TN NEET SS 2025-26: SC Seeks Centre’s Response on Cut-off Reduction for In-service Seats

The Supreme Court on Monday, August 24, 2026, asked the Union Government to consider a plea by the Tamil Nadu Medical Officers Association regarding the reduction of the NEET-SS qualifying percentile for in-service government doctors. This directive comes amidst concerns over 152 vacant super speciality seats for the academic year 2025-2026, which the association seeks to prevent from being prematurely diverted to the All India Quota.

The plea aims to protect the state’s in-service reservation policy, allowing more government doctors to pursue super speciality courses and address the significant number of unfilled seats. The Supreme Court has posted the case for further hearing on August 31, 2026, highlighting the urgency of the matter for public health and the career progression of in-service medical professionals.

NEET Ss 2025-26: Vacant Seats and In-Service Quota

Tamil Nadu had initially earmarked 219 super speciality seats for in-service candidates for the academic year 2025-2026. However, after two rounds of counselling, only 68 candidates joined, leaving a substantial 152 seats vacant, according to The Hindu. The Tamil Nadu Medical Officers Association has challenged the “premature diversion” of these 152 vacant seats to the All India Quota, seeking to ensure these opportunities remain available for eligible in-service doctors.

The Union Government submitted that out of the 152 seats transferred by Tamil Nadu, approximately 40 seats still remained vacant, as reported by The Hindu. Senior advocate P. Wilson, representing the association, urged the Centre to return 100% of these unfilled in-service seats to the State, emphasizing that 111 in-service candidates are currently awaiting a reduction in the qualifying percentile to secure admission.

Supreme Court’S Observations on Cut-Off Reduction

A bench of Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Joymalya Bagchi observed on Wednesday, June 25, 2026, that the cut-off for in-service state doctors should indeed be lower, as reported by the New Indian Express. Justice Nagarathna remarked that a government doctor acquiring more skills will serve public health better, questioning why the qualifying percentile had not been reduced for super-speciality admissions this year.

Justice Nagarathna further questioned why the association of in-service doctors had not been made a party to earlier proceedings that led to the order directing the conversion of seats. She highlighted that in previous academic years, the qualifying percentile for NEET-SS was consistently reduced during later stages of counselling, setting a precedent for such a reduction. The court emphasized that in-service candidates, who serve while studying, often see their merit come down, necessitating a lower cut-off to enable their participation.

Background and Legal Challenges

The issue stems from a recent order by a coordinate bench led by Justice P.S. Narasimha in the Tamilveni case, which had directed Tamil Nadu to inform the Director General of Health Services about the 152 vacant super speciality seats. The Tamil Nadu Medical Officers Association filed a petition seeking to stop the state from surrendering vacant DM/M Ch seats during NEET-SS 2025 counselling, according to the New Indian Express.

The association prayed that in-service candidates be allowed to compete for these seats in a third round if the qualifying percentile is reduced below 50% after round 2. Senior Advocate P. Wilson informed the court that while the percentile was lowered for PG seats, the second round of counselling for SS seats has not yet taken place due to the Tamilveni order. The Tamil Nadu government has also filed a review petition against the order passed by Justice Narasimha’s bench, indicating the complexity of the legal landscape.

NEET Ss 2025-26: Important Dates

NEET Ss 2025-26: Seat Status Overview

Written by Simran

Simran is currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Findmycollege , where she creates engaging and research-driven learning resources for students. She has completed her Graduation in Journalism from Delhi University. With 4 years of experience in the EdTech industry, she has previously contributed to leading platforms like Leverage Edu and Aakash. Her expertise lies in simplifying Engineering and Medical entrance exam content to guide aspirants in their preparation journey. Beyond writing, Simran enjoys sketching, watching movies, and finding creative inspiration in everyday life.

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