Medical Seats vs Merit: Doctors Divided Over Health Ministry's Move to Slash NEET-PG Cut-offs

Dr. Rajiv Jayadevan and Dr. Devaunshi Kaul Debate NEET PG Percentile Drop on India Today

On this Special Report, the focus is on the controversial decision to lower the NEET PG percentile to zero. Dr. Rajiv Jayadevan, a senior medical professional, defends the move, stating, 'First step, for our viewers, I'll say that zero does not mean zero marks, all right?' He argues that MBBS graduates have already proven their competence by passing 19 subjects and that filling vacant postgraduate seats is essential for the healthcare system. Conversely, Dr. Ivanshi Kaul, Senior Resident at Safdarjung Hospital, strongly opposes the dilution of standards. She contends that if a student cannot manage basic cut-off marks after five years of rigorous training, the 'whole education of MBBS is failed.' The discussion also explores why 18,000 seats remain vacant, with Dr. Kaul pointing toward poor infrastructure, lack of faculty, and low stipends in non-clinical branches at private colleges. The programme highlights the tension between ensuring social justice and maintaining merit-based excellence in India's medical specialist training.