NEET-PG: Govt Reviews Zero-Percentile Rule Amid Concerns Over Quality

The Union Health Ministry is considering replacing the zero-percentile eligibility criterion for NEET-PG admissions with a more merit-based system after concerns that the current policy has compromised academic standards without fully addressing vacant seats. Officials are reportedly evaluating the introduction of a minimum 40th percentile cutoff, along with multiple counselling rounds based on the number of seats remaining vacant. The zero-percentile rule was introduced in 2024 to ensure maximum utilisation of postgraduate medical seats. However, despite the relaxation, 1,140 of the 85,839 NEET-PG seats remained vacant during the 2025-26 academic session, prompting a review of the policy.

According to government officials, the proposed changes aim to strike a balance between maintaining the quality of postgraduate medical education and ensuring optimal seat utilisation. The revised counselling framework may involve phased rounds with eligibility criteria linked to the availability of vacant seats, according to a Livemint report.

The review also comes in view of the significant public investment in postgraduate medical education. The government spends nearly ₹1.25 crore on each postgraduate medical seat over the three-year course, making vacant seats a substantial financial loss. Officials believe that a merit-focused admission process could help preserve educational standards while reducing unnecessary vacancies.