Has the Government Really Reduced NEET-PG 2025 Cut-Off to 0 Percent for Reserved Categories?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a significant policy shift, the Indian government has lowered the NEET-PG 2025 cut-off to zero percentile for reserved categories, addressing a critical shortage of postgraduate medical seats. This decision aims to optimize seat utilization while maintaining academic integrity in the medical community.
Key Takeaways
- The NEET-PG 2025 cut-off has been set to zero percentile for reserved categories.
- Over 18,000 PG seats are vacant after Round-2 counselling.
- This change is aimed at maximizing the use of available medical seats.
- Eligibility verification will include biometric checks and aggregate marks.
- No direct admissions are permitted, enhancing transparency.
New Delhi, Jan 14 (NationPress) The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), which operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has officially announced a reduction in the minimum qualifying percentiles for NEET-PG 2025 counselling. This adjustment has now set the threshold to zero percentile for individuals in reserved categories.
This decision aims to tackle the significant number of unfilled postgraduate medical seats, which exceed 18,000 PG seats, following the conclusion of Round-2 counselling in both government and private medical institutions nationwide.
The earlier established percentile criteria limited the pool of eligible candidates, despite there being seats available.
On January 12, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) formally urged a revision of the qualifying cut-off, emphasizing the critical need to prevent the wastage of seats and to enhance healthcare services.
“This revision is intended to maximize the use of available seats, which are crucial for bolstering India’s supply of trained medical professionals. Allowing these seats to remain vacant undermines national efforts to enhance healthcare delivery and results in the forfeiture of valuable educational assets,” stated sources.
NEET-PG functions as a ranking system designed to promote a transparent, merit-based allocation of seats through centralized counselling.
While the qualifying cut-off has been modified, the NEET-PG 2025 rankings will remain as previously published, according to the NBEMS.
“Eligibility is provisional and will be confirmed through MBBS/FMGE aggregate marks, Face ID, or biometric verification during admission,” the board indicated in its official announcement.
It also cautioned that providing false information on applications—especially if it is used in tie-breaking—will result in the cancellation of candidature.
With this revision, allocations will only be conducted through recognized counselling systems; direct or discretionary admissions are prohibited, enhancing the process's transparency.
Inter-se merit and choice-based seat distribution will continue to be the guiding principles.
Moreover, there will be no compromise on academic standards. The revised percentile simply broadens eligibility among those already qualified as MBBS doctors.
Point of View
I believe this decision marks a crucial turning point in addressing the ongoing challenge of underutilization of medical seats. By lowering the NEET-PG cut-off to zero percentile for reserved categories, the government is taking a significant step towards ensuring that qualified candidates can access postgraduate education, ultimately enhancing the quality of healthcare services in our nation.
NationPress
14/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new NEET-PG 2025 cut-off for reserved categories?
The new NEET-PG 2025 cut-off for reserved categories has been lowered to zero percentile, allowing more candidates to qualify for counselling.
Why was the cut-off lowered?
The cut-off was lowered to address the alarming number of vacant postgraduate medical seats, over 18,000, following Round-2 counselling.
How will eligibility be verified?
Eligibility will be verified through MBBS/FMGE aggregate marks, Face ID, or biometric checks at the time of admission.
Will the NEET-PG 2025 rankings change?
No, the NEET-PG 2025 rankings will remain unchanged as previously published by the NBEMS.
Are direct admissions allowed under this new policy?
No, direct or discretionary admissions are not allowed; allocations will only occur through authorized counselling mechanisms.
