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NEET-PG Admissions: Rank Replaces Percentile
4 Nov
Summary
- NEET-PG and NEET-SS may shift to rank-based merit system.
- Expert committee proposed replacing percentiles with ranks.
- Cut-off reductions for NEET-PG 2025-26 sparked controversy.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has given preliminary approval to replace the percentile-based qualifying system for NEET-PG and NEET-SS with a rank-based merit system. This change, proposed by an expert committee on November 3, aims to reshape postgraduate medical admissions. The shift is a direct response to controversy surrounding repeated reductions in NEET-PG qualifying cut-offs. For NEET-PG 2025-26, cut-offs were drastically lowered, even to zero percentile for some categories, raising concerns about academic standards and patient safety.
The expert committee also recommended streamlining counselling by reducing time gaps between rounds and establishing fixed timelines for examinations and admissions. Medical colleges may need to provide verified seat information earlier. To encourage enrollment in less popular non-clinical courses, fee reductions and exemption from service bonds are being considered. The NMC is currently drafting regulations for the proposed rank-based system, with the existing admission framework remaining in place until formal notifications are issued.
