NMC proposes rank instead of percentile system for admission to PG, SS courses

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has proposed transitioning from a percentile-based to a rank-based system for admissions to post-graduate and super-speciality courses in order to expedite the counselling process. According to the expert committee report, a rank-based system will eliminate the need for permission from a competent authority to fill vacant seats, thus streamlining the process.

However, critics argue that this change may not effectively address the issue of meritless candidates being awarded seats, as candidates with low marks, including negative scores, could still gain eligibility. The current system allows for reductions in qualifying percentiles to fill remaining seats in subsequent counselling rounds.

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) is also working on a more digital and hands-off approach for counselling, with the aim of improving transparency and accountability. The MCC's digital counselling system allows candidates to upgrade their seats online without the need for physical attendance at the selected institute. The NMC will create an audit mechanism by 2027 to identify issues with the counselling process and implement solutions.