Centre Tells SC NEET-SS Qualifying Cutoff Reduced to 30%; TN to Get 40 Vacant Seats Back

September 17, 2026

The Central Government has agreed to reduce the qualifying percentile for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Super Specialty (NEET-SS) from 50% to 30%. This revised cutoff will be applicable in the proposed Special Stray Vacancy Round.

Efforts to fill vacant seats

This decision comes amid concerns about vacant super specialty medical seats. The aim of lowering the cutoff is to fill available seats and provide eligible candidates with another chance for admission.

Tamil Nadu also agreed to return 40 vacant in-service NEET-SS seats

The Central Government has also agreed to return 40 vacant in-service NEET-SS seats belonging to Tamil Nadu to the state. These seats remained vacant after the counseling process.

Paving the way for a special stray vacancy round

Eligible candidates with a new qualifying percentile of 30% will be eligible to apply for vacant NEET-SS seats in the proposed Special Stray Vacancy Round. This move is part of the process to fill the remaining seats in super specialty courses.