NEET UG 2026: Supreme Court Issues Notice on Plea to Reduce Qualifying Percentile for MBBS Admission

NEET UG 2026: Supreme Court Issues Notice on Plea to Reduce Qualifying Percentile for MBBS Admission

The Supreme Court of India has issued a notice on a petition filed by two medical colleges seeking a reduction in the NEET UG 2026 qualifying percentile for MBBS admissions. The petition raises concerns about vacant medical seats and requests consideration of a lower minimum qualifying percentile to allow more candidates to become eligible for admission.

The matter has attracted attention among NEET UG 2026 aspirants, particularly those who could not meet the existing qualifying criteria and are awaiting further admission opportunities.

However, the Supreme Court has not directed any reduction in the NEET UG 2026 qualifying percentile so far. Candidates must continue following the existing eligibility requirements unless an official notification announces changes.

NEET UG 2026 Qualifying Percentile Reduction: Supreme Court Case Details

The petition has been filed by Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute and Shri Sathya Sai Medical College and Research Institute.

The colleges have approached the Supreme Court seeking consideration of a reduction in the minimum qualifying percentile prescribed for NEET UG 2026.

The matter was heard on November 5, 2026, and the Court issued a notice to the concerned authorities.

The issuance of a notice means that the Court has sought responses regarding the petition. It does not mean that the requested reduction has been approved.

Why Are Medical Colleges Seeking a Lower NEET UG 2026 Qualifying Percentile?

The petition raises concerns about MBBS seats remaining vacant even after multiple rounds of counselling.

Medical colleges have argued that the existing qualifying percentile limits the number of candidates eligible to participate in the admission process.

A reduction in the qualifying percentile could potentially allow additional candidates to become eligible for admission against vacant seats.

The major concerns raised in the matter include:

• MBBS seats remaining vacant after counselling rounds.
• Limited availability of eligible candidates for certain vacant seats.
• Difficulties faced by some medical colleges in filling their sanctioned intake.
• The possibility of expanding the eligible candidate pool through a lower qualifying percentile.

However, any relaxation would have to comply with the applicable legal and regulatory framework governing medical admissions.

NEET UG 2026 Qualifying Percentile: Category-Wise Eligibility Criteria

The NEET UG qualifying percentile determines the minimum examination eligibility required for admission to undergraduate medical courses.

The standard category-wise qualifying percentile criteria are provided below.

Important: The qualifying percentile is not the same as the cutoff rank required to secure admission to a particular medical college.

The qualifying percentile determines basic examination eligibility, while the admission cutoff depends on factors such as NEET rank, category, quota, college preferences and seat availability.

Will NEET UG 2026 Qualifying Percentile Be Reduced?

As of November 11, 2026, no reduction in the NEET UG 2026 qualifying percentile has been confirmed through the Supreme Court proceedings discussed here.

The Court has issued a notice, and the matter is awaiting further consideration.

The petitioners have requested a relaxation, but the final outcome will depend on subsequent proceedings and decisions by the competent authorities.

Candidates should understand that:

• Filing a petition does not automatically change admission eligibility.
• Issuing a notice does not mean the Court has approved the requested reduction.
• Any revised qualifying percentile must be officially notified before implementation.
• Candidates cannot claim eligibility under a proposed relaxation unless it becomes effective.

Therefore, students should continue following the existing NEET UG 2026 counselling eligibility criteria.

NEET UG 2026 Supreme Court Hearing: What Happens Next?

The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for November 16, 2026.

During further proceedings, the Court may consider responses from the concerned authorities regarding the request to reduce the qualifying percentile.

The outcome could provide greater clarity on whether any relaxation may be considered for NEET UG 2026 admissions.

However, no particular decision can be predicted before the Court issues further directions.

Candidates are advised to monitor official updates rather than relying on speculation.

How Could a Lower NEET UG 2026 Cutoff Affect MBBS Admissions?

If a reduction in the qualifying percentile is officially approved, it could potentially affect candidates who currently fall below the prescribed eligibility threshold.

Possible implications include:

1. More Candidates May Become Eligible

A lower qualifying percentile could expand the pool of candidates meeting the minimum eligibility requirements for MBBS admission.

2. Vacant MBBS Seats May Receive Additional Applicants

Medical colleges with vacant seats could potentially receive applications from newly eligible candidates, subject to applicable counselling rules.

3. Counselling Authorities May Issue Revised Instructions

If eligibility requirements change, MCC and the relevant state counselling authorities may need to issue instructions regarding participation and admission procedures.

4. Admission Will Still Depend on Merit and Seat Availability

Even if the qualifying percentile is reduced, candidates would not automatically receive MBBS seats. Admission would remain subject to counselling eligibility, merit, seat availability and applicable regulations.

These are potential implications, not confirmed changes to the current counselling process.

Important Instructions for NEET UG 2026 Candidates

Candidates waiting for updates on the qualifying percentile reduction should follow these instructions:

• Continue checking official NEET UG 2026 counselling notifications.
• Do not assume that the qualifying percentile has already been reduced.
• Keep NEET UG scorecards and admission documents ready.
• Check eligibility requirements before registering for any counselling round.
• Monitor MCC and state counselling portals for revised instructions.
• Avoid unverified claims about automatic eligibility or guaranteed MBBS admission.
• Follow any future Supreme Court directions and official regulatory notifications.

Candidates who have already qualified for NEET UG 2026 should continue participating in counselling according to their eligibility and the applicable schedule.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court has issued a notice on a petition filed by two medical colleges seeking a reduction in the NEET UG 2026 qualifying percentile for MBBS admissions.

The petition highlights concerns about vacant MBBS seats and requests consideration of relaxing the minimum qualifying requirement to expand the pool of eligible candidates.

The next hearing is scheduled for November 16, 2026. However, no official reduction in the qualifying percentile has been announced through these proceedings so far.

Candidates should continue following the existing NEET UG 2026 eligibility requirements and wait for official announcements before making admission decisions.

Stay connected with Bodmas Education for the latest NEET UG 2026 news, Supreme Court updates, MBBS counselling schedules, cutoff information, seat vacancy updates and medical admission guidance.