Revised NEET PG 2025 Cutoff & Percentile Score Released: Eligibility Changes, Admission Delay and Round 3 Explained

NEET PG revised cutoff  qualifying criteria for 2025–26 is released. Check qualifying percentile reduction, eligibility changes, chances of Round 3 counselling, delayed admission timeline till March, and its impact on MD/MS seat allotment across AIQ and State Quota.

As of 13 January 2026, the temporary pause in the NEET PG 2025 counselling process has now been formally clarified with the release of the official cut-off revision notice. The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), in consultation with the National Medical Commission (NMC), has approved a significant reduction in the qualifying percentile for Round-3 counselling to address the large number of vacant MD/MS seats remaining after Round-2. This follows the established pattern from the previous counselling cycle, where percentile relaxation before Round-3 was used as a corrective measure to expand eligibility, reopen counselling participation, and prevent wastage of postgraduate medical seats.

Simultaneously, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has activated a special resignation window from 05:00 PM on 12 January 2026 to 05:00 PM on 15 January 2026 for candidates allotted seats in Round-1 or Round-2 of AIQ counselling. Candidates resigning during this period can exit by forfeiting only the security deposit, and all such vacated seats will be added to the Round-3 seat matrix for fresh choice filling. Due to the resignation process, revised eligibility implementation, and updated seat matrix preparation, NEET PG Round-3 is expected to commence only after these steps are completed, with the overall counselling timeline now likely to extend into February or March 2026.

Official Notice: NEET PG 2025 Revised Cut-off After Percentile Reduction

As per the official directive issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) dated 13 January 2026, the minimum qualifying percentile for NEET PG 2025 counselling (academic session 2025–26) has been significantly reduced for Round 3.

Following this approval, MCC has officially notified the revised qualifying percentiles and corresponding cut-off scores. While the NEET PG 2025 rank remains unchanged (as declared by NBEMS on 19 August 2025), the lowered eligibility criteria will allow many more candidates to participate in Round 3 counselling. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official MCC website (mcc.nic.in) for Round 3 registration, choice filling, and updated counselling schedules.

Candidates should note that this percentile reduction applies only to eligibility for counselling and does not alter the original NEET PG 2025 rank list. Admission remains subject to document verification, biometric/Face ID validation, and fulfilment of all eligibility conditions as per the NEET PG 2025 Information Bulletin.

Revised NEET PG Cutoff & Eligibility Criteria – What It Actually Means

Recent reports indicate that the NEET PG admission process for the 2025–2026 academic session is likely to undergo a revision in qualifying cutoff percentile along with further delays in counselling. Many candidates are confused about whether this means easier admission, additional counselling rounds, or extended timelines. Below is a clear explanation in simple terms.

Why Has NEET PG 2025 Cut-off Been Reduced?

The NEET PG 2025 qualifying cut-off has been officially reduced following the completion of Round 1 and Round 2 counselling, during which a large number of MD/MS seats remained vacant. Several candidates did not report to their allotted colleges, many resigned their seats after joining, and additional postgraduate medical seats were approved at a later stage by the National Medical Commission (NMC), leading to a significant rise in available seats.

To prevent these postgraduate medical seats from remaining unfilled and to ensure maximum utilisation of PG medical seats, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), in consultation with the NMC, approved the reduction in the qualifying percentile for NEET PG 2025 Round 3 counselling. This decision enables a larger pool of candidates to become eligible for counselling under both All India Quota (AIQ) and State Quota, while keeping the original NEET PG 2025 rank list unchanged.

Does Cutoff Reduction Mean Everyone Will Get a Seat?

No. A lower qualifying percentile only means that more candidates are allowed to participate in counselling. It does not guarantee admission to every eligible candidate. Final seat allotment will still depend on rank, category, choice filling, seat availability, and branch preference.

Historically, candidates qualifying after cutoff reduction mostly secure seats in non-clinical branches, peripheral colleges, or institutions with higher service bonds.

Why Is the Admission Process Now Expected to Finish in March?

The NEET PG counselling process was initially scheduled to conclude by January 19, 2026. However, the process has slowed down due to pending approval of revised cutoffs, addition of new seats, and coordination delays between All India Quota (AIQ) and State counselling authorities.

Once the revised eligibility criteria are officially announced, counselling bodies will need time to reopen registrations, publish an updated seat matrix, and conduct Round-3 counselling. This makes it likely that the entire admission process will extend into March 2026.

Has This Happened in Previous Years?

Yes. Similar situations occurred during NEET PG 2024 counselling, where the qualifying percentile was officially reduced to 15th percentile for General/EWS and 10th percentile for reserved categories. The counselling process extended into February and March that year as well.

This confirms that cutoff reductions and delayed rounds are not unusual and are often used as corrective measures to ensure maximum seat utilization.

What Should NEET PG Candidates Do Now?

Candidates should remain calm and stay prepared. Regularly check mcc.nic.in and official NMC notifications for confirmed updates. If registration reopens, ensure documents are ready and be flexible with branch and college preferences.

While delays are frustrating, revised cutoffs and additional rounds often turn out to be life-changing opportunities for many aspirants. Until an official notice is issued, percentile figures circulating in media should be treated as probable discussions, not final decisions.