Concerns Raised Over NEET PG 2025 Qualifying Percentile Reduction

FOGSI’s Call to Action

New Delhi: The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) has formally requested the National Medical Commission (NMC) and its Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) to reconsider the decision to lower the qualifying percentile for NEET PG 2025. As a representative body of clinicians and academicians dedicated to maintaining high standards in medical education and patient care, FOGSI expressed serious concerns regarding the ongoing reductions in the NEET-PG qualifying thresholds.

Impact on Merit and Patient Safety

NEET-PG serves as a national, merit-based examination designed to ensure that candidates possess the minimum academic competence required for entry into postgraduate medical training. FOGSI argues that decreasing the qualifying percentile undermines meritocracy, erodes academic standards, and raises valid concerns about the quality of specialist training and patient safety.

Concerns About Fee Structures

In response to the Centre’s justification for the percentile reduction—citing the need to address vacant seats in medical institutions—FOGSI emphasized that the real issue lies in the exorbitant fees charged by many private and deemed universities. The association stated, “Postgraduate fees running from tens of lakhs to several crores effectively convert specialist education into a pay-to-enter system. Lowering qualifying percentile risks creating a system where financial capacity outweighs competence.”

Importance of Competent Specialists

FOGSI underscored that postgraduate medical education should focus on training competent specialists capable of serving the nation for years to come. The association warns that diluting entry standards, coupled with unchecked commercialization, poses a threat to academic excellence, professional integrity, and public trust.

Recommendations for Policy Review

In light of these concerns, FOGSI urged the NMC to reconsider its policies regarding the reduction of qualifying percentiles in NEET-PG. The association called for strict adherence to established counselling protocols and seat-conversion rules as detailed in the NEET-PG Information Bulletin. Furthermore, FOGSI advocates for the urgent regulation of postgraduate medical fees and the inclusion of specialty societies and academic stakeholders in future policy decisions that could have long-lasting implications.

Commitment to Medical Standards

FOGSI reiterated its dedication to upholding merit, affordability, academic excellence, and the integrity of the medical profession, all in the interest of patients and public health.

Details on Revised Percentiles

In a notice dated January 13, 2026, the NBE announced a reduction in the minimum qualifying percentile cut-off for the third round of NEET-PG 2025-2026 for various candidate categories. The revised cut-offs are set at the 7th, 5th, and 0th percentiles for General/EWS, General PwBD, and SC/ST/OBC (including PwBD of SC/ST/OBC) categories, respectively. Consequently, the new qualifying scores are 103 for General/EWS, 90 for General PwBD, and -40 for SC/ST/OBC candidates.

Reactions from the Medical Community

The medical community has voiced strong opposition to this decision, highlighting that the reduction allows candidates who scored as low as -40 marks to qualify for admission into highly competitive clinical specialties, which they believe will further compromise merit in the field.

Legal Developments

Additionally, the Supreme Court has issued a notice to the NBE and NMC regarding a plea challenging the reduced cut-off for NEET PG 2025, indicating ongoing legal scrutiny of this controversial decision.