NEET-PG Percentile Criteria Dramatically Lowered After Counselling Rounds Leave Seats Vacant
The National Board of Examinations has made a major announcement regarding NEET-PG admissions. After extensive discussions and pressure from various states, the board has officially reduced the percentile requirements for postgraduate medical courses.
New Eligibility Criteria Announced
This decision follows the completion of two counselling rounds. A substantial number of seats remained unfilled across the country. The new criteria represent a significant shift from previous standards.
General and EWS category candidates now need only the 7th percentile to qualify. This translates to approximately 103 marks in the NEET-PG examination.
General-PwD category candidates face a reduced requirement of the 5th percentile. That equals about 90 marks.
SC, ST, and OBC category candidates will be eligible at the 0 percentile level. This corresponds to minus 40 marks in the test.
Previous Standards and Current Vacancies
The earlier eligibility criteria were much higher. They stood at:
- 50th percentile for general category candidates
- 45th percentile for PwD candidates
- 40th percentile for reserved category candidates
These standards applied during the first two counselling rounds. Despite these requirements, over twenty thousand postgraduate medical seats remain vacant across India.
Gujarat's Specific Situation
In Gujarat alone, approximately 642 seats currently sit empty. Several factors contribute to this vacancy situation:
- Non-reporting by selected candidates
- Unconfirmed admissions
- Newly approved seats
- Non-converted seats
Registration for local seats in Gujarat should begin this Thursday. Authorities will announce the detailed admission schedule shortly after that.
Fresh Registration Required
Authorities confirmed an important requirement following the percentile announcement. Candidates wishing to participate in upcoming counselling rounds must complete fresh registration. This applies specifically to those seeking admission under the lowered eligibility criteria.
There have been additional demands from various quarters. Some want candidates who missed their preferred courses in earlier rounds to join the fresh round. This development will likely shape the next phase of postgraduate medical admissions significantly. Its impact will extend across Gujarat and other states facing similar vacancy challenges.
