The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has once again reduced the minimum qualifying percentile for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduates (NEET PG) 2024, now setting it at the 5th percentile across all categories. This decision follows directives issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, marking another pivotal shift in the qualifying standards for prospective medical candidates.
With this update, which applies to General/EWS, UR-PwBD, and SC/ST/OBC candidates, including PwBD from these categories, eligible candidates will increase significantly. While this new cut-off opens doors for many aspiring medical professionals, it also raises concerns about competition for available postgraduate seats.
The change means candidates who previously may not have qualified now can proceed to the counselling process, facilitated through the MCC's official website. The revised percentile replaces all previous parameters. Notably, the rank and percentile scores published on August 23, 2024, remain unchanged, indicating some scores may not reflect the current qualifying standards.
Historically, the NEET PG cut-off has seen several adjustments. Earlier this year, the qualifying percentile was at 15 for General and EWS categories and 10 for SC/ST/OBC and PwD candidates. Initially, the cut-off was much higher, set at the 50th percentile for unreserved categories, 45th for PWD candidates, and 40th for reserved categories.
Interestingly, the trend of lowering cut-offs isn't new. Back in 2023, the qualifying percentile was dramatically reduced to zero for all categories, allowing virtually any candidate to qualify. The year before, the general category cut-off was lowered from 50 to 35, with similar reductions for PwD and reserved category candidates to 20. This consistent pattern of lowering thresholds reflects broader discussions on accessibility within medical education.
The impact of this latest reduction is expected to be substantial. A larger pool of candidates will now be eligible for counselling, especially at top-tier medical institutions, significantly increasing competition. This shift might prompt many prospective students to brace for tougher admission processes as they vie for coveted spots.
The MCC has stated it will provide updates on seat allocation and counselling schedule updates shortly. Candidates are encouraged to stay informed through official channels to meet application deadlines effectively.
Overall, this latest adjustment highlights the need for continuous efforts to balance accessibility with the rigorous standards required for medical education and ensures every deserving candidate has the opportunity to commence their postgraduate studies.