India's Supreme Court will examine pleas contesting the sharp drop in qualifying percentiles for the NEET-PG 2025-26 exam on April 28. The decision affects eligibility for around 70,000 postgraduate medical seats amid debates over standards and vacant positions. This hearing pits concerns about medical quality against efforts to staff healthcare facilities fully.
Petitioners Contest Lowered Standards
A public interest litigation filed by advocate Satyam Singh Rajput labels the cut-off reduction arbitrary and unconstitutional, violating Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. The plea argues that permitting zero or negative percentiles after results and two counselling rounds undermines NEET-PG's role as a national filter for postgraduate training. Petitioners, represented by senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, assert that enough candidates already qualified to fill seats, with vacancies stemming from high fees rather than shortages.
Government Defends Move to Fill Seats
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare justifies the change through expert consultations to address nearly 20,000 unfilled seats nationwide, including 9,621 under the All India Quota after two counselling rounds. An affidavit from the Directorate General of Health Services notes the revision made 95,913 additional candidates eligible without shifting merit order. The Centre points to precedents, such as zero percentiles across categories in 2023, and urges judicial restraint in academic policy under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019.
Broader Stakes for Medical Education
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences clarified it only conducts exams and follows directives from bodies like the DGHS and NMC, with the cut-off notified on January 13. Opponents warn of risks to patient safety and public health from admitting lower-scoring candidates, while supporters, including senior advocate D.S. Naidu, maintain MBBS clearance preserves competence. A prior Delhi High Court ruling in Sanchit Seth upheld a similar adjustment, deeming merit dilution fears baseless. The outcome could shape how India balances infrastructure needs with rigorous postgraduate entry amid persistent seat vacancies.
