The Union government informed the Supreme Court that the NEET PG 2025 cut-off reduction did not compromise merit. It stated that the decision simply widened the pool of eligible candidates, while admissions continue to be strictly based on rank.
Officials emphasized that NEET PG is primarily a ranking exam. Even with more qualifiers, only candidates with higher ranks are allotted seats, ensuring that the merit order remains unchanged.
The cut-off percentiles were sharply reduced this year. The general category dropped from the 50th to the 7th percentile, while reserved categories fell from the 40th percentile to zero. For PwD candidates in the general category, it was lowered to the 5th percentile.
As a result, around 95,000 more candidates became eligible for counselling.
According to the Centre, the decision followed a detailed review of exam data in consultation with expert bodies. A major factor was the large number of postgraduate medical seats remaining vacant, particularly in certain colleges and specialties.
It also noted that NEET PG candidates have already completed their MBBS and internship, which ensures a basic level of competence before entering the postgraduate admission process.
This move has drawn criticism from some petitioners, who argue that a steep drop in cut-offs could impact the quality of medical education. There are also concerns about patient safety if candidates with very low scores become eligible.
The matter is under review, with the court assessing whether the policy balances seat filling with maintaining academic standards.
At its heart, the debate centres on how merit is defined in medical education. The Centre maintains that rank-based selection safeguards merit, while critics argue that eligibility should reflect a minimum standard. As legal scrutiny continues, the outcome may influence how medical admissions are structured in the future.
