SC to hear challenge to NEET PG 2025–26 qualifying cut-off norms

The Supreme Court on Feb 4 issued notice on a public interest litigation challenging the reduction of qualifying cut-off percentiles for NEET PG 2025–26 and listed the matter for further hearing on Feb 6, 2026.

The petition questions the validity of a notification issued by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences on Jan 13, 2026, which lowered the minimum qualifying percentiles for postgraduate medical admissions, including cases where candidates scored 0% or negative marks.

Filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, the plea was taken up by the apex court after being listed earlier for preliminary consideration.

The Bench heard initial submissions, noted concerns related to vacant postgraduate medical seats, and directed Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati to appear when the matter is heard next.

The challenge relates to the qualifying cut-offs announced for NEET PG 2025–26 counseling.

The Medical Counseling Committee, which conducts seat allocation and admissions after the examination conducted by NBEMS, reduced minimum percentile requirements across categories.

The move has drawn criticism from students and sections of the medical fraternity, who argue that it departs from long-standing qualifying standards for postgraduate medical education.

NBEMS has stated that the decision was taken in view of large numbers of vacant postgraduate medical seats, but the explanation has not allayed concerns within the medical community.

The petition contends that the sharp reduction in cut-offs undermines merit-based selection at the postgraduate level and could affect the quality of medical education.

It also raises concerns about patient safety and public health, arguing that postgraduate medical training must adhere to minimum academic standards prescribed under law.

According to the plea, diluting qualifying criteria for NEET PG is contrary to the statutory framework governing medical education, including provisions of the National Medical Commission Act, 2019. The petitioners argue that the move is arbitrary and violates Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.

The PIL has been filed by Harisharan Devgan, Dr Saurav Kumar, Dr Lakshya Mittal, and Dr Akash Soni through senior advocate Sonia Mathur, along with advocates Satyam Singh Rajput, Adarsh Singh, and advocate-on-record Neema.

The petitioners have sought directions to quash the Jan 13, 2026 notification and asked the court to ensure the protection of minimum qualifying standards in postgraduate medical education, warning against what they describe as an erosion of merit and statutory safeguards in the NEET PG admission process.