NEET Cut Off 2026: Category-Wise Expected Marks & Percentile

The NEET Cut Off 2026 represents the minimum qualifying marks required for medical admissions. While the exact scores vary yearly, candidates generally need a 50th percentile (General) or 40th percentile (Reserved) to qualify for MBBS and BDS seats across India.

The first step for anyone who wants to go into medical school in 2026 is to understand the cut off. This benchmark shows how competitive you are and whether or not you can get counselling. If you want to get into a government job or a private college, knowing these scores will help you set reasonable goals.

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What is the NEET Cut Off?

It is the first step toward getting into medical school for MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH. There are two basic types: the admission cut off and the qualifying cut off. The qualifying score is what you need to simply pass the exam, while the admission score is what you need to actually secure a seat in a specific college.

Several factors influence these numbers every year. These include:

• The total number of people who took the test.

• The difficulty level of the physics, chemistry, and biology papers.

• The total seat matrix available for that academic year.

• Overall performance trends of the top-ranking students.

Expected Cut Off 2026 Percentile

The National Testing Agency (NTA) uses a percentile-based system to ensure fairness. Unlike raw marks, the percentile indicates how you performed relative to other test-takers. A score in the 50th percentile, for example, indicates that you outperformed 50% of the test takers.

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Analysing Cut Off 2025 Trends

To predict the future, we must look at the cut off marks in 2025. Last year saw a significant rise in the number of applicants, which naturally pushed the cut off marks for 2025 higher than previous years. Many students found that even with high scores, the competition for top-tier colleges remained intense.

Studying the cut off marks for 2025 helps 2026 aspirants understand that "safe scores" are shifting. A score that might have guaranteed a seat five years ago is now considered the baseline for qualification.

NEET Cut Off for MBBS Government College Seats

Securing a seat in a state-run institution is the primary goal for most. The NEET cut off 2025 for MBBS government college was particularly competitive. For the General category, students often needed to score above 610+ to feel secure in the All India Quota (AIQ).

The cut off for these colleges is normally above 700 marks if you want to go to a top school like AIIMS or MAMC. The qualifications for state quota seats differ by location, but they are all increasing.

NEET Cut Off for NRI Quota

Many students apply through special categories. The cut off for NRI quota is generally different from the general merit list. While NRI candidates still must meet the minimum qualifying percentile set by the NTA, their admission marks might be lower than the open-category state quota seats in private medical colleges.

However, keep in mind:

• NRI applicants must provide valid documentation during counselling.

• The cost of tuition for these seats is much greater.

• Even if you meet the requirements for this quota, you still need to have a good score to get into a good private college.

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Eligibility Criteria vs Cut Off

While the cut off determines your rank, your eligibility depends on your academic background. To sit for the exam and meet the cut off requirements, you must:

• Have completed 10+2 with physics, chemistry, biology/biotechnology, and English.

• Achieve a minimum of 50% marks in PCB (for General) or 40% (for SC/ST/OBC).

• Be at least 17 years old by December 31st of the year of admission.

How to Check Your NEET Cut Off Marks

Once the results are announced, the NTA releases the official qualifying scores. You can find your specific cut off status on your scorecard. Look for the "Cut-off score for counselling under AIQ" section. This will tell you if you are eligible to participate in the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) rounds.

How to Prepare for High NEET Cut Off Score

Given that the neet cut off marks 2025 were quite high, 2026 students should focus on accuracy. Negative marking is the biggest hurdle. Even if you know the subject, one wrong bubble can drop your rank by thousands.

1. Solve Previous Papers: Focus on last year's trends to see which chapters carried the most weight.

2. Mock Tests: Take at least two full-length tests a week as the exam approaches.

3. NCERT Mastery: Almost all questions that determine the cut off are derived from NCERT textbooks.

The road to a medical degree is demanding, but understanding the cut off trends gives you a roadmap. By keeping an eye on last year's cut off for MBBS government colleges and preparing for a slightly higher benchmark in 2026, you position yourself for success. Stay consistent, track your progress, and aim for the top percentile.

Read More: NEET Exam Marks vs Rank

NEET Cut Off FAQs

What is the expected cut off for 2026?

While it depends on the paper difficulty, the expected qualifying cut off for the general category is likely to be between 720 and 164 marks, consistent with recent trends.

How much did the NEET cut-off for 2025 rise compared to earlier years?

2025 saw a notable increase due to a record number of applicants and a relatively high-scoring paper, making it one of the most competitive years for medical aspirants.

What was the NEET cut-off for 2025 for MBBS government college?

Generally, for a seat in a government college under the All India Quota, students needed to score well above 610 marks, though the cut off marks for 2025 varied by state.

Is the cut off for the NRI quota lower than the general quota?

Yes, the cut off for the NRI quota in private institutions is often lower in terms of marks, but candidates must still pass the minimum qualifying percentile set by the NTA.

Where can I find the official NEET cut-off scores?

The official scores are released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) alongside the results on their official website and are clearly mentioned on the candidate's scorecard.