Upcoming Changes to NEET PG Admission Process: Transition from Percentile to Ranking System

The NEET PG admission process is set for a significant transformation as the government plans to replace the percentile system with a ranking system starting in 2027. An expert committee has recommended this change, which aims to enhance transparency and fairness in medical postgraduate admissions. The report also addresses cut-off scores and proposes fee reductions for non-clinical courses. Understanding the differences between the percentile and ranking systems is crucial for candidates. This article delves into the details of these changes and their potential impact on future admissions.

By Ambika Singh Nov 4, 2026, 12:50 IST

Significant Changes in NEET PG Admissions

Candidates preparing for the NEET PG exam after completing their MBBS should take note of important updates regarding the admission process for medical postgraduate courses. The government has announced plans to overhaul the current admission criteria, moving away from the percentile system to a ranking system starting in 2027. This change is currently in preparation, with an official announcement anticipated shortly.

Expert Committee's Recommendations

A committee consisting of 12 experts has presented its findings to the Supreme Court, advocating for admissions to be determined by student rankings instead of percentiles. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has already endorsed this recommendation. Although the implementation is slated for 2027, a final confirmation is still pending.

Adjustments to Cut-off Scores

The committee's report also discusses the need to adjust cut-off scores. It suggests that cut-offs should not be continuously lowered to fill empty medical seats, addressing past controversies where candidates with negative scores were admitted. If these recommendations are adopted, it could resolve ongoing disputes related to NEET PG admissions. Additionally, the committee proposes lowering fees for non-clinical courses and exempting students in pre-clinical and para-clinical subjects from service bonds.

Understanding Percentile vs. Ranking Systems

To grasp the implications of this shift, it's essential to differentiate between the percentile and ranking systems.

Percentile System: This system indicates a candidate's performance relative to others, showing the percentage of candidates who scored lower. For example, if 100,000 students take an exam and a student outperforms 90,000, their percentile is 90. This method normalizes scores across different exam sessions.

Ranking System: In contrast, the ranking system assigns unique ranks based on scores. For instance, a student scoring 499 out of 500 would receive the top rank. In cases of ties, specific rules are applied to determine the final ranking. This system enhances transparency, as each score is distinct, directly influencing college assignments during the admission process.