The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has officially announced a reduction in the qualifying percentile for the NEET PG 2024 examination across all categories. This decision, made in consultation with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the National Medical Commission (NMC), aims to facilitate greater access to postgraduate medical education for aspiring candidates.
Revised Cut-Off Percentiles
The new cut-off percentiles for NEET PG 2024 are as follows:
- General and EWS Categories: Candidates must score 15 percentile and above to be eligible for counselling.
- SC, ST, OBC, and PwD Categories: Candidates must score 10 percentile and above to qualify for counselling.
This change marks a significant shift from previous years, where the cut-off was much higher. For instance, last year, the qualifying percentile was brought down to zero across all categories to fill vacant seats.
Context of the Decision
The MCC’s decision comes after a petition was filed in the Delhi High Court seeking relaxation in the cut-off for postgraduate medical admissions. The court’s approval was based on the need to address concerns regarding vacant seats in medical colleges.
Historical Perspective on Cut-Off Changes
In recent years, the NEET PG cut-off percentiles have seen substantial reductions:
- In 2022, the general category cut-off was lowered from 50th percentile to 35th percentile.
- For unreserved PwD candidates, it was reduced from 45th percentile to 20th percentile.
- For SC, ST, and OBC candidates (including PwD), the cut-off decreased from 40th percentile to 20th percentile.
Implications for Candidates
With these new cut-offs, more candidates will have the opportunity to participate in NEET PG counselling, which is crucial for admissions into Doctor of Medicine (MD), Master of Surgery (MS), and Diplomate of National Board (DNB) courses across various medical colleges in India.
Conclusion
The reduction in NEET PG 2024 cut-off percentiles is expected to provide a significant boost to candidates who may have been on the cusp of eligibility. As the MCC prepares for the upcoming rounds of counselling, this decision highlights ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility within medical education in India.
Disclaimer: The information regarding NEET PG 2024 cut-off percentiles is based on official announcements from the MCC and may be subject to further updates. Candidates are advised to stay informed through official channels for any changes or additional information regarding counselling processes.
