The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to reconsider its decision on the minimum qualifying cut off for NEET SS 2025. The development comes as more than 2000 super speciality setats could remain vacant if the qualifying percentile is not reduced. The court has taken note of the vacant seats and asked the centre to revisit its position. The matter will be heard again on September 17, 2026. Scroll down to get more details.
Supreme Court Flags Vacant NEET SS Seats
A bench of Justice Pamidighantnam Sri Narasimha and Justice Alok Aradhe heard the matter on Thursday 10, 2026. During the hearing the bench observed that the large number of vacant super speciality seats may warrant a fresh look at the decision on the qualifying cut off. The court noted that many seats continue to remain vacant. This prompted the bench to ask the centre to reconsider its decision and place its response before the court at the next hearing.
Centre Explains NEET SS 2025 Counselling Plan
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati informed the bench about the centre's decision on the issue. She said the matter had been discussed with stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, the medical counselling committee and the National Medical Commission before the decision was taken.
As directed by the Supreme Court in the Kevin Joy case of 2023 the Medical Counselling Committee will conduct a special stray round for vacant super speciality seats from NEET SS 2025 counselling. The special stray round will be conducted without reducing the prescribed qualifying percentile for admission.
Petitioners Seek Steps to Fill 2000+ Vacant Seats
Advocate Rashmi Nandakumar appearing for the petitioners argued that more than 2000 seats in medical colleges could remain vacant if the minimum qualifying cut off is not reduced. The petitioners pointed out that authorities have previously relied on special rounds, mop up rounds, stray vacancy rounds and relaxation of eligibility criteria to improve seat utilisation. They requested the court to consider further mop up or stray vacancy rounds for the remaining seats so that available super speciality seats are not left vacant.
What Happens Next in NEET SS 2025 Case?
The Supreme Court has asked the Centre to reconsider its position on the cut off and inform the court about its decision at the next hearing. The case will be heard again on September 17, 2026. The outcome of the hearing could determine what further steps are taken to fill the vacant super speciality seats under NEET SS 2025 counselling.
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