Supreme Court Informed of New NEET-PG Review Committee
The Indian Supreme Court was recently updated on the formation of a 12-member expert panel aimed at evaluating the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for postgraduates. This move follows directives from the Court itself. The Bench, consisting of Justices PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe, was apprised that the committee’s primary focus will be to conduct a thorough audit of the current NEET PG admission system. The committee aims to pinpoint gaps and propose feasible solutions to improve the process.
Direction to Address NEET-PG Cut-Off Concerns
The Court is currently addressing a plea challenging the reduction in qualifying cut-off percentiles for the NEET-PG 2025 examination. Representing the Central government, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati presented an office order from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This order confirmed the committee’s establishment, led by DGHS D Loveneesh G Krishna, with Dr. Praveen Kumar Dass serving as Member Secretary.
Committee Composition and Timeline
The committee includes representatives from key medical and examination bodies such as the National Medical Commission (NMC), National Testing Agency (NTA), and the National Board of Examinations (NBE), alongside other officials from the Health Ministry. ASG Bhati informed the Court that the committee would take approximately eight weeks to complete its review and compile a report after gathering input from relevant stakeholders.
Legal Representation and Court Directions
During the proceedings, Senior Advocate Pinky Anand raised the possibility of appointing an amicus curiae, to which ASG Bhati clarified that Senior Advocate Maninder Singh is already serving in that capacity for this case. The Court has instructed the committee to solicit stakeholder feedback and submit its findings within the stipulated eight weeks, scheduling the matter for further hearings thereafter.
Petitioners’ Challenge to Cut-Off Reduction
Represented by Advocate Satyam Singh Rajput, the petitioners are challenging a notice from the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) dated January 13. The notice reflects the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s decision to lower the qualifying percentiles. According to the revised standards, the general category cut-off is now 103, down from 276, while the SC/ST/OBC category sees a reduction to minus 40 from 235.
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Constitutional Concerns Raised
The petitioners argue that this reduction compromises merit and is arbitrary, unconstitutional, and violates Articles 14 and 21 of the Indian Constitution. They claim it could lead to sub-standard medical competence, impacting patient safety and public health. Previously, the Court recognized the seriousness of the cut-off reduction, indicating its intent to closely examine the issue.
Supreme Court Continues Examination
The Supreme Court continues to investigate the validity of lowering the NEET-PG cut-off, acknowledging the significant implications for the quality of medical education and the broader healthcare system.
