Archive · 23 Jan 2026
NEET PG Rule Allows Negative Scorers Admission
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) issued a rule on January 13 that allows students who scored negative marks in the NEET Postgraduate exam to still get admitted to medical colleges.
This rule aims to fill vacant seats in subjects like anatomy and community medicine, which are less popular.
Many doctors are upset because they believe this lowers the standards of medical education.
They argue that only the best students should be allowed to become specialists.
However, supporters of the rule say it provides opportunities for students who want to teach or work in less popular medical fields.
The Delhi High Court dismissed a legal challenge against this rule, and the debate continues about how to balance merit with the need to fill these seats.
NBEMS issued a circular on January 13 allowing NEET PG students with negative marks to secure admission.
The move aims to fill vacant seats in non-clinical and para-clinical subjects like anatomy and community medicine.
Doctors raised concerns about the impact on merit and standards in medical education.
A public interest litigation was filed in the Delhi High Court but was later dismissed.
Supporters argue the rule provides opportunities for students to specialize in less popular fields and contribute as teachers or administrators.
- Who
- Medical community, including doctors and administrators
- What
- Controversy over NEET PG rule allowing admission with negative marks
- When
- January 13, 2024
- Where
- India, with specific focus on Maharashtra and Delhi High Court
- Why
- To fill vacant postgraduate seats in non-clinical and para-clinical subjects
- Date of Circular
- January 13
- Issuing Authority
- National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS)
- Exam Affected
- NEET Postgraduate
- Controversial Aspect
- Admission with negative marks
- Court Action
- Public interest litigation filed and later dismissed
- Primary Concern
- Merit and standards in medical education
- Impacted Seats
- Vacant postgraduate seats in non-clinical and para-clinical subjects
- Proposed Solution
- Pathway for low-scoring students in non-clinical subjects
