NEET PG 2025 Cutoff Reduced to 0 Percentile for SC, ST, OBC; NBEMS Issues Clarification

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has reduced the NEET PG 2025 counselling cutoff percentile to 0 for SC, ST, and OBC candidates. The decision comes after the approval from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. 

This revised percentile rule is for candidates participating in NEET PG 2025 Round 3 counselling for the 2025–26 session.

A few days ago, MCC directed states to halt the round 3 counselling process amid revisions.

The revised cutoff was approved through a ministry letter. The decision brings relief as it will mobilize the medical counselling process again after the postponement due to the pending eligibility percentile. Most importantly, NBEMS clarified that NEET PG ranks will remain unchanged.

Our blog on NEET PG Marks vs Rank Explanation will give you a clear idea.

Following the MCC order, several states also paused NEET PG round 3 counselling process:

• DME Assam Delays NEET PG Round 3 Counselling Until Further Notice After MCC Guidelines
• MP NEET PG 2025 Mop-Up Round Counselling Postponed; DME to Release New Schedule Soon

Why Was NEET PG 2025 Cut-Off Lowered?

NEET PF counselling round 2 is concluded and the authorities move towards round 3. This move is an effort to fill vacant PG medical seats in the upcoming counselling. With the eased eligibility norms, aspirants now have a wide chance to secure MD, MS, and PG Diploma seats.

NBEMS reiterated that only the qualifying NEET PG percentile has been reduced, meanwhile earlier published ranks will not change.

NEET PG 2025 Revised Cut-Off Percentile and Score

The official revised NEET PG 2025 cutoff is as follows:

Now, SC, ST, and OBC candidates with as low as -40 marks are eligible to participate in Round 3 counselling. This may seem overwhelming right now. Let’s decode this:

NEET PG 2025 Revised Cut-Off: What It Means?

The revised cutoff of NEET PG does not guarantee a seat to even those who fall under these norms. Candidates must note that the recent reduction is an exceptional, policy-driven move so that vacant PG medical seats can be filled in the next counselling rounds.

1. Unreserved (UR) – 7th Percentile, Score: 103

• As per the earlier eligibility rule, UR needed at least the 50th percentile.
• Now, scoring 103 marks or above (7th percentile) is enough.
• Does that mean UR candidates with 103 marks will get a seat? No, it only allows participation in Round 3 and stray rounds of NEET PG.
• Seat allotment will still depend on:
• 1. NEET PG rank
  2. Availability of seats
  3. Choice filling
  4. Reservation rules

Insight:
This cutoff benefits borderline UR candidates, those who narrowly missed in round 1 and 2.

2. SC/ST/OBC – 0 Percentile, Score: -40

• A 0 percentile cutoff is the lowest qualifying benchmark.
• It technically makes eligible for counselling all candidates who appeared for NEET PG 2025.
• Ranks are the same as before.
• So higher-ranked candidates will be allotted seats first.

Insight:
Here, reduction ensures seat utilisation, not dilution of merit. This will contribute to the filling of reserved seats that would have gone vacant just because of the low scores.

3. UR PwD – 5th Percentile, Score: 90

• PwD category now requires 90 marks.
• Earlier they needed 45th percentile.
• PwD reservation is horizontal.
• These candidates still compete within their respective categories.

Insight:
The relaxation will give equitable access.

Why Authorities Lower Cutoffs in NEET PG?

Let's look from an Indian medical education policy perspective:

• PG seats must not go vacant
• Lower cutoffs: Last-resort corrective mechanism
• This will apply in:

Round 3

Stray vacancy rounds

NEET PG 2025 Rank: No Change, Says NBEMS

“Eligibility is provisional and will be verified through MBBS/FMGE aggregate marks, Face ID, or biometric checks at the time of admission,” NBEMS said. It means that the ranks will be the same as they were when NEET PG results were released on 19 August 2025.

Verification Rules Candidates Must Know

NBEMS has also issued guidelines for verification:

• FMGE marks will be verified during admission.
• NEET PG 2025 scorecard, will show the marks if used for tie-breaking.
• Cancellation of candidature can result from wrong information.

Related: FMGE 2025 Admit Card Release Set for Jan 14, Complete Test Day Instructions Explained

NEET PG 2025 Counselling Round 3: What Aspirants Should Do

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) is yet to announce the official dates for NEET PG 2025 Round 3 counselling. Candidates should follow the official websites to apply within the deadline.

Original vs Revised NEET PG 2025 Cut-Off

Here is a comparison snapshot:

Helpline for NEET PG 2025 Queries

In case of any confusion, candidates can contact NBEMS:

• Phone: 011-45593000
• Communication Web Portal: Available on NBEMS website

Bottom Line

The reduction of NEET PG 2025 cutoff to 0 percentile comes as a relaxation for those who could not be a part of the NEET PG counselling process. Now, with the percentile reduction, candidates can participate, which will not only increase the chances of getting a seat but also make one step closer to a medical career.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques: What is the revised NEET PG cutoff?

Ans: The NEET PG 2025 revised cut-off has been significantly lowered to expand eligibility for counselling in later rounds. Now, UR candidates need 103 marks (7th percentile), SC/ST/OBC candidates qualify at 0 percentile (-40 marks), and UR PwD candidates require 90 marks (5th percentile).

Ques: Will NEET PG Round 1 and round 2 restart after this revised eligibility?

Ans: No. This rule applies to the upcoming rounds only, not previous ones.

Ques: I come under the purview of this revised cutoff, so is my seat guaranteed?

Ans: No. Unfortunately not. These revised eligibility guidelines will ensure that you are eligible to participate in the counselling process. Moreover, the rank has not changed, which means the person who got a higher rank than you has more chances of getting a seat. This does not guarantee a medical seat.