In a bid to increase the number of candidates qualifying for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)- PG, the National Board of Examination in consultation with Medical Council of India has decided to reduce the percentile cutoffs for this year’s NEET by 7.5%. This move is likely to benefit 9,000 additional candidates.

The qualifying marks for the common entrance examination for all postgraduate medical courses in the country was set at 50th percentile for General category, 40th percentile for OBC/SC/ST and 45% for PWD category. With the percentile cut-off reduced, the qualifying marks have come down to 42.5 percentile for general candidates, 32.5 percentile for reserved category candidates and 37.5 percentile for PWD category.

Telangana state has been pressurising the centre to lower the qualifying score as it will help in filling up the vacant seats. Dr. G Srinivas, a junior doctor at Osmania Medical College while lauding the move said its benefit will be limited. “It will impact only the in-service doctors (those working in primary health centres after pursuing MBBS) who have qualified for the exams. Non-service doctors will have nothing to feel happy about,” he said.

the qualifying marks have come down to 42.5 percentile for general candidates, 32.5 percentile for reserved category candidates and 37.5 percentile for PWD category

There are others who feel that lowering the cut-off beats the purpose of having a national qualifying exam. “By reducing the cut off marks, those seeking management will benefit. Then what’s the point of having a national qualifying exam?" questioned Dr. Ramesh Babu, a junior doctor from Gandhi Medical college.

It will impact only the in-service doctors (those working in primary health centres after pursuing MBBS) who have qualified for the exams. Non-service doctors will have nothing to feel happy about

Dr G Srinivas, Junior Doctor, Osmania Medical College

The government notification, however, states that representations were received from some state governments that seats in some categories may remain vacant as there are not a sufficient number of candidates available.

As per Clause 9 sub-clause III of Medical Council of India’s Postgraduate Medical Education Regulations (PGMER), 2000, when a sufficient number of candidates fail to secure minimum marks, the Central Government in consultation with MCI, may lower the minimum marks which shall be applicable for the said academic year only.