SC asks Centre to reconsider NEET-SS qualifying percentile cut-off
The Supreme Court of India has directed the Union government to reconsider its refusal to lower the qualifying percentile for NEET-SS super-speciality medical seats. The court expressed concern over the high number of vacant seats, suggesting that a reduction could help fill these positions with eligible candidates.
Why it matters
The decision impacts the availability of specialized medical care and the career progression of government doctors in rural areas.
The Supreme Court asked the Union government on Thursday (September 10, 2026) to reconsider its decision not to reduce the cut-off percentile for National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Super Speciality (NEET-SS) seats in the current year, while expressing concern about a large number of seats going unfilled annually.
The order from a Bench of Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe came after Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati, for the Centre, said the government was willing to conduct a “stray round” for the vacant NEET-SS seats, but had decided not to lower the qualifying percentile.
She said the vacant seats would revert to States like Tamil Nadu.
The court was hearing a petition filed by the Tamil Nadu Medical Officers Association, represented by senior advocate P. Wilson, who said Tamil Nadu had 40 vacant seats left, and they should be returned to the State.
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