NEET 2026 Eligibility Change: Percentile to Percentage System Proposed

Proposal to Shift from Percentile to Percentage-Based Eligibility in NEET-UG Under Consideration

The National Medical Commission (NMC) is currently examining a significant proposal that could fundamentally change the eligibility criteria for NEET-UG and, consequently, MBBS admissions across India. The proposal recommends a shift from the existing percentile-based qualification system to a percentage-based cutoff system, aiming to bring greater academic rigor and consistency to medical education.

Current System: Percentile-Based Qualification

At present, NEET-UG eligibility is determined using a percentile system, where candidates qualify based on their relative performance compared to others.

• More than 20 lakh candidates appear for NEET-UG annually
• Approximately 10 lakh candidates qualify each year
• Qualification depends on relative ranking rather than absolute marks

This system ensures that a fixed proportion of candidates qualify every year, regardless of the overall difficulty level of the exam.

Key Issue with the Percentile System

One of the central concerns highlighted in the proposal is that the percentile system can allow low-scoring candidates to qualify, particularly in years when the overall performance of candidates is poor.

• Even candidates with relatively low absolute scores may become eligible
• This raises concerns about minimum academic competency among medical aspirants

Proposed Change: Percentage-Based Eligibility

The proposed reform suggests replacing the percentile system with a fixed percentage cutoff based on actual marks obtained.

Under this model:

• Eligibility would depend on absolute performance
• Candidates would need to secure a minimum percentage of marks to qualify
• The number of qualified candidates would no longer be fixed

Objectives Behind the Reform

The shift is being considered with multiple academic and systemic goals:

• Ensuring minimum academic competency among candidates
• Improving the quality of entrants into medical education
• Establishing a more consistent and transparent eligibility standard

The proposal has also been supported by experts, including Dr. Aruna Vanikar, former President of the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB), NMC.

Structural Difference: Percentile vs Percentage

Expected Impact on NEET-UG and MBBS Admissions

1. Reduction in Qualified Candidates

Since eligibility will depend on achieving a fixed score:

• The number of qualified candidates is expected to decrease

2. Increased Competition

With fewer eligible candidates:

• Competition for MBBS seats may become more intense

3. Focus on Absolute Scores

Preparation strategies may shift toward:

• Maximizing marks, rather than improving relative rank

4. Year-to-Year Variation

Unlike the current system:

• The number of qualifiers will vary depending on overall performance

Scale and Context: NEET-UG 2026

• NEET-UG 2026 is expected to see over 26 lakh registrations, the highest ever
• The exam is scheduled to be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 3, 2026

This growing number of aspirants has intensified the need for a more robust and competency-based filtering mechanism.

Current Status of the Proposal

• The proposal has been submitted to the NMC
• It is under consideration
• No final decision or implementation timeline has been announced

Conclusion

The proposed shift from a percentile-based to a percentage-based eligibility system in NEET-UG represents a major policy rethink in medical admissions. By emphasizing absolute academic performance, the reform aims to ensure that only candidates meeting a defined competency threshold enter the medical education system.

However, its implementation would also introduce new dynamics in competition, preparation strategies, and qualification patterns, making it one of the most consequential changes in recent years for NEET aspirants and MBBS admissions in India.

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