NMC Approves in Principle Shift from Percentile to Rank-Based Merit System for NEET-PG and NEET-SS
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has given in-principle approval to a proposal to replace the existing percentile-based qualifying system with a rank-based merit system for admissions through the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Postgraduate courses (NEET-PG) and NEET Super Speciality (NEET-SS).
The proposed change was reported in a 12-member expert committee's report submitted to the Supreme Court on November 3, 2026. Under the proposed system, candidates' ranks would be used for the counselling process, and percentile marks would no longer be declared in the results.
The NMC is working on new regulations, which are yet to be finalised. A draft regulation is expected to be issued for consultation with stakeholders before implementation. The proposed change is being considered for the 2027 admission cycle.
Why Is the Rank-Based System Being Proposed?
Under the existing percentile-based system, candidates become eligible for postgraduate medical counselling by meeting a prescribed qualifying percentile. Authorities have, in previous admission cycles, reduced qualifying percentiles to make more candidates eligible when postgraduate medical seats remained vacant.
The practice has raised concerns about candidates with very low or even negative marks becoming eligible for counselling. The issue reached the Supreme Court following challenges to the substantial reduction in NEET-PG 2025 qualifying cut-offs.
The expert committee has recommended a rank-based approach to simplify the admission process and reduce delays between counselling rounds. The proposal is also intended to avoid repeated decisions on reducing qualifying percentiles to fill vacant seats.
What Could Change for NEET-PG and NEET-SS Candidates?
If the proposal is formally implemented, the counselling process for NEET-PG and NEET-SS would be based on candidates' ranks rather than the current percentile-based qualifying criteria.
The proposed system is expected to:
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Replace percentile-based counselling eligibility with rank-based merit.
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Stop declaring percentile marks in examination results, with ranks being provided instead.
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Help reduce delays between counselling rounds.
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Support the completion of counselling within the prescribed schedule.
However, the final admission criteria, eligibility requirements and detailed counselling procedure will depend on the regulations notified by the authorities. <Cite refs={["turn467971search0","turn467971search1"]}/>
Expert Committee Recommends Maintaining Minimum Qualifying Standards
Apart from the proposed rank-based system, the expert committee has emphasised that minimum qualifying standards in postgraduate medical education should not be diluted merely to fill vacant seats.
The panel has also recommended measures to address vacant postgraduate seats, including considering lower fees for non-clinical courses and exempting candidates opting for pre-clinical and para-clinical courses from service bond requirements.
Other recommendations include better coordination among the National Medical Commission (NMC), National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), National Testing Agency (NTA) and Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), along with improved digitalisation of the counselling process. <Cite refs={["turn467971search1","turn467971search4","turn467971search9"]}/>
Are the New NEET-PG and NEET-SS Rules Final?
No. The NMC has granted in-principle approval, but the proposed regulations have not yet been finalised or formally notified. The draft rules are expected to undergo stakeholder consultation, and further developments in the Supreme Court proceedings may also influence the process.
Candidates planning to appear for NEET-PG and NEET-SS should continue following the existing official examination and counselling notifications until the authorities issue formal instructions regarding the proposed changes.
FAQs
1. Has NMC approved a rank-based system for NEET-PG and NEET-SS?
The NMC has given in-principle approval to the proposal to replace the percentile-based system with a rank-based merit system.
2. Will NEET-PG and NEET-SS stop using percentile scores?
Under the proposal, percentile marks would no longer be declared in the results, and candidates would be given ranks. The final rules are still awaited.
3. When could the rank-based system be implemented?
The proposed change is being considered for the 2027 admission cycle, subject to final regulations and official notification.
4. Why is NMC proposing a rank-based merit system?
The proposal aims to streamline counselling, reduce delays between rounds and address concerns arising from repeated reductions in qualifying percentiles.
5. Will the new system prevent candidates with very low marks from qualifying?
The expert committee has stressed that minimum qualifying standards should not be diluted merely to fill vacant seats. The precise eligibility rules will be known after the final regulations are issued.
6. Has the new NEET-PG admission system been formally notified?
No. The NMC's approval is in principle. The regulations are yet to be finalised and notified.
7. Will the proposed change apply to NEET-SS as well?
Yes. The proposal covers both NEET-PG and NEET-SS counselling.
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