Medical fraternity slams NBE move, fears compromise in specialist standards
New Delhi: Doctors across the country have raised serious concerns over the National Board of Examinations (NBE) decision to drastically reduce the qualifying cut-off for NEET-PG 2025 admissions. The move, they argue, opens the door for candidates with extremely low and even negative scores to become eligible for postgraduate medical courses, potentially compromising merit and patient safety.
NBE’s January 13 Notification
In a notice dated January 13, 2026, the NBE announced the reduction in minimum qualifying percentile for the third round of NEET-PG 2025-26 counselling, citing directions from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The NEET-PG 2025 results were originally declared on August 19, 2025, and the revised cut-off applies only to counselling eligibility, not rank.
Revised Percentile and Scores
As per the revised norms, the qualifying percentile has been lowered to the 7th percentile for General/EWS, 5th percentile for General PwBD, and 0th percentile for SC/ST/OBC (including PwBD). This translates into qualifying scores of 103, 90, and as low as minus 40 marks respectively, triggering outrage within the medical community.
‘Standards Being Diluted’
Reacting sharply, FAIMA Doctors Association Chief Patron and health activist Dr. Rohan Krishnan termed the decision a “surrender of standards.” He questioned the purpose of a national merit-based examination when cut-offs are reduced to near zero, arguing that instead of diluting merit, authorities should consider holding additional exams or rationalising PG seats in sub-standard private colleges.
Allegations of Commercialisation
Doctors allege that the cut-off reduction is aimed at filling seats in private medical colleges that lack adequate faculty, patient load and infrastructure. According to them, deserving candidates avoid such institutions, while seat availability is driven more by financial considerations than academic competence.
Strong Reactions on Social Media
The decision sparked a storm on social media, with several doctors and aspirants expressing anger and disillusionment. Many posts highlighted how years of rigorous preparation and personal sacrifice now appear meaningless, while others warned that allowing candidates with negative scores into clinical specialities could have long-term consequences for healthcare quality.
Fear for Future Healthcare
Medical professionals have cautioned that lowering eligibility standards may result in inadequately trained specialists entering the system. Some compared the Indian system unfavourably with international exams like MRCP (UK), where stringent filtering ensures competence, stressing that healthcare should not become a business model at the cost of lives.
NBE Clarifications and Conditions
The NBE clarified that there is no change in NEET-PG 2025 ranks and that candidature remains provisional, subject to eligibility verification and biometric checks. It also warned of strict action against unfair practices and advised candidates to follow updates from the Medical Counselling Committee. Despite these safeguards, doctors insist the decision must be reconsidered at the highest level to protect the integrity of medical education.
