FOGSI Urges Immediate Review of NEET-PG Qualifying Percentile Reductions
The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), representing leading clinicians and academicians dedicated to upholding medical education standards, has issued a strong demand for immediate review and withdrawal of repeated reductions in the NEET-PG qualifying percentile.
Serious Concerns About Diluting Medical Meritocracy
In a formal statement released on February 11, FOGSI expressed profound concern that lowering the qualifying threshold for this national merit-based examination fundamentally undermines meritocracy and compromises academic rigor. The federation warned that this trend raises significant questions about the quality of specialist training and ultimately endangers patient safety across India's healthcare system.
The medical body has urgently appealed to the National Medical Commission, with specific emphasis on its Postgraduate Medical Education Board, to revisit this policy without delay. FOGSI emphasized that maintaining high standards in medical education is non-negotiable for ensuring competent healthcare professionals serve the nation for decades to come.
Existing Mechanisms Should Be Exhausted First
FOGSI highlighted that the NEET-PG Information Bulletin already establishes a structured and transparent algorithm for addressing vacant postgraduate seats. This comprehensive framework includes provisions for category conversion and sequential counseling rounds designed to maximize seat allocation without compromising standards.
The federation stressed that these established mechanisms must be strictly followed and fully exhausted before any consideration of lowering qualifying standards. According to FOGSI, premature percentile reductions circumvent proper procedures and set dangerous precedents for medical education governance.
Root Cause: Unaffordable Fee Structures, Not Lack of Merit
Addressing the underlying issue of vacant postgraduate seats, FOGSI identified the primary problem as "highly irrational and unaffordable" fee structures prevalent in numerous private and deemed universities rather than any deficiency in candidate merit.
With postgraduate medical education fees ranging from tens of lakhs to several crores of rupees, specialist training risks transforming into a "pay-to-enter" system where financial capacity overshadows professional competence. This commercialization threatens to create inequitable access to advanced medical education regardless of candidate qualifications.
"Postgraduate medical education is not merely about seat occupancy; it is about training competent specialists who will serve the nation for decades," the FOGSI statement emphasized. The federation warned that simultaneous dilution of entry standards alongside unchecked fee escalation jeopardizes academic excellence, professional dignity, and public trust in medical institutions.
Four-Point Action Plan Proposed
FOGSI has called upon regulatory authorities to implement a comprehensive approach addressing the current crisis:
- Immediate withdrawal of repeated percentile reductions in NEET-PG qualifying criteria
- Strict enforcement of existing counseling protocols and seat-conversion regulations
- Urgent rationalization and regulation of postgraduate medical education fee structures
- Meaningful consultation with specialty societies and academic stakeholders before implementing policy changes with long-term consequences
The federation reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding merit-based selection, ensuring education affordability, and preserving the integrity of medical education in the broader interest of patient welfare and public health advancement across India.
