The Supreme Court of India is reviewing a public interest litigation challenging the reduction of qualifying percentiles for reserved-category candidates in NEET PG 2026.
This legal challenge centers on the balance between affirmative action and meritocratic standards in medical specialization. If the court finds the reduction unlawful, it could force a restructuring of the qualifying criteria shortly before the national exam.
National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) officials have defended the decision to reduce the qualifying percentile to 0% [1] for SC, ST, and PwD candidates. Officials said the move is reasonable and ensures equitable access to postgraduate medical education [1].
Concerns over the policy were highlighted during a webinar hosted by The Hindu on Feb. 21, 2026. Panelists including Dr. Piyush Jain, Dr. Lakshya Mittal, and Dr. Bibhu Anand discussed whether such a significant reduction affects the overall fairness of the selection process.
Petitioners in the PIL argue that removing the minimum percentile threshold undermines the quality of medical professionals. The Supreme Court bench, consisting of Justices Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha and Alok Kumar, scheduled a hearing for the matter on April 28, 2026 [2].
The dispute arrives as candidates prepare for the upcoming examination cycle. The NEET PG 2026 exam is slated for Aug. 30, 2026 [3].
“The Supreme Court is reviewing a public interest litigation challenging the reduction of qualifying percentiles.”
The outcome of this case will determine the minimum competency threshold for reserved-category applicants in India's competitive medical postgraduate system. A ruling against NBEMS would prioritize a standardized merit floor over the current policy of maximum inclusivity, potentially altering the demographic composition of medical specialists.
