NEET-PG ADMISSIONS MAY MOVE TO RANK-BASED MERIT SYSTEM AS EXPERT PANEL RECOMMENDS MAJOR REFORMS BEFORE SUPREME COURT
November 4, 2026
An expert committee has proposed replacing the existing percentile-based qualifying system with a rank-based merit framework for postgraduate medical admissions, potentially changing the selection process for candidates appearing in NEET-PG and NEET-SS examinations.
The 12-member committee submitted its recommendations to the Supreme Court in a report attached to an affidavit filed by the Centre. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has given in-principle approval to the proposed change, with a draft regulation expected to be issued shortly for consultation with stakeholders.
The recommendations come amid a continuing legal challenge over the Union Health Ministry's decision to substantially reduce the qualifying cut-off percentiles for NEET-PG 2025. The Supreme Court had directed the Centre to undertake a comprehensive review of the existing examination and admission framework.
A bench comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe had questioned the sharp reduction in qualifying marks. The general-category cut-off was lowered from 276 to 103, while the cut-off for SC, ST and OBC candidates was reduced from 235 to minus 40.
During the proceedings, the petitioner's advocate, Satyam Singh Rajput, argued that the Centre's affidavit had failed to adequately explain the drastic reduction and had introduced little substantive change to the admission process. The Centre, meanwhile, acknowledged the importance of maintaining standards in postgraduate medical education, stating that competitive examinations should not become mere administrative formalities.
MEASURES TO ADDRESS VACANT MEDICAL SEATS
Apart from the proposed merit-system reform, the committee recommended reducing fees for non-clinical postgraduate courses to encourage more candidates to opt for these subjects. It also suggested that states examine disparities in stipends between clinical and non-clinical residents and introduce incentives for doctors willing to serve in rural areas.
The report further recommended exempting candidates admitted to pre-clinical and para-clinical courses from mandatory service bonds, arguing that such requirements could discourage candidates from accepting these seats and contribute to vacancies.
The committee identified seat blocking as another significant factor behind unfilled postgraduate medical positions. It suggested exploring biometric verification mechanisms to prevent candidates from holding seats without genuinely intending to join.
The panel also advised against conducting additional counselling rounds, observing that repeated rounds could prolong the admission process.
COUNSELLING PROCESS UNDERGOES DIGITAL CHANGES
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has already introduced several changes to reduce delays and inconvenience during admissions. Under the revised arrangement, candidates are divided into 'Freeze' and 'Float' categories, depending on whether they wish to retain their allotted seats or seek an upgrade.
Candidates choosing the Float option can accept their allotted seats online and apply for upgradation without physically visiting the institution. The process of releasing previously allotted seats after an upgrade, along with document verification, has also been shifted online. Candidates are required to pay the admission fee only once, at the institution they ultimately join.
The NMC and MCC have additionally integrated their counselling portals to prevent duplication of seat information and reduce the need for manual verification.
The proposed rank-based system, together with the committee's recommendations on fees, service bonds and counselling, represents a broader attempt to address persistent vacancies and procedural difficulties in postgraduate medical admissions. However, the final regulatory framework will depend on the formal draft regulations and subsequent consultation.
