A proposed change to the postgraduate medical admission process could see NEET-PG and NEET-SS move from a percentile-based qualifying system to rank-based admissions from 2027.
A 12-member expert committee, constituted to review the existing NEET admission framework, has recommended that candidates be admitted based on their merit ranks rather than percentile-based eligibility criteria.
The committee submitted its report to the Supreme Court on November 3.The National Medical Commission (NMC) has given in-principle approval to the recommendation, although the detailed rules governing its implementation are yet to be finalised.
The panel has also stressed that minimum qualifying standards should not be relaxed simply to fill vacant postgraduate medical seats. It has cautioned against substantially lowering admission requirements to address the recurring problem of unfilled seats.To make non-clinical postgraduate courses more attractive, the committee has proposed reducing fees for these programmes.
It has also recommended exempting students opting for pre-clinical and para-clinical specialities from service bond requirements.
Other suggestions include measures to streamline counselling and minimise delays in the admission process, which have contributed to the recurring issue of vacant postgraduate medical seats.