---
title: "SC asks Centre to respond on reducing NEET-SS percentile for in-service doctors"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/sc-centre-neet-ss-inservice-plea-ahv93
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Politics
published: 2026-08-30T11:33:07.270Z
modified: 2026-08-30T14:00:02.956Z
language: en-IN
---

# SC asks Centre to respond on reducing NEET-SS percentile for in-service doctors

The Supreme Court asked the Centre to consider lowering the qualifying percentile for NEET-SS in-service government doctors in Tamil Nadu, where 152 of 219 earmarked seats were vacant after two counselling rounds. The case, filed by the Tamil Nadu Medical Officers Association, also questions the div

## Key takeaways

- The Centre has been asked to respond to a petition seeking a lower NEET-SS qualifying percentile for in-service government doctors in Tamil Nadu.
- Tamil Nadu earmarked 219 NEET-SS seats for in-service candidates; only 68 joined, 152 remained vacant after two counselling rounds.
- Approximately 40 of the 152 seats transferred to the All India Quota were still vacant at the time of the hearing.
- The petition argues that 111 in-service candidates would be eligible if the percentile were reduced, reflecting an expectation under prior practice.
- The next hearing in the case is set for August 31, 2026.

## What Happened

The Supreme Court on August 24, 2026, instructed the Centre to consider a plea by the Tamil Nadu Medical Officers Association. The petition seeks a reduction in the qualifying percentile for NEET-SS admissions for in-service government doctors. Tamil Nadu had earmarked 219 super speciality seats for in-service candidates for the 2025-2026 academic year. After two rounds of counselling, only 68 candidates joined, leaving 152 seats vacant. The Union Government reported that about 40 seats among the 152 transferred by Tamil Nadu remained vacant. The association argued that 111 in-service candidates were awaiting a reduction in the qualifying percentile and would become eligible if the percentile were relaxed, asserting a legitimate expectation for consideration under the existing practice.

The petition also contends that the 152 vacant in-service seats were prematurely diverted to the All India Quota, and seeks protection for Tamil Nadu’s in-service reservation policy pending a final decision on the percentile reduction. The case was posted for further hearing on August 31, 2026.

## Why It Matters

The dispute centers on whether the qualifying threshold for NEET-SS admissions should be lowered to fill vacant in-service seats in Tamil Nadu, potentially affecting how in-service government doctors are admitted to super speciality programs and how vacancies are allocated between state and All India quotas. If the percentile is reduced, more in-service candidates could gain eligibility, which could influence state reservation policies and the operational use of vacant seats.

## Background

The matter involves the Tamil Nadu government's allocation of 219 NEET-SS seats for in-service candidates in the 2025-2026 academic year, the subsequent under-subscription after two rounds of counselling, and questions over the handling of unfilled seats as they relate to the All India Quota and state policies.

## Key Facts

- Tamil Nadu earmarked 219 NEET-SS super speciality seats for in-service candidates for the 2025-2026 academic year.
- After two rounds of counselling, 68 candidates joined; 152 seats remained vacant.
- Approximately 40 of the 152 seats were transferred to the All India Quota and remained vacant.
- 111 in-service candidates were on the waiting list and sought a reduction in the qualifying percentile.
- The Supreme Court hearing occurred on August 24, 2026, with next hearing scheduled for August 31, 2026.

## What Happens Next

The court asked the Centre to respond to the plea regarding the reduction of the NEET-SS qualifying percentile for in-service admissions. A further hearing is scheduled to determine whether the percentile should be lowered and how unfilled seats should be allocated between state and All India Quotas, while considering Tamil Nadu’s reservation policy.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/sc-centre-neet-ss-inservice-plea-ahv93
Reported from: Multiple Sources