The recent announcement of the NEET PG 2025 cutoff has triggered debate within the medical community, particularly regarding the reserved category. The cutoff has been reduced to zero percentile, which corresponds to a score of minus 40. Many medical professionals and aspirants have expressed concerns, questioning the rationale behind the reduction and its implications for merit-based selection.
However, this is not the first instance of such a cutoff. In 2023, the Medical Counselling Committee had similarly lowered the NEET PG cutoff to zero percentile across all categories. At that time, the equivalence of zero percentile to a negative score was not publicly highlighted. Analysis by media sources revealed that zero percentile in 2023 meant that candidates with zero marks, negative marks, and even the lowest score of minus 40 out of 800 would qualify.
In 2025, the zero percentile cutoff has again translated to a score of minus 40 for the reserved category. There are 126 candidates who scored zero or less in the exam, with one candidate recording minus 40. Zero percentile, by definition, represents the lowest score achieved among all candidates, indicating that no candidate scored below that mark.
Experts explain that the percentile system used in NEET PG is designed to normalize scores across a large pool of candidates. It takes into account the relative performance of all examinees rather than absolute marks alone. This ensures that selection is fair and accounts for variations in exam difficulty and performance distribution. The occurrence of negative scores, though rare, is possible due to the marking scheme, where incorrect answers carry negative weightage.
Despite the unusual nature of negative qualifying scores, officials maintain that the system functions within the framework of NEET PG regulations. It provides an opportunity for candidates at the lower end of the scoring spectrum, particularly from reserved categories, to qualify and participate in the counselling process. This approach aims to ensure inclusivity while adhering to the prescribed examination and evaluation standards.
Medical experts emphasize that the key takeaway is that zero percentile is not indicative of lowering academic standards but rather a mathematical representation within the percentile calculation system. Aspirants and the medical community are encouraged to understand this methodology before drawing conclusions regarding fairness or merit.
The NEET PG 2025 scenario reiterates the importance of awareness regarding percentile interpretation. Candidates scoring below average marks should note that qualification depends on relative performance, and the system is designed to accommodate the entire score spectrum, including negative scores.
In conclusion, the NEET PG 2025 cutoff of zero percentile for the reserved category, equivalent to minus 40, aligns with past practices observed in 2023. While it has generated discussion within the medical community, the percentile system remains a standardized method to ensure fair evaluation and equitable opportunity for candidates across all categories.
