NEET PG, NEET SS 2026: Centre proposes shift to rank-based system

The Centre, in conjunction with a 12-member expert committee and the National Medical Commission (NMC), has proposed a significant shift from a percentile-based to a rank-based merit system for NEET PG and NEET SS admissions. This potential reform, along with other changes for postgraduate medical admissions and counselling, was communicated to the Supreme Court on November 3, 2026.

The proposed changes aim to address persistent issues within the postgraduate medical admission system, including recurring vacant seats and delays in counselling processes. The NEET PG 2026 examination is scheduled for August 30, 2026, with Round 1 counselling commencing on August 4, 2026, and the academic session for admitted candidates set to begin on September 8, 2026.

Proposed Shift to Rank-Based System and Other Reforms

The Centre informed the Supreme Court on November 3, 2026, regarding the potential adoption of a rank-based system for NEET PG and NEET SS. This recommendation originated from a 12-member expert committee constituted to review the postgraduate medical admission framework. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has reportedly granted in-principle approval to this proposal, with a draft regulation expected to be released shortly for stakeholder consultation.

The committee’s recommendations extend beyond the merit system, suggesting a reduction in fees for non-clinical postgraduate courses. Also, it proposed exempting candidates opting for pre-clinical and para-clinical seats from service bond requirements. These measures are intended to make these branches more attractive to prospective students and ensure minimum standards of postgraduate medical education are maintained, a concern raised after the drastic reduction in NEET PG 2025 qualifying cut-off percentiles.

Concerns over Reduced Cut-Offs and Committee Observations

The proposal for a rank-based system follows a period of scrutiny, particularly after the Union Health Ministry significantly reduced the qualifying cut-off percentiles for NEET PG 2025. The qualifying score for the general category in NEET PG 2025 was lowered from 276 to 103, while for SC, ST, and OBC categories, it was reduced from 235 to minus 40. A Supreme Court Bench comprising Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe had questioned this substantial reduction.

The expert committee observed that maintaining minimum standards of postgraduate medical education is crucial. As an answer to these concerns and the issue of vacant seats, the committee recommended that State fee fixation committees consider separate, lower fee structures for non-clinical branches. In addition, it suggested that examination-conducting bodies, the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), explore KYC and biometric verification to prevent seat blocking. The committee also recommended considering the discontinuation of dental and nursing seats that remain vacant for two to three consecutive years.

NEET PG 2026 Examination and Counselling Updates

The NEET PG 2026 examination is scheduled to be held in a single shift on August 30, 2026. The exam will consist of 180 questions to be completed in 210 minutes. Aadhaar authentication has been made mandatory for both NEET PG 2026 registration and on the examination day. A total of 2,73,183 candidates have registered for NEET PG 2026, marking a 12.5 percent rise compared to the previous cycle. The examination will be conducted across approximately 340 cities at more than 1,300 test centres, with over 60,000 trained examination personnel deployed.

In an effort to mitigate counselling delays, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has introduced several changes for the 2026-27 counselling process. Candidates will now be categorised as ‘Freeze’ and ‘Float’, and the process of relieving candidates from previously allotted seats after an upgrade has been shifted online. Candidates are required to pay fees only once, at the institution where they ultimately choose to take admission. Online document uploads and verification by institute nodal officers have also been introduced. Round 1 counselling for NEET PG 2026 is set to begin on August 4, 2026, with the academic session for admitted candidates commencing on September 8, 2026.

Further reading

• NEET PG 2026: Register for Round 2 by November 11; fill choices by November 12
• NEET PG 2026: CEE Kerala begins phase 1 option registration, closes October 31
• NEET PG application form: eligibility, dates and how to apply Next step
• CENTAC NEET MDS 2026 Round 3 registration deadline extended; apply under revised cut-off
• NTA revised exam calendar 2026-27 out: check new JEE Main, UGC NET, CUET PG dates
• NEET UG 2026: Apply for private MBBS seats now; fees slashed up to 40% Applications open

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

View all posts →