Can those with -40 marks in NEET PG also become doctors? Cut-off for reserved category made zero

New Delhi: The National Board for Medical Sciences Examination (NBEMS) has made a major change in the counseling process of NEET-PG 2025. On the instructions of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, now the minimum cut-off for participating in counseling for candidates belonging to reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) has been reduced to 0 percent. This decision has been implemented for the third phase of counseling for the 2025-26 academic session.

When and why did this change happen?

The result of NEET-PG 2025 was released on 19 August 2025. After this, the Ministry issued a letter on January 9, 2026, directing NBEMS to reduce the qualifying percentage for reserved category candidates. The objective of this decision is to ensure admission to maximum number of seats, especially for those candidates who have not crossed the cut-off for general category. Now there will be no minimum percentage limit for these categories to participate in counselling.

No change in ranking

NBEMS has clarified that there has been no change in the ranking of NEET-PG 2025. The ranking will remain the same which was released on 19 August 2025. However, eligibility will be considered temporary. The total marks of the candidates in MBBS or FMGE will be examined at the time of admission. This verification will be done through face ID, biometric or original documents.

Tie breaker and strict scrutiny of documents

In case of tie in ranking, the total MBBS/FMGE marks given in the application form will be used. But if any information given in the application is found incorrect then the entire candidature of the candidate will be cancelled. NBEMS has warned that strict action will be taken against candidates found cheating or using unfair means in the examination or counselling. In such cases, both the result or the seat may be cancelled.

advice for candidates

NBEMS has asked all the candidates to keep an eye on the official website of Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) for updates related to counselling. For any queries you can contact NBEMS helpline number 011-45593000 or use their communication portal.