The central government informed the Supreme Court that reducing the NEET PG 2025 cutoff percentile does not compromise doctor competence. This statement supports the decision to lower the qualification score for postgraduate medical admissions.
NEET PG Cutoff Reduction Defended
The Union government submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court. It stated that the NEET PG exam is a selection tool for limited postgraduate seats. It does not assess a doctor’s minimum competence, according to the affidavit.
The affidavit explains that MBBS qualification establishes a doctor’s basic competence. NEET PG scores reflect relative performance in an examination. These scores do not indicate clinical incompetence.
Patient Safety and Training
The government addressed concerns about patient safety. It noted that postgraduate trainees work under direct supervision. Senior faculty members oversee their work. Final competence is assessed at the end of training.
The MD/MS examinations are the final assessment. Candidates must achieve a minimum of 50% in theory and practical sections. There are no relaxations in these scores. This ensures standards are maintained at certification.
Increased Eligibility for Counselling
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the National Medical Commission decided to lower the cutoff. This decision accounts for an expected rise in vacant postgraduate seats. The reduction aims to fill these positions.
The new cutoff makes an additional 1,00,054 candidates eligible. This increases the total number of eligible candidates for the third round of counselling to 2,28,170.
Legal Challenge to Cutoff Reduction
The affidavit responds to a writ petition. The petition challenges a notice issued on January 13, 2026. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) issued this notice. It announced the reduction in the minimum qualifying cutoff percentile.
All candidates admitted to postgraduate courses are already licensed MBBS practitioners. As MBBS doctors, they are qualified to practice independently. Postgraduate education is a structured three-year training program.