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Controversy Surrounds NEET PG 2025 Cutoff Reduction

The recent reduction of the NEET PG 2025 qualifying percentile has ignited a heated debate across social media and prompted legal action. Critics argue that this decision may compromise the quality of medical education and patient safety. With over 18,000 postgraduate seats remaining vacant, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has lowered the cutoff for all categories, raising concerns about meritocracy and trust in the examination process. This article explores the implications of these changes and the reactions from the medical community, including a petition filed in the Supreme Court.
By Ambika Singh Jan 21, 2026, 15:37 IST
Controversy Surrounds NEET PG 2025 Cutoff Reduction

NEET PG 2025 Cutoff Changes Spark Debate


Recent adjustments to the qualifying percentile for NEET PG 2025 have ignited significant discussions online. Critics argue that the changes may favor specific groups and institutions. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been lodged in the Supreme Court to address these concerns.


The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has officially lowered the qualifying percentile for NEET PG 2025 admissions. This adjustment applies to all categories following the second round of counseling, leading to varied reactions across social media platforms. A petition has been submitted to the Supreme Court by notable figures including social worker Harisharan Devgan and neurosurgeon Saurav Kumar, among others.


Dr. Lakshya Mittal has been vocal about the implications of this decision on social media, emphasizing that the medical profession is critical to human life. In an Instagram video, he criticized the NBEMS's actions, claiming they undermine the standards of medical education and disproportionately benefit private institutions.


Legal Action and Concerns Raised


NBEMS Adjusts Cutoff for All Categories


Following the second round of NEET PG counseling, over 18,000 postgraduate seats remained unfilled in both government and private medical colleges. In response, NBEMS has lowered the cutoff for all categories.


The qualifying percentile for candidates in the EWS category has been decreased from 50 to 7. For General and PwBD candidates, it has been reduced from 45 to just 5. Meanwhile, SC, ST, and OBC candidates now have a qualifying percentile set at zero.


Concerns Regarding NEET PG Zero Percentile

Controversy Surrounds NEET PG 2025 Cutoff Reduction


Key Concerns Raised on Social Media:



  • Quality Impact: Allowing admissions at such low scores could compromise the quality of medical education and practice.


  • Patient Safety Risks: Permitting underqualified students to become doctors poses a direct threat to patient safety.


  • Meritocracy Issues: This decision may foster feelings of injustice among diligent, high-scoring candidates.


  • Trust Erosion: Students may lose confidence in the examination and selection processes.



NEET PG Seat Availability

Current Statistics:


Approximately 2.4 lakh students take the NEET PG exam annually in India, with around 1 lakh passing. Currently, there are about 80,000 NEET PG seats available, a number that fluctuates over time. The total has seen an increase from 2021 to 2025.


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