HYDERABAD: In a bid to increase the number of candidates qualifying for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for post graduation, the National Board of Examination in consultation with Medical Council of India has decided to reduce the cut-off mark for this year’s NEET by 7.5 percent. This move is likely to benefit 9,000 additional candidates.
The qualifying marks for the common entrance examination for all post-graduate medical courses in the country was set at 50th percentile for General category, 40th percentile for OBC/SC/ST and 45 percentile for PWD category. With the cut-off amrk reduced, the qualifying marks has come down to 42.5 percentile for general candidates, 32.5 percentile for reserved category candidates and 37.5 percentile for PWD category.
Telangana government has been pressurising the Centre to lower the qualifying score as it will help filling vacant seats. Dr G Srinivas, a junior doctor at Osmania Medical College while lauding the move said its benefit will be limited.
There are others who feel that lowering the cut-off marks beats the purpose of having a national qualifying exam. “By reducing the cut-off marks, those seeking management will benefit. Then what’s the point of having a a national qualifying exam?” questioned Dr Ramesh Babu, a junior doctor from Gandhi Medical college.