The Centre has agreed to reduce the qualifying percentile for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Super Speciality (NEET-SS) from the existing 50th percentile to 30th percentile. The decision was communicated to the Supreme Court on September 17, 2026, amid concerns over a large number of vacant super-speciality medical seats after the second round of counselling.
According to the Centre's submission before the Supreme Court, 1,857 NEET-SS seats remained vacant after Round 2 of counselling. A substantial number of these seats are in highly specialised medical and surgical disciplines. The reduced qualifying percentile is proposed to be applicable for the Special Stray Vacancy Round of NEET-SS counselling.
NEET-SS Cut-Off Reduced From 50 to 30 Percentile
The Centre informed the Supreme Court that the matter was reconsidered in consultation with the concerned stakeholders. The qualifying percentile for NEET-SS will be reduced from the existing 50th percentile to 30th percentile for the proposed Special Stray Vacancy Round.
The move is aimed at ensuring that vacant super-speciality seats do not remain unfilled and that available medical training capacity is utilised.
The reduction in the qualifying percentile is expected to make around 6,000 additional candidates eligible to participate in the counselling process. This would create a candidate pool of approximately three times the number of currently vacant seats, with around 6,000 eligible candidates for 1,857 vacant seats.
NEET-SS Cut-Off 2026: Key Details
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Examination |
NEET Super Speciality (NEET-SS) |
|
Existing qualifying percentile |
50th percentile |
|
Revised qualifying percentile |
30th percentile |
|
Vacant seats after Round 2 |
1,857 |
|
Additional candidates expected to become eligible |
Around 6,000 |
|
Proposed counselling round |
Special Stray Vacancy Round |
|
Counselling authority |
Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) |
Why Has the NEET-SS Qualifying Percentile Been Reduced?
The decision comes after the Supreme Court raised concerns over the large number of vacant super-speciality seats. The Centre had earlier maintained its position on the qualifying percentile, but the Supreme Court asked the government to reconsider the matter in view of the vacant seats.
Following consultations with stakeholders, the Centre agreed to lower the qualifying percentile specifically for the proposed Special Stray Vacancy Round. The government stated that the move would help utilise available training capacity and prevent super-speciality seats from remaining vacant.
1,857 NEET-SS Seats Vacant After Round 2
According to the Centre's submission, 1,857 super-speciality seats were vacant after the completion of the second round of NEET-SS counselling. Many of these seats are associated with highly specialised medical and surgical disciplines.
The proposed reduction in the qualifying percentile will expand the pool of candidates eligible to participate in the next round of counselling. The Centre expects approximately 6,000 candidates to become eligible under the revised criterion.
What Is NEET-SS?
NEET Super Speciality (NEET-SS) is the entrance examination for admission to super-speciality medical courses, including programmes such as DM and MCh. Candidates appearing for NEET-SS are already qualified medical professionals who have completed the required undergraduate and postgraduate medical training.
The examination is used for admission to advanced super-speciality programmes offered by medical institutions across India.
