Exam Overview
NEET
Get a complete overview of NEET UG 2026, the national-level medical entrance exam for MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH courses in India. Find key highlights, exam dates, and official NTA updates.
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Cutoff
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In NEET, the term “Cutoff” often creates confusion because there are actually two different cutoffs you must understand: Qualifying Cutoff (to pass the exam) and Admission Cutoff (to secure a seat).
As of February 2026, considering the surge in registrations and previous-year trends, experts predict a slightly more competitive year.
1. Expected Qualifying Cutoff (2026)
The qualifying cutoff is the minimum score required to become eligible for counseling. While the percentile remains fixed, the actual marks vary every year depending on overall performance.
| Category | Percentile | Expected Score Range (Out of 720) |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | 50th | 140 – 165 |
| OBC / SC / ST | 40th | 110 – 135 |
| General – PwD | 45th | 125 – 145 |
| OBC / SC / ST – PwD | 40th | 110 – 130 |
Note: Qualifying only means you have passed NEET. It does not guarantee admission to any medical college.
2. Admission Cutoff: Target Scores for 2026
This is the real cutoff—the score at which the last seat in a medical college is filled. For 2026, aspirants should aim for the following safe scores to secure a Government MBBS seat.
A. All India Quota (15% Seats)
- General / EWS: 655 – 670+
- OBC: 650 – 665
- SC: 550 – 570
- ST: 530 – 550
B. State Quota (85% Seats)
State quota cutoffs vary widely. States like Delhi and Rajasthan have very high cutoffs, while Himachal Pradesh, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh are comparatively lower.
- General: 610 – 635+
- OBC: 590 – 620
- SC: 490 – 520
- ST: 460 – 490
3. Historical Cutoff Trends (General Category)
The table below shows the steady inflation in admission scores over recent years:
| Year | Qualifying Score (UR) | Admission Score (AIQ Last Seat) |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 144 | ~650 |
| 2024 | 164 | 652 |
| 2023 | 137 | 610 |
| 2022 | 117 | 596 |
4. Key Factors Deciding the 2026 Cutoff
- Number of Aspirants: Expected to cross 2.5 million, the highest ever.
- Paper Difficulty: A tougher Physics or Biology section can slightly lower cutoffs.
- Seat Matrix: New medical colleges act as a buffer against extreme cutoff spikes.
- Topper Effect: A high number of 700+ scores causes rank inflation.
5. Technical Aspects of NEET Cutoff
Rank Inflation
- Caused by easier Biology papers and better coaching access
- High scores now fetch comparatively lower ranks
- For 2026, rank is more reliable than marks
Tie-Breaking Hierarchy
- Biology marks
- Chemistry marks
- Physics marks
- Overall negative marking ratio
- Biology accuracy
- Chemistry accuracy
- Physics accuracy
Note: Age and application number are no longer used for tie-breaking.
AIQ vs State Quota
- AIQ: Extremely competitive; even lower-ranked colleges may need 655+
- State Quota: Some states allow admission at 600–610
Normalization & Exam Difficulty
NEET is conducted in a single shift, so no normalization applies. Your raw score is absolute.
Seat Matrix Impact
- 50–70 new colleges expected by 2026–27
- Each new college adds 100–150 seats
- Seat withdrawal due to failed inspections can spike cutoffs suddenly
Pro Tip for NEET 2026 Aspirants
Always analyze opening and closing ranks from Round 2 or Mop-Up rounds instead of relying only on marks. Marks can mislead — ranks reveal reality.
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