The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has informed the Supreme Court that 95,913 more candidates are now eligible for NEET PG 2025 counselling. This increase follows a reduction in the qualifying cut-off percentile. NBEMS stated this in an affidavit submitted to the court. The affidavit was a response to a petition challenging the reduced cut-offs for NEET PG 2025-26.
Cut-off Reduction Impact
NBEMS indicated that changing the decision now would negatively affect the newly eligible candidates. The affidavit clearly stated that 95,913 additional candidates became eligible after the cut-off was lowered. These candidates can now participate in the NEET PG 2025 counselling process.
NBEMS Clarifies Role
NBEMS clarified its involvement in the cut-off reduction. The board stated it did not make the decision to lower the qualifying percentiles. According to NBEMS, the decision was made by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and the National Medical Commission (NMC).
Supreme Court Review
The Supreme Court had requested a response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). This PIL challenged the decision to lower the qualifying cut-off percentile for NEET PG admissions. The admissions are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Seat Vacancies Prompted Change
The reduction in cut-offs occurred due to over 18,000 vacant postgraduate medical seats. This situation prompted the board to lower the qualifying percentiles for NEET PG 2025 admissions. The goal was to fill these vacant seats.
Specific Cut-off Changes
For reserved categories, the cut-off was reduced from the 40th percentile to zero. This change allows candidates with very low scores to participate. Even those scoring as low as minus 40 out of 800 can now join the third counselling round. For the general category, the cut-off was lowered from the 50th to the seventh percentile.