NMC Approves Rank-Based Merit System for NEET PG and NEET SS: Doctors Raise Concerns

2 minute read

• Updated on 6 Nov, 2026, 4:52 PM, • 1 hour ago by Sahil Negi

NMC has given in-principle approval to replacing the percentile-based system with rank-based merit for NEET PG and NEET SS admissions. Proposed for 2027, the change aims to streamline counselling, but doctors have raised concerns about vacant seats, fees and minimum qualifying standards.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has given in-principle approval to replacing the existing percentile-based system with a rank-based merit system for NEET PG and NEET SS admissions. The proposed change could be introduced from the 2027 admission cycle, subject to final regulations.

Under the proposed system, candidates will be ranked according to their examination performance instead of being assessed through percentile-based qualifying thresholds. The development has received mixed reactions from the medical fraternity, with some doctors welcoming the possibility of smoother counselling while others have called for broader reforms to address vacant seats and admission standards.

What Has NMC Proposed for NEET PG and NEET SS 2027?

The NMC has proposed moving from the existing percentile-based qualifying system to a rank-based merit framework for NEET PG and NEET Super Speciality (NEET SS).

The proposal was communicated by the NMC Secretary to the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) through a letter dated October 1, 2026. A 12-member expert committee reviewing the medical admission and counselling process informed the Supreme Court about the Commission's in-principle approval on November 3.

Under the proposed arrangement:

Candidates will receive ranks based on their examination performance.
Percentile scores will no longer be declared in the results.
Admissions and counselling will follow a rank-based merit system.
A draft regulation will be issued for stakeholder comments before finalisation.

The NMC has not yet published the final regulations. Therefore, the proposed system should not be treated as an implemented admission rule.

Why Are Doctors Giving Mixed Responses to the Proposal?

The proposed change has received different reactions from doctors and medical associations.

Some doctors believe a rank-based system could reduce unnecessary counselling delays and prevent repeated changes to qualifying cut-offs. Others argue that changing the ranking method will not resolve the underlying reasons behind vacant postgraduate medical seats.

The major concerns include:

High tuition fees in private medical colleges
Differences in postgraduate resident stipends
Mandatory service bonds in certain courses
Vacant seats in pre-clinical, para-clinical and non-clinical specialities
Maintaining minimum academic standards for postgraduate admissions

The medical fraternity has also called for wider consultation before the proposed regulations are finalised.

What Other Reforms Have Been Suggested for NEET PG Counselling?

The 12-member expert committee has suggested several measures beyond introducing a rank-based merit system. These recommendations aim to improve transparency, reduce vacant seats and make counselling more efficient.

Proposed Reform

Details

Digital Counselling

MCC plans to increase digitisation and reduce manual intervention in the counselling process.

Lower Fees

State fee-fixation authorities may consider reducing fees for non-clinical postgraduate courses.

Bond Exemption

Candidates taking pre-clinical and para-clinical courses may be considered for exemption from service bonds.

Timely Seat Information

NMC and other authorities are expected to provide verified seat details before counselling begins.

Counselling Schedule

A more predictable counselling calendar has been suggested to reduce admission delays.

Stakeholder Meetings

Meetings before and after counselling may help address issues and improve the process.

These are recommendations and proposed measures, not all confirmed policy changes.

NEET PG and NEET SS Rank-Based System FAQs

Has NMC approved the rank-based system for NEET PG and NEET SS?

NMC has given in-principle approval to replacing the percentile-based system with a rank-based merit framework. The final regulations are still awaited.

When will the rank-based system be implemented for NEET PG?

The proposed change is being considered for the 2027 admission cycle. Its implementation will depend on the final NMC regulations.

Will NEET PG percentile scores be discontinued under the proposed system?

Under the proposal, only candidate ranks will be declared, and percentile scores will no longer be reported in the results.

Why does NMC want to introduce a rank-based merit system?

The proposal aims to address concerns over repeated reductions in qualifying percentiles during counselling and help complete the admission process within the prescribed schedule.

Will the rank-based system solve the problem of vacant NEET PG seats?

Not necessarily. Doctors have pointed out that vacant seats are also linked to high fees, service bonds, stipend differences and the limited preference for certain specialities. Additional structural reforms may be required.

LIVECAT Admit Card 2026 (OUT) LIVE Updates; Check Download Link & StepsCAT Admit Card 2026 (OUT) LIVE Updates; Check Download Link & Steps