Supreme Court Suggests Lowering NEET-SS Cut-Off for Government Doctors

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has observed that the qualifying percentile (cut-off) in the NEET-SS entrance examination should be reduced for government doctors, considering that they continue their studies while simultaneously serving the public.

The observation was made by a bench comprising Justices B. V. Nagarathna and Joymalya Bagchi.

The court noted that the additional qualifications earned by government doctors are not for personal gain but ultimately contribute to strengthening the public healthcare system.

According to the court, access to super-speciality courses should be made easier for government doctors. Unlike many other candidates who may have the opportunity to study full-time from home, government doctors pursue higher education while actively working. The bench emphasized that these doctors are an integral part of the public health system.

The court stated that reducing the qualifying percentile for such doctors is necessary.

The observations came while hearing a petition filed by the Tamil Nadu Medical Officers Association.

The petition challenged the decision to shift 152 super-speciality seats that had been reserved for government doctors in Tamil Nadu to the All India Quota. Out of 219 seats earmarked for government doctors in the state, 152 are reportedly lying vacant.

The petitioners argued that lowering the cut-off could enable around 111 doctors currently on the waiting list to secure admission.

The court also observed that with nearly 1,800 super-speciality seats lying vacant across the country, denying admission opportunities to government doctors could adversely affect public healthcare.

Appearing for the association, senior counsel argued that government doctors remain obligated to continue public service until retirement and work day and night, including in remote regions, making them deserving of such benefits.

The court has sought responses from the Central Government, the National Medical Commission, and the Medical Counselling Committee on the issue.

The matter will be heard again on July 15.