NEET PG 2025 Counselling Round 3: Qualifying Percentile Slashed Amid Doctor Backlash Over Prolonged Delays

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New Delhi, January 14, 2026: The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) awaits final approval to launch Round 3 of NEET PG 2025 counselling following a dramatic reduction in qualifying percentiles announced by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), as postgraduate medical aspirants and doctors intensify demands for clarity after nearly six months since the exam.

This development comes after Round 2 results on December 16, 2025, with no schedule yet released despite growing frustration from thousands of qualified MBBS graduates stuck in limbo.

Key Developments in Counselling Timeline

The NEET PG 2025 exam occurred on August 3, 2025, with results declared on August 19, setting off a protracted counselling process marked by delays. Round 1 and Round 2 proceeded, but Round 3 stalled pending revised percentile norms, now approved by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).news.

On January 12, 2026, MCC enabled resignations from Rounds 1 and 2 seats until January 15, 2026, at 5:00 PM, with security deposit forfeiture, to bolster the Round 3 seat matrix. Registration for Round 3 is anticipated in the third week of January, potentially starting mid-month.

The official MCC portal confirms the schedule upload is imminent post-percentile revisions.news.

Revised Qualifying Percentiles Explained

NBEMS lowered cutoffs to address vacant seats and broaden participation for the 2025-26 session. For general category candidates, the percentile dropped from 50th to 7th, with a cutoff score of 103 marks; SC/ST/OBC from 40th to 0th at -40 marks; and PwBD categories adjusted similarly (general PwBD: 5th percentile, 90 marks).

These changes apply only to remaining rounds without altering prior ranks. Previously ineligible candidates scoring above new thresholds can now join, verified via MBBS marks, biometrics at admission.

This move aims to optimize seat utilization across over 50,000 PG seats, including recent additions like 400+ MD/MS spots.

Aspirants’ Frustration Mounts

Doctors vented on social media, labeling delays as “emotional torture” after 25+ days post-Round 2. FAIMA Chief Patron Dr. Rohan Krishnan posted: “NEET-PG Round-3 has gone missing… We demand an immediate, official update with a firm timeline.” He highlighted impacts on aspirants’ planning and overworked residents missing 33% workforce.

An intern queried MCC/NBEMS directly on X: “When will round 3 of NEET PG 2025 happen?” Another doctor warned: “Please don’t become a doctor in this country unless your parents are super rich.”

Dr. Krishnan told Medical Dialogues: “More than six months… This is a clear injustice.”

Expert Perspectives on the Crisis

Dr. Meet Ghonia, National General Secretary of Federation of Resident Doctors Association (FORDA), described delays as a “recurring crisis” causing distress, idling doctors without pay, disrupting academics, and boosting burnout among incumbents. He urged NMC, NBEMS, and MCC for fixed deadlines and transparency.

United Doctors’ Front President Dr. Lakshya Mittal noted job-quitting aspirants face months of uncertainty, calling for pre-planned seat verification. FAIMA’s Dr. Akshay Dongardive stressed financial distress for ready specialists, pushing for swift MoHFW action.

These voices underscore systemic issues in India’s PG admission process.

Public Health and Workforce Implications

Delays exacerbate healthcare shortages, with new residents unable to join amid public hospital strains. Overworked current PGs face extended shifts without relief from the incoming 33% cohort.timesofindia.

Lowered cutoffs could fill seats faster, bolstering specialties like general medicine and radiodiagnosis, but risk diluting standards per some critiques. For aspirants, it offers hope but prolongs limbo, affecting family planning and finances.

Patients ultimately suffer from stalled specialist training pipelines essential for India’s overburdened system.

Limitations and Ongoing Concerns

While percentile cuts expand access, they spark debates on merit versus vacancy-filling, with no cap on negative scores raising quality questions. Counselling remains unscheduled as of January 14, despite MCC notices.

Past delays, like pre-exam controversies, erode trust; aspirants demand structural reforms for predictability. Fresh registrants for Round 3 must meet criteria, with verification risks of ineligibility.

What This Means for Aspirants

Monitor mcc.nic.in daily for Round 3 schedule, seat matrix, and choice filling. Eligible candidates previously out can prepare documents; resignations boost opportunities but cost deposits.

This saga highlights needs for timely processes in medical education, vital for future doctors serving diverse populations.

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