NMC Maintains NEET-PG 2026 for Medical Master's Admissions Despite Zero-Score Qualification Policy
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has confirmed that NEET-PG 2026 will remain the primary criterion for admissions to master's programmes in medicine across India. However, in a controversial move, candidates will be eligible to qualify merely by appearing for the examination, regardless of their performance—even if they answer all questions incorrectly or skip them entirely.
Drastic Cut-offs and Vacant Seats Prompt Policy Shift
NMC chairman Dr. Abhijat Chandrakant Sheth explained to The Times of India that after two admission rounds in 2025, cut-offs were drastically reduced to a NEET-PG score of -40. "We were left with no choice," he stated. "More than 10,000 seats were vacant, including in clinical courses at government colleges." The results of the third round, released by the Medical Counselling Committee, sparked criticism as students with extremely low scores—some as low as single digits out of 800—secured government seats in high-demand specializations like orthopaedics.
NMC Defends Model, Cites International Precedents
Dr. Sheth defended the policy, arguing that eliminating eligibility scores does not undermine merit. "Many competitive examinations abroad follow this model," he noted. "Students with better scores can still opt for preferred courses and institutions. A lower-scoring candidate will not be placed above a meritorious one. This approach will avoid delays in the admission process." He emphasized that the system prioritizes filling seats efficiently while maintaining a hierarchy based on performance.
Strong Opposition from Students and Experts
Students and medical experts have vehemently opposed the NMC's decision. Dr. Priya G, who is awaiting PG admissions, criticized the commission's regulatory efficiency. "NMC is not an efficient regulatory body like the UK's General Medical Council or the American Board of Medical Specialties," she argued. She highlighted persistent issues in the admission process: "We wrote the exam in August and received scorecards the same month, but admissions are yet to be completed. Every year, we face new problems—from paper leaks to scoring errors and counselling mismanagement."
Concerns Over Merit Dilution and Commercialization
Academic counsellors warn that allowing students with poor scores to participate from the first round could entirely dilute merit. Student counsellor Manickavel Arumugam expressed deep concern: "Seats go to the highest bidder, not the best prepared. There are vacancies, but we cannot reward failure." He added, "This system seems to supply candidates to colleges that charge very high fees, which is fundamentally wrong." Critics fear that the policy may prioritize filling seats over ensuring quality education, potentially compromising the standards of medical training in India.
The NMC's move aims to address the critical issue of vacant PG seats but has ignited a debate on balancing accessibility with meritocracy in medical education. As the 2026 admissions approach, stakeholders continue to call for reforms to enhance transparency and efficiency in the process.
