NBEMS has now officially announced a reduction in the qualifying percentiles for NEET PG 2025 to allow more candidates to take part in postgraduate medical counselling. The move, cleared by the MoHFW, follows concerns of thousands of vacant PG medical seats in India.
The results of NEET-PG 2025 were declared on August 19, 2025. However, several seats remained unfilled due to the high qualifying marks. Notification to this effect was issued by NBEMS on January 13, 2026, by lowering the qualifying percentiles for Round 3 counselling.
Officials explained that while India had around 65,000-70,000 PG medical seats, stringent cut-offs had left over 9,000 seats vacant. The revised criteria seek to maximise the training capacity amidst an acute shortage of doctors in the country.
Revised NEET PG 2026 Cut-Off Scores
Why Was the Cut-Off Reduced?
Vacant Positions: Many PG medical places had no enrolment despite high interest.
Shortage of Doctors: India has an inadequate supply of expert medical professionals, which is why the need to leverage the current medical professional workforce.
Equity for All: This is a benefit to all aspirants, especially those who are qualified from reserved categories, as the selection criteria are based on a certain percentile rank.
There will be no alteration to NEET-PG 2025 rankings caused by the changes to rules regarding the NEET-PG. The revisions to the regulations will not impact any change or alteration in rank; they are limited to determining eligibility for counsel.
Impact on Aspirants
Wider participation: Round 3 counselling can now be attended by more candidates in all categories.
Relief for marginal candidates: Those who narrowly missed earlier cut-offs can participate in the counselling.
No Change in Ranking: Candidates are informed that their published rank lists remain valid, and only the eligibility criteria have changed.
The new NEET PG 2025 cut-off scores constitute a major policy change introduced by the NBEMS and MoHFW. In order to ensure that the medical seats are filled completely, the authorities have decreased the cut-off percentiles. For the candidates who have given the exam, this is a new opportunity to obtain a seat for further studies in the current counselling sessions.
