The SC requests the Center to re-evaluate the NEET-SS qualifying percentile cut-off

Supreme Court of India in New Delhi. | Photo credit: File

The Supreme Court on Thursday (September 10, 2026) asked the Union government to reconsider its decision not to reduce the cut-off percentile for NEET-SS (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Super-Super-Specialty) seats in the current year, while expressing concern over the large number of seats that are lying vacant every year.

The order by the bench of PS Narasimha and Alok Aradhe came after Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati of the Center said the government was willing to do a “stray round” for NEET-SS vacancies but decided not to lower the qualifying percentile.

She said the vacant seats would go back to states like Tamil Nadu.

The court was hearing a petition filed by the Tamil Nadu Medical Association represented by senior advocate P. Wilson, which said there were 40 vacancies left in Tamil Nadu which should be returned to the state.

Mr. Wilson pointed out that many eligible candidates, mostly government doctors serving in rural parts of the state, were waiting for the cut in the qualifying percentile. He said NEET-SS seats are “scarce” and cannot remain vacant.

The court said the fact that many posts remain vacant makes the case for reducing the qualification percentile “rather compelling”.

Senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi of Tamil Nadu said the state wants the vacant seats to be completely returned to it. He further urged the court to lower the marginal percentile.

Justice Narasimha advised Ms. Bhati on behalf of the Center to “give a little more thought” to the percentile reduction and even consult other members of the Bar on the matter.

Ms Bhati then urged the court to “add a line” to its order “directing us to reconsider … to consider reductions to the greatest extent possible”.

The lawyer revealed that even some experts have “differing opinions” on the issue of lowering the qualification percentile.

“Some reduction can be done. We have even reduced it (qualifying percentile) to 0% in recent years,” Ms Bhati said.

The court scheduled further hearing of the case and directions on September 17.

The petitioners’ association has challenged the “premature diversion” of 152 super-specialty vacancies earmarked for government doctors in Tamil Nadu to the all-India quota. It has also sought protection of the state’s reservation policy in traffic till a final decision is taken on reducing the NEET-SS qualifying percentile.

Published – 10 Sep 2026 16:36 IST