NEET-PG cut-off row: Exam doesn't certify competence, says Centre; SC says will examine impact on quality
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 23, 2026
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The Supreme Court of India has agreed to examine whether the significant reduction in the qualifying percentile for the NEET-PG 2025-26 exam will impact the quality of postgraduate medical education. While the government argued that NEET-PG is not an entry-level MBBS exam but rather a merit list generator for limited seats, Justice Narasimha emphasized concerns about the drastic cut-off reduction potentially harming educational standards. The court highlighted the importance of maintaining quality in postgraduate education despite the competitive nature of the exam.
The government defended its decision by stating that NEET-PG does not certify minimum competence, as candidates are already licensed MBBS doctors with established qualifications. It also noted that the reduced percentile was necessary due to a large number of vacant seats—around 70,000 postgraduate seats were available for 2025-26, with over 9,000 remaining unallocated after Round 2. The revised criteria lowered the minimum qualifying percentile from 50th to as low as 7th for general candidates and even lower for SCs, STs, and OBCs.
Critics argue that such a sharp reduction in cut-offs could compromise patient safety and the overall quality of medical education. However, the government maintains that all postgraduate candidates are supervised by senior faculty during their studies, ensuring patient safety is not at risk. The court will now review whether these changes meet the standards expected for postgraduate medical education.
This case reflects broader debates about balancing access to higher education with maintaining quality and safety in India's large and complex healthcare system. The outcome could set a precedent for similar decisions globally, where governments often face pressure to allocate limited resources while ensuring high standards of professional competence.
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/23/2026