The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences has taken a significant step to address vacant postgraduate medical seats. They have officially lowered the qualifying percentile for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate courses for the 2025 academic session.
Decision Aims to Boost Participation
This important decision directly targets Round 3 counselling for the 2025-26 session. The board wants more eligible candidates to participate in the counselling process. They hope this move will help fill more postgraduate medical seats across the country.
Official Approval and Implementation
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare gave its formal approval for this change. An official notice dated January 13, 2026, confirms the implementation of the revised cut-off. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences issued this notice to inform all stakeholders.
Why Reduce the Qualifying Percentile?
The board explained their reasoning clearly. They reduced the qualifying percentile specifically to fill vacant postgraduate medical seats during the third round of counselling. This adjustment applies only to eligibility for counselling. It does not change the NEET PG 2025 ranks that were already published earlier.
Revised Qualifying Percentile Details
Here are the complete updated cut-off details after lowering the qualifying percentile:
- General and Economically Weaker Section (EWS)
- Earlier qualifying percentile: 50th
- Revised qualifying percentile: 7th
- Revised cut-off score: 103
- General Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)
- Earlier qualifying percentile: 45th
- Revised qualifying percentile: 5th
- Revised cut-off score: 90
- Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), including PwBD of SC, ST and OBC
- Earlier qualifying percentile: 40th
- Revised qualifying percentile: 0th
- Revised cut-off score: –40
Important Points for Candidates
Candidates must pay close attention to several key details. The NEET PG 2025 ranks declared on August 19, 2025, remain completely unchanged. Eligibility for counselling stays provisional and depends on proper document verification.
All candidates must meet every eligibility condition mentioned in the official NEET PG 2025 Information Bulletin. They should read this document carefully with the revised qualifying criteria in mind.
Verification Processes
The counselling or admission process may include Face ID or biometric verification. Authorities will verify aggregate marks in MBBS or Foreign Medical Graduate Examination if used for tie-breaking. They will check original scorecards for this purpose.
Strict Warning Against Unfair Practices
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences issued a strong warning. They stated clearly that any candidate found using unfair means during examination or counselling will face strict action. This action could include cancellation of candidature or results. The board will take this action even if the candidate has already been declared successful.
Where to Check for Updates
Candidates should regularly visit the official Medical Counselling Committee website for the latest information. They need to check for updates about NEET PG 2025 Round 3 counselling, seat allotment, and reporting schedules. The board advises candidates to use official channels for all communications.
For any queries, candidates may contact the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences through their official communication portal. They can also use the helpline number mentioned in the official notice.
