CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Bhopal: CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News / Agencies, Bhopal: A major change has been proposed in the NEET-PG and NEET-SS admission process for candidates preparing for postgraduate studies in the medical field. The existing percentile-based qualifying system for admission may be replaced by a rank-based merit system. A 12-member expert committee constituted on the directions of the Supreme Court submitted its report to the court on November 3. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has given in-principle approval to the proposal. It is being considered for implementation from 2027.
Rank, not percentile, will be important: Under the current system, candidates have to secure the prescribed minimum percentile to become eligible for counselling. In the proposed system, candidates’ merit will be determined on the basis of their examination results and the rank obtained. According to the report, under the new rules, results may be issued in the form of ranks instead of percentiles. However, the detailed rules and eligibility conditions have not yet been finalised.
Committee formed after repeated cutoffs were lowered: The change has been proposed after controversy over repeated reductions in the eligibility cutoff to fill vacant NEET-PG seats. In the 2025-26 admission session, the qualifying percentile for the general and EWS categories was reduced from 50 to 7, while for the SC, ST and OBC categories it was reduced from 40 to zero. This made a large number of additional candidates eligible for counselling. After questions were raised over the decision, the Supreme Court directed that a permanent solution be explored.
Suggestions on fees and service bonds too: The committee has recommended reducing fees for non-clinical postgraduate courses and exempting students taking admission in pre-clinical and para-clinical subjects from service bonds. It has also suggested preparing a fixed counselling calendar, making information on vacant seats available on time and increasing transparency in the process. The Supreme Court has given the petitioners time to file their responses to the report. For now, the final rules on the proposed system are yet to be issued.
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