SC flags alarming drop in NEET-PG cut-offs, seeks Centre’s explanation

The Supreme Court on Friday expressed serious concern over the steep reduction in qualifying percentile cut-offs for NEET Postgraduate medical admissions, observing that the move raises fundamental questions about the standards of postgraduate medical education.

A Bench comprising Justice Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe sought a detailed affidavit from the Centre while hearing a public interest litigation challenging the decision to lower the cut-off marks for NEET-PG admissions during the third round of counselling.

Advertisement

“This is about standards. The question is whether those standards are being compromised,” the Court remarked, noting that the issue pertains to postgraduate medical courses where all aspirants are already qualified doctors.

The Court’s concern was triggered after it was informed that the qualifying cut-off for the general category was reduced from 276 marks to 103, while for SC, ST and OBC candidates it was lowered from 235 marks to a negative score of minus 40.

Reacting sharply, the Bench observed, “We were stunned to see why this method was adopted. These are all regular doctors.”

In response, counsel for the authorities submitted that the relaxation was intended to ensure that no postgraduate medical seat remained vacant. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), in a notification dated January 13, stated that the reduction was carried out on the directions of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Challenging the notification, the petitioners argued that the move permits candidates with no demonstrable merit to become eligible for postgraduate admissions, rendering the decision arbitrary and unconstitutional under Articles 14 and 21. They warned that diluting minimum standards at the postgraduate level institutionalises sub-standard competence and poses a direct risk to patient safety and public health.

Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, appearing for the petitioners, contended that relaxation of qualifying standards is permissible only in exceptional circumstances and to a limited extent. Citing the Preeti Srivastava judgment, he stressed that higher standards must apply at higher levels of education.

Taking note of the submissions, the Court directed the Centre to file a detailed affidavit justifying the rationale behind the drastic reduction in cut-off percentiles.