanism with minimal human intervention. The proposed changes are aimed at improving transparency, accountability, and efficiency in seat allotment.
MCC may introduce Freeze and Float options
The proposed changes to the MCC counselling portal include dividing candidates into two categories: Freeze and Float.Under the Freeze option, candidates who accept their allotted seats will be required to physically report to the respective institutions.Candidates selecting the Float option will be able to accept their allotted seats online while retaining the opportunity to participate in subsequent counselling rounds for possible seat upgradation.The proposed mechanism is expected to provide candidates with greater flexibility while reducing procedural complications during counselling.
Committee recommends fee relief for non-clinical PG courses
The expert committee has also proposed measures to encourage candidates to opt for preclinical and paraclinical postgraduate medical courses, which often face lower demand compared with clinical specialities.The recommendations include reducing fees for non-clinical postgraduate programmes and exempting candidates pursuing pre-clinical and para-clinical courses from service bond requirements.These measures are intended to make such specialities more attractive to medical graduates and address the problem of unfilled seats across postgraduate medical programmes.
NMC regulations awaited on proposed NEET-PG merit system
The expert committee’s recommendations are now before the Supreme Court. While the NMC has given in-principle approval to the proposed rank-based system, the regulatory framework is yet to be finalised.The commission is expected to prepare draft regulations after consultations with relevant stakeholders. The proposed changes, if implemented, could alter the way merit is assessed for NEET-PG and NEET-SS admissions.For now, candidates should continue to follow the existing examination and counselling rules. Any change in the qualifying criteria or merit calculation will become applicable only after the competent authorities issue the necessary formal notifications.