NEET-PG 2025-26 counselling has triggered controversy after postgraduate seats were allotted at unusually low scores, including in government medical colleges. The Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association (FORDA) has raised concerns over a sharp drop in cut-off marks and alleged risks to the quality and transparency of medical education.
In the third round of NEET-PG counselling for the 2025-26 academic session, admissions to government medical colleges were reported at single-digit and low double-digit scores in branches such as orthopaedics, gynaecology and general surgery. The situation emerged following a substantial reduction in cut-off percentiles across all categories by the Union health ministry.
Multiple admissions were recorded in both clinical and non-clinical subjects at scores that were previously considered ineligible. According to available information, even traditionally high-demand branches saw seat allotments at exceptionally low marks during the third counselling round.
FORDA National General Secretary Dr Sharda stated that branches once regarded as highly competitive are now facing challenges related to minimum academic standards. She said the issue extends beyond numerical thresholds and directly concerns the quality of medical training.
The Union health ministry reduced NEET-PG cut-off percentiles for all categories for the 2025-26 session. The qualifying percentile for General and EWS categories, earlier set at 50, was lowered substantially, while the cut-offs for SC, ST and OBC categories were reduced further.
Doctors’ associations have said the sharp reduction has directly affected the counselling process, resulting in admissions to government colleges of candidates whose academic performance would earlier have been deemed insufficient.
FORDA has also questioned the role of private medical colleges, expressing concerns over the possibility of seat trading. The organisation has stated that such practices would benefit institutions while harming students and the medical education system.
Dr Sharda said that without immediate corrective measures, the impact could be long-term, with implications for patient care and the public health system due to concerns over training standards.
