NEET PG 2023 Cut-Offs Reduced to Zero for All Categories
All examinees of the NEET PG 2023 examination will now be deemed eligible to partake in the postgraduate medical counseling procedure. Today(21 Sep 2023), the National Medical Commission (NMC) took…
All examinees of the NEET PG 2023 examination will now be deemed eligible to partake in the postgraduate medical counseling procedure.
Today(21 Sep 2023), the National Medical Commission (NMC) took a significant step by lowering the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Postgraduate (NEET PG) 2023 qualifying percentile to zero for all categories. This decision effectively grants eligibility for participation in the postgraduate medical counseling process to every candidate who took the NEET PG 2023 examination.
In response, a statement from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) affirmed that the proposal to lower the qualifying percentile for postgraduate courses in NEET PG 2023 had been duly examined and considered. The statement further conveyed that the competent authority had approved the reduction of the qualifying percentile to ‘Zero’ for NEET PG 2023, applicable to all categories of candidates.
The NEET PG Cut-Off percentiles, which currently stand at 50 for general/unreserved categories, 45 for PwD candidates, and 40 for other reserved categories, are significantly changing. The Health Ministry has officially confirmed its decision to reduce the qualifying percentile for postgraduate courses in NEET PG 2023 to ‘Zero’ across all categories. This move aims to ensure that all clinical and non-clinical seats are filled, avoiding any vacant positions that have occurred in previous years.
Dr. Harish Gupta, a member of the Delhi Medical Council, emphasized that the adjustment in the percentile does not mean a compromise on the quality of medical education. Instead, it aligns with NEET-PG counseling norms, ensuring that all postgraduate seats are allocated while maintaining high medical training and education standards.
The decision to decrease the cut-off marks for the NEET PG 2023 exam to zero has garnered mixed reactions. The Indian Medical Association had previously requested this reduction, arguing that it would enable many aspiring doctors to enroll in postgraduate programs and prevent any postgraduate seats from remaining vacant.
However, not everyone is in favor of this move. The Federation of All India Medical Association expressed shock, calling it ridiculous that candidates with a zero percentile are now eligible for postgraduate seats. They raised concerns about the potential impact on the quality of medical education and the healthcare system in India.
Dr. Anant Bhan, a famous researcher in global health, health policy, and bioethics, highlighted the need for a clear rationale behind such a policy decision. Without a well-substantiated justification, it may be perceived as an effort to protect the interests of certain stakeholders in medical education, such as private medical colleges. The decision has thus sparked a debate on the trade-off between ensuring access to postgraduate medical education and maintaining educational quality and standards.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) contacted the Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare on September 13, requesting a reconsideration of the cut-off criteria for the NEET PG 2023 exam. Their primary aim was to expand the inclusion of more students in postgraduate programs and minimize the wastage of available seats. This appeal was made to recognize the potential benefits of accommodating more medical students in postgraduate education, addressing the shortage of qualified healthcare professionals, and ensuring that available educational opportunities are fully utilized.
