NMC Gives In-Principle Approval to Shift NEET PG & NEET SS to Rank-Based Merit System; Draws Mixed Responses

NEET PG 2027 admissions, along with NEET SS admissions, may shift to a rank-based merit system as NMC gives in-principle approval to replace the percentile system for both exams. An expert panel informed the Supreme Court about the proposed change. Meanwhile, the proposed changes received mixed reactions from doctors concerning structural issues.

NMC Proposed Changes in NEET PG & NEET SS

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has given in-principle approval to replace the existing percentile-based qualifying system with a rank-based merit system for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET PG) and NEET Super Speciality (NEET SS) examinations. A 12-member expert committee informed the Supreme Court about the proposed change in its report submitted on November 3.

Under the NMC proposed changes for NEET PG & NEET SS exams, candidates will be given ranks in the exam results instead of percentile scores. Reportedly, NMC is working on new regulations that could affect the NEET PG and NEET SS admission and counselling process from the 2027 academic year. However, the existing system will continue until the new regulations are notified.

NMC Latest News: NEET PG, NEET SS to Shift to Rank-Based Merit System

According to the expert committee's report, the NMC has decided to shift in a rank-based merit system for NEET PG counselling and NEET SS counselling. The NMC Secretary had communicated the proposal to the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) through a letter dated October 1, 2026. Under the proposed system, the NEET PG and NEET SS results will declare candidates' ranks instead of percentile marks.

Why NMC is Planning to Shift to Rank Based System?

The proposal comes amid concerns over repeated reductions in NEET PG qualifying cut-offs during counselling to fill vacant postgraduate medical seats. The issue was also raised before the Supreme Court through petitions challenging the reduction of the NEET PG 2025 qualifying cut-off.

For the 2025-26 academic session, the qualifying cut-off was reduced to the 7th percentile for General and EWS candidates, 5th percentile for General PwBD candidates, and zero percentile for SC, ST and OBC candidates. The expert committee noted that the minimum qualifying standards for postgraduate medical education should be maintained.

NEET PG Rank Based Admission System: Doctors Raised Concerns

The NEET PG 2026 rank based system has received serious concerns from the medical team. While noting that the rank based system might be able to do away with last minute percentile reductions, doctors have expressed concerns regarding the existing structural issues, vacant seats and bond related issues.