‘Virtually bringing it to zero’: SC asks govt if lower NEET cutoff will affect quality of medical education

The Supreme Court of India has raised concerns regarding the potential impact of a reduced NEET cutoff on the quality of medical education in the country. This reaction comes in response to a series of petitions challenging the government's recent decision to lower the cutoff marks for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). The court has issued formal notices on these petitions and scheduled the hearing for the following week. Advocates argue that lowering the cutoff could lead to a decline in academic standards and compromise the quality of healthcare professionals produced by Indian medical institutions. The NEET, which serves as a gateway for medical admissions across India, has been a topic of considerable debate, particularly concerning the balance between accessibility for students and maintaining rigorous educational standards. The Supreme Court's inquiry underscores the critical intersection of educational policy and public health, emphasizing the need for a careful assessment of the implications of such changes on the future of medical education in India.