Supreme Court Takes Up NEET-PG 'Negative Cut-Offs' PIL, Hearing Scheduled for Friday
The Supreme Court of India has issued a formal notice in response to a significant public interest litigation (PIL) that challenges the controversial reduction of qualifying cut-off percentiles for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Postgraduate (NEET-PG) 2025–26. This development marks a crucial step in the legal scrutiny of the decision that has sparked widespread debate within the medical community.
Legal Proceedings and Timeline
On Tuesday, the apex court took up the petition, which was filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, after it was listed for preliminary consideration. With the issuance of the notice, the court has now directed the respondents to submit their responses. The case has been scheduled for further hearing on Friday, February 6, 2026, indicating the urgency and importance attached to this matter.
Core Issues in the Petition
The PIL specifically questions the validity of a notification issued by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) on January 13, 2026. This notification drastically reduced the minimum qualifying percentiles for NEET-PG, including setting them as low as zero-percentiles and even negative marks. According to the petitioners, this move represents a significant departure from the traditionally applied qualifying standards for postgraduate medical admissions in India.
Background of the NEET-PG Cut-Off Controversy
The controversy stems from the qualifying cut-offs announced for the NEET-PG 2025–26 counselling process. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), which oversees seat allocation and admissions following the NEET-PG exam conducted by NBEMS, implemented these reduced percentile requirements across various categories. While NBEMS cited concerns over vacant postgraduate medical seats as the rationale behind this decision, it has faced strong objections from students and professionals in the medical field.
Arguments Against the Reduced Cut-Offs
The petition raises several critical points against the dilution of qualifying criteria:
- Undermining Merit-Based Selection: The sharp reduction in cut-offs is argued to compromise the merit-based selection process essential for postgraduate medical education, potentially affecting the quality of future medical professionals.
- Statutory Violations: The plea contends that this move is contrary to the statutory framework governing medical education, including provisions of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, which mandates adherence to minimum academic standards.
- Constitutional Concerns: The petitioners allege that lowering eligibility benchmarks in such a manner is arbitrary and violates Articles 14 (right to equality) and 21 (right to life and personal liberty) of the Constitution, as it could impact patient safety and public health.
Relief Sought by the Petitioners
In their plea, the petitioners have urged the Supreme Court to:
- Quash the January 13, 2026 notification issued by NBEMS.
- Ensure the protection of minimum qualifying standards in postgraduate medical education to uphold merit and statutory safeguards.
- Intervene to prevent what they describe as an erosion of quality and standards in the NEET-PG admission process.
As the legal battle unfolds, this case highlights the ongoing tensions between addressing seat vacancies and maintaining rigorous academic standards in India's medical education system. The upcoming hearing on Friday is expected to be a pivotal moment in resolving this contentious issue.
