NEW DELHI: The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), representing clinicians and academicians committed to maintaining high standards in medical education and patient care, has sought an immediate review and withdrawal of repeated reductions in the NEET-PG qualifying percentile.In a statement issued on February 11, FOGSI expressed serious concern that lowering the qualifying threshold in a national merit-based examination dilutes meritocracy and compromises academic rigour, raising concerns about the quality of specialist training and patient safety.The body urged the National Medical Commission, particularly its Postgraduate Medical Education Board, to urgently revisit the policy.FOGSI pointed out that the NEET-PG Information Bulletin already lays down a structured and transparent algorithm for filling vacant seats, including category conversion and sequential counselling rounds. These mechanisms, it said, must be strictly followed and exhausted before any lowering of qualifying standards is considered.Addressing the issue of vacant seats, the federation said the root cause is not lack of merit but “highly irrational and unaffordable” fee structures in several private and deemed universities. With postgraduate fees running from tens of lakhs to several crores, specialist education risks turning into a “pay-to-enter” system where financial capacity outweighs competence. “Postgraduate medical education is not merely about seat occupancy; it is about training competent specialists who will serve the nation for decades,” the statement said, adding that dilution of entry standards alongside unchecked commercialisation threatens academic excellence, professional dignity and public trust.FOGSI called upon authorities to withdraw repeated percentile reductions, ensure strict adherence to counselling and seat-conversion rules, initiate urgent rationalisation and regulation of postgraduate fee structures, and engage specialty societies and academic stakeholders before implementing policy changes with long-term consequences.The federation reiterated its commitment to safeguarding merit, affordability and the integrity of medical education in the larger interest of patients and public health.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBangladesh PM Hasina Calls Elections Rigged, Urges Credible Fresh Polls, Attacks Yunus‘Modi Under Trump’s Grip’: Rahul Gandhi Hits Back At Nishikant Dubey’s Motion‘Privilege Motion’ A Code Word? Rahul Gandhi Takes Dig At Media; BJP Hits BackIndus Waters Row Deepens After Pakistan’s ‘Dewatering’ Charge On New Dam, India Dismisses ClaimDonald Trump’s Old ‘Destroy Modi’s Career’ Comment Sparks Row As India Responds With Firm MessageLamborghini Brat Walks Free Within Hours Of Arrest; BJP MP Demands Rahul’s Disqualification From LSBrazil President To Visit India With 260 Firms To Boost Trade, Push Global Governance Reform AgendaFamily of Indian Student Killed by US Officer Secures Rs 260 Crore Settlement‘Amit Shah Called Me, Then Came the Raid’: Bhupesh Baghel’s Big ChargeIndia Approves Rs 3.25 Lakh Crore Rafale Fighter Jet Deal As Air Force Seeks Squadron Expansion Plan123PhotostoriesReady-to-move vs under-construction homes: Which is the better investmentTop 10 powerful passports of 2026; check India’s positionBaby names inspired by the sacred rivers of India7 nostalgic foods and how their packaging changed over the years7 natural ways to repel mosquitoes from balconies and gardens8 baby names inspired by Bollywood’s most loved charactersParineeti Chopra says her comeback ‘better be in a saree’—and she definitely deliveredFrom ‘Aashiqui 2’ to ‘Mohabbatein’: Romantic Bollywood films to watch on OTT this Valentine’s DayFrom ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ to ‘Bandwaale’: 9 new movies and shows to watch this week on OTTHow to make classic Paneer Paratha for breakfast123Hot PicksBharat bandh todayGold Silver PricesBangladesh Elections 2026Telangana Municipal Elections ResultsIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingMarvel Rivals Season 6.5 Release dateErika KirkBad BunnyCatherine Polli Net WorthSeahawks Super Bowl paradeKayla NicoleAnthony JoshuaChloe KimCardi BMax Muncy
NEW DELHI: The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI), representing clinicians and academicians committed to maintaining high standards in medical education and patient care, has sought an immediate review and withdrawal of repeated reductions in the NEET-PG qualifying percentile.In a statement issued on February 11, FOGSI expressed serious concern that lowering the qualifying threshold in a national merit-based examination dilutes meritocracy and compromises academic rigour, raising concerns about the quality of specialist training and patient safety.The body urged the National Medical Commission, particularly its Postgraduate Medical Education Board, to urgently revisit the policy.FOGSI pointed out that the NEET-PG Information Bulletin already lays down a structured and transparent algorithm for filling vacant seats, including category conversion and sequential counselling rounds. These mechanisms, it said, must be strictly followed and exhausted before any lowering of qualifying standards is considered.Addressing the issue of vacant seats, the federation said the root cause is not lack of merit but “highly irrational and unaffordable” fee structures in several private and deemed universities. With postgraduate fees running from tens of lakhs to several crores, specialist education risks turning into a “pay-to-enter” system where financial capacity outweighs competence. “Postgraduate medical education is not merely about seat occupancy; it is about training competent specialists who will serve the nation for decades,” the statement said, adding that dilution of entry standards alongside unchecked commercialisation threatens academic excellence, professional dignity and public trust.FOGSI called upon authorities to withdraw repeated percentile reductions, ensure strict adherence to counselling and seat-conversion rules, initiate urgent rationalisation and regulation of postgraduate fee structures, and engage specialty societies and academic stakeholders before implementing policy changes with long-term consequences.The federation reiterated its commitment to safeguarding merit, affordability and the integrity of medical education in the larger interest of patients and public health.
