NEET PG 2025: Major Cut-off Relaxation Announced for Reserved Categories
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has introduced a significant relaxation in the NEET PG 2025 qualifying cut-offs, following the conclusion of the second round of counselling. With more than 18,000 postgraduate medical seats remaining vacant across the country, the board has taken this step to fill the gaps and ensure that deserving candidates are not left out.
Under the revised criteria, candidates from reserved categories now require a zero percentile to qualify, a substantial drop from the earlier requirement of the 40th percentile. For the general and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), the qualifying percentile has been lowered from 50 to 7. Meanwhile, for candidates with disabilities in the general category, the threshold has been reduced from the 45th percentile to just 5.
What the Revised Cut-offs Mean for Candidates
The change in cut-off scores translates into a considerable shift in eligibility. Earlier, only those from reserved categories who scored at least 235 marks were considered eligible. Now, even candidates who score as low as minus 40 marks will be able to secure admission. This means that individuals who answered several questions incorrectly and ended up with a negative score can still proceed with the admission process.
For the general category, the earlier benchmark of 276 marks has been brought down significantly. Candidates with just 103 marks are now eligible to apply for postgraduate seats. Similarly, for general category candidates with disabilities, the previous requirement of 255 marks has been reduced to 90 marks, widening the pool of eligible applicants considerably.
Admission Process and Seat Allocation
The NBEMS has clarified that all postgraduate medical admissions will continue to be conducted exclusively through NEET PG. The entire process will adhere strictly to the regulations of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Postgraduate).
Seat allocation will only occur through the official counselling procedure. The board has explicitly stated that no direct or discretionary admissions will be recognised under any circumstances.
- All seats will be allocated strictly on the basis of merit, as per the established norms.
- Candidate preferences, submitted through choice filling, will be taken into consideration during seat allotment.
- The board has assured that transparency and fairness will be maintained throughout the admission process.
- Academic standards will not be compromised in any manner.
Concerns Raised by the Medical Community
The decision to lower the cut-off has drawn sharp criticism from certain sections of the medical fraternity. Dr. Rohan Krishnan, the chief patron of the Federation of All India Medical Associations, expressed disappointment over the move. He pointed out that candidates who could not solve a single question correctly, or those who ended up with negative marks due to multiple incorrect answers, are now being declared eligible to become specialist doctors in the country.
Dr. Krishnan further remarked that such candidates would eventually be permitted to participate in surgical procedures and practice medicine independently. He described this development as deeply concerning and questioned the very purpose of conducting a national eligibility examination if the qualifying threshold is brought down to zero. According to him, this represents a clear decline in academic and professional standards that could have long-term implications for healthcare quality in the nation.
The relaxation has been introduced at a time when a large number of postgraduate seats remain unfilled, particularly in less sought-after specialities and institutions. While the move is expected to help fill these vacancies, it has also reignited the debate around maintaining a balance between seat utilisation and upholding the quality of medical education and practice.
