NEET Reform: Proposal for Percentage-Based MBBS Admission Submitted to NMC; Check Details

A major change in NEET UG exam for MBBS admission is likely to occur by replacing the current percentile-based system with a percentage-based eligibility criteria. Read further to know this development and complete information on MBBS admission reform.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has received a suggestion to change the percentile-based system to a percentage-based eligibility criteria for MBBS & BDS admissions. Reportedly, A new proposal has been submitted to the NMC suggesting a major change to how students qualify for MBBS and dental seats across India. The proposal suggests that instead of the current percentile system for admission, which ranks one student against other students, the NMC may move to a percentage system based on students' actual marks.

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At present, the percentile system means that one student just needs to score better than a certain number of students who appeared in the exam. If everyone else performs badly, students with very low marks can still qualify for admission to the MBBS or BDS programme. On the other hand, the proposed percentage system will set a fixed passing mark (a threshold). In case a student does not score a minimum percentage, they do not qualify for admission.

NEET Reform: Key Goals of Proposal

The proposal to change MBBS/ BDS admission criteria aims to achieve the following: 

• Better Quality: It ensures every future doctor meets a minimum level of knowledge.
• Higher Standards: Students will have to focus on their own high scores rather than defeating their competitors.

This year, over 26 lakh students are expected to appear for NEET-UG 2026. This change would increase the competition level for MBBS and BDS admissions. The proposal is currently under review, and a final decision from the NMC is expected soon.

Read more:

• How Many Students Registered for NEET 2026?