New Delhi, November 4, 2026: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has proposed replacing the existing percentile-based admission system with a rank-based merit system for NEET-PG and NEET-Super Speciality (NEET-SS) courses. The proposal, which has received in-principle approval, aims to reduce counselling delays, improve transparency and address recurring vacancies in postgraduate medical colleges.
Rank-Based System to Replace Percentile Criteria
Under the proposed framework, candidates appearing for NEET-PG and NEET-SS would receive ranks instead of percentile scores.
A 12-member expert committee informed the Supreme Court that NMC is preparing new regulations to introduce the system, potentially from the 2027 admission cycle.
However, the final rules have not yet been notified.
Proposal Submitted to Supreme Court
The proposed changes were presented before a Supreme Court Bench comprising Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe.
The expert committee was constituted following concerns over repeated reductions in qualifying cut-offs and delays in postgraduate medical admissions.
The panel recommended a permanent system to address vacant seats without compromising medical education standards.
NEET-PG Cut-Off Controversy Triggered Review
The reforms follow controversy over the reduction of qualifying percentiles during the 2025-26 NEET-PG counselling process.
In January 2026, the qualifying percentile for general-category candidates was reduced from the 50th to the 7th percentile.
For SC, ST and OBC candidates, the threshold was lowered to zero, allowing some candidates with negative examination marks to become eligible for counselling.
The decision raised concerns about maintaining minimum academic standards.
New System Aims to Reduce Counselling Delays
Currently, authorities may reduce qualifying percentiles during later counselling rounds to fill vacant postgraduate medical seats.
Under the proposed rank-based framework, counselling could proceed according to candidates’ examination ranks without repeated decisions to lower percentile thresholds.
Officials believe this could help complete admissions within prescribed timelines.
Medical Experts Raise Concerns Over Eligibility
Some medical professionals have questioned whether the proposed system would adequately protect academic standards.
Doctors have argued that ranking candidates alone may not prevent applicants with extremely low or negative marks from receiving seats.
They have urged regulators to establish appropriate minimum qualifying standards rather than focusing only on filling vacancies.
Digital Counselling System Also Planned
The Medical Counselling Committee is working towards a more transparent and fully digital admission process.
The proposed changes include online document verification, sharing examination results with state counselling authorities and reducing unnecessary physical visits during seat upgrades.
A centralised database of undergraduate and postgraduate medical seats has also been prepared to improve accuracy.
Additional Reforms Recommended
The expert committee has suggested several other measures to strengthen postgraduate medical admissions.
These include reducing fees for non-clinical courses, reviewing service-bond requirements for pre-clinical and para-clinical students, improving resident doctors’ stipends and introducing stronger verification procedures to prevent seat blocking.
The committee has also recommended clearer counselling schedules and earlier publication of verified seat availability.
Changes Could Begin From 2027
The proposed reforms are being considered for implementation from the 2027 counselling cycle, subject to final regulations and necessary approvals.
The NMC is expected to seek stakeholder feedback before introducing the new framework.
Until the rules are formally notified, the existing percentile-based admission system will continue to apply.
Source: The Indian Express, Hindustan Times, NDTV, Bar & Bench, Supreme Court Proceedings
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