IndiaPosted at: Nov 3 2026 10:36PM


NEET-PG may shift from percentile-based qualifying system to rank-based merit system

New Delhi, Nov. 3 (UNI) A 12-member expert committee set up to review the NEET-PG admission system has recommended replacing the existing percentile-based qualifying system with a rank-based merit system, a proposal that has received in-principle approval from the National Medical Commission.
In a report placed before the Supreme Court, the committee said the proposed change would apply to both National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Post-Graduate (NEET-PG) and the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Super Speciality (NEET-SS). A draft regulation is expected to be issued shortly for consultation with stakeholders.
The committee was constituted pursuant to Supreme Court directions asking the union government to undertake a comprehensive review of the existing admission system, identify shortcomings and suggest workable solutions.
The issue arose after the union Health Ministry substantially lowered the qualifying cut-off for NEET-PG 2025. The general-category qualifying score was reduced from 276 to 103, while the cut-off for SC, ST and OBC candidates was brought down from 235 to minus 40.
A bench comprising Justice Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe had questioned the sharp reduction and expressed concern over its possible impact on the quality of postgraduate medical education.
In its report, the expert committee said qualifying thresholds had been lowered from time to time depending on the number of vacant seats, but minimum standards in postgraduate medical education could not be compromised.
To address recurring vacancies, the committee suggested lower fees for non-clinical postgraduate courses and exemption from service bonds for candidates taking pre-clinical and para-clinical seats. It also favoured additional counselling rounds where necessary and measures such as KYC and biometric verification to discourage seat blocking.
The committee further examined delays in counselling. It noted that the Medical Counselling Committee had introduced a “Freeze” and “Float” system for the 2026-27 session, allowing candidates seeking an upgrade to retain an allotted seat without repeatedly visiting institutions.
The process of relieving candidates after upgradation has also been moved online. Candidates are required to pay fees only at the institution where they finally take admission. Online document submission and verification have also been introduced.
The NMC has meanwhile been integrated into the MCC counselling portal to directly verify the seat matrix of medical colleges, reducing duplication and manual cross-checking.
The committee also proposed fixed annual counselling schedules, updated standard operating procedures, regular stakeholder consultations and direct sharing of NEET results with State counselling authorities.
The Supreme Court granted the petitioners time to respond to the report and adjourned the matter.
UNI PK CDS
Tags: #NEET-PG may shift from percentile-based qualifying system to rank-based merit system
More News

NEET-PG may shift from percentile-based qualifying system to rank-based merit system

03 Nov 2026 | 10:36 PM

New Delhi, Nov. 3 (UNI) A 12-member expert committee set up to review the NEET-PG admission system has recommended replacing the existing percentile-based qualifying system with a rank-based merit system, a proposal that has received in-principle approval from the National Medical Commission.

see more..

Congress accuses EC of ‘Word Games’ over Form 6, demands halt to SIR

03 Nov 2026 | 10:30 PM

New Delhi, Nov 3 (UNI) The Congress on Tuesday stepped up its confrontation with the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, accusing the poll panel of using “word games” to defend a flawed exercise that, according to the opposition party, deletes existing voters first and subsequently asks them to seek re-enrolment as new electors.

see more..

Supreme Court restores registration of Crystal Crop protection’s insecticide, sets aside Delhi High Court order

03 Nov 2026 | 10:25 PM

New Delhi, Nov 3 (UNI) The Supreme Court has restored the registration certificate granted to Crystal Crop Protection Ltd for the import and manufacture of the insecticide Halosulfuron methyl, setting aside a Delhi High Court judgment that had cancelled the registration.

see more..

Army trains 50 Civil Defence Master Trainers to strengthen emergency preparedness

03 Nov 2026 | 10:08 PM

New Delhi, Nov 3 (UNI) The Indian Army has launched a joint initiative with the Directorate General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards (DG FSCDHG) to strengthen military-civil coordination and enhance the country's preparedness to deal with emerging security challenges and emergencies.

see more..

Delhi gasps for breath as AQI touches 350, Jahangirpuri records 462

03 Nov 2026 | 10:02 PM

New Delhi, Nov 3 (UNI) Delhi’s air pollution intensified today, with the national capital recording its worst air quality as the average Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 350, placing it in the ‘very poor’ category.

see more..