NEET PG 2025 Reservation Criteria
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate courses (NEET PG) is the gateway for medical graduates aspiring to pursue MD/MS or diploma courses in India. NEET PG 2025 is…
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate courses (NEET PG) is the gateway for medical graduates aspiring to pursue MD/MS or diploma courses in India. NEET PG 2025 is scheduled to be held on June 15, 2025, and with thousands of aspirants preparing rigorously, understanding the reservation criteria is crucial for candidates seeking admission through the counselling process.
Reservation policies ensure equitable representation of various social categories and aim to provide fair access to medical education for historically disadvantaged groups. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the NEET PG 2025 reservation criteria, designed to help candidates better understand their eligibility and benefits during counselling.
Also Read: Nagaon Medical College, Nagaon, Assam MBBS ADMISSION Open 2025-2026
What is the Purpose of Reservation in NEET PG?
Reservation in NEET PG is intended to provide opportunities to candidates from Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Persons with Disabilities (PwD), and other eligible categories. These provisions align with the Indian government’s commitment to social justice, helping reduce inequalities in medical education.
The reservation criteria apply during the counselling and seat allotment phases conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for All India Quota (AIQ) seats and respective State Counselling Authorities for State Quota seats.
Also Read: Katihar Medical College, Bihar MBBS/MD/MS ADMISSION Open 2025-26
Reservation Breakdown for NEET PG 2025
The reservation percentages for NEET PG admissions are generally as per the Government of India norms and guidelines laid out by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The reservation applies mainly to the 50% All India Quota seats and varies in state quotas depending on individual state laws.
Central/AIQ Reservation Policy (50% Seats)
The following categories receive reservations under the All India Quota seats:
- Scheduled Castes (SC): 15%
- Scheduled Tribes (ST): 7.5%
- Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL): 27%
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): 10%
- Persons with Disabilities (PwD): 5% horizontal reservation across all categories
These reservations are implemented following the guidelines by the Government of India and as per the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Candidates belonging to these categories are required to submit valid caste/category certificates during the counselling process for verification.
Also Read: Mata Gujri Memorial Medical College, Kishanganj, Bihar MBBS/MD/MS ADMISSION Open 2025-26
State Quota Reservation Policy (50% Seats)
The reservation in State Quota seats varies as per state government regulations. Each state follows its own reservation policy and may offer reservations beyond the central norms. For example, some states provide additional reservation to local categories or specific backward classes recognized by the state.
Candidates applying under state quota seats must be aware of the state-specific reservation policies, domicile requirements, and necessary documents for proof.
Also Read: Narayan Medical College, Sasaram, Bihar MBBS/MD/MS ADMISSION Open 2025-26
Important Notes on NEET PG Reservation
- Horizontal Reservation for PwD: The 5% horizontal reservation is applicable for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD). This means PwD candidates have the benefit of reservation within each category (General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS) rather than as a separate vertical quota.
- OBC Reservation – Non-Creamy Layer: Only OBC candidates belonging to the Non-Creamy Layer are eligible for reservation benefits. Creamy layer candidates are considered in the General category for counselling purposes.
- EWS Reservation: The 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections is applicable to candidates from the General category who meet the income and asset criteria specified by the government.
- Certificate Validity: Candidates must ensure their caste, disability, or EWS certificates are valid as per the guidelines. Certificates issued by competent authorities and dated within the prescribed time frame are necessary for claim of reservation.
- No Reservation in Deemed Universities & Central Universities (Except AIQ): For deemed and central universities, the reservation policy for NEET PG is applicable as per the institution’s own guidelines or as per MCC norms for All India Quota seats.
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Impact of Reservation on Seat Allotment and Counselling
During NEET PG counselling, seat allotment is conducted category-wise based on the merit list and reservation criteria. Candidates must submit the appropriate reservation category certificates during counselling registration and document verification.
Reservation helps in reducing competition for reserved category candidates, allowing them fair opportunities to secure admission. However, candidates must score the minimum qualifying percentile applicable to their respective categories to be eligible for admission.
Also Read: Raipur Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chhattisgarh MBBS/MD/MS ADMISSION Open 2025-2026
How to Prepare for Reservation Benefits in NEET PG 2025 Counselling?
- Check Eligibility: Verify if you qualify for any reservation category and gather the necessary certificates issued by competent authorities.
- Prepare Documents: Ensure all certificates (caste, PwD, EWS) are original, valid, and ready for submission during counselling.
- Stay Updated: Follow official notifications by MCC and respective state counselling bodies regarding reservation policies and counselling schedules.
- Understand State-Specific Rules: If applying under state quota, study the state-specific reservation policies carefully.
- Maintain Merit Scores: While reservation offers advantages, securing good marks in NEET PG 2025 is essential to maximize admission chances.
Also Read: Shri Balaji Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Chhattisgarh MBBS/MD/MS ADMISSION Open 2025-2026
Final Words
Reservation policies in NEET PG 2025 play a pivotal role in shaping the medical education landscape by promoting inclusivity and diversity. Candidates must be well-informed about the reservation criteria and counselling process to utilize the benefits effectively.
By understanding the reservation framework and preparing accordingly, aspirants from all categories can make informed decisions and confidently take the next step toward their postgraduate medical careers.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on NEET PG 2025 and good luck with your preparation!
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