NEET 2026 MBBS Cut-Off: Expected vs Previous Year Trends

The NEET 2026 cut-off is the minimum qualifying percentile that a candidate must attain to be considered for MBBS counselling. It differs from the college-specific admission cut-off in that the former decides eligibility while the latter determines seat placement.

Cut-offs are given by category and are based on the number of candidates, the difficulty level of the paper, and the total number of seats available. Understanding both the qualifying and admission cut-offs is vital for setting the target.

Admission Open for NEET 2027

Past Five-Year Trend in NEET Cut-Off

As per the data, the last 5-year trend of the NEET cut-off is as follows:

Year	General	General PWD	OBC/Sc/ST
2025	720–150	149–133	149–118
2024	720–164	163–145	163–129
2023	720–137	136–121	136–107
2022	715–117	116–105	116–93
2021	720–138	137–122	137–108

NEET 2026 Expected Cut-off 

The category-wise NEET 2026 expected cut-off, based on the past trend, is as follows:

Category	Minimum Cut-off (Expected)
General	148+
EWS	140+
General PWD	138+
OBC	118+
SC	107+
ST	99+

Top government medical colleges: expected 2026 cut-off scores

The list of the top government medical colleges in India is as follows:

College Name	Expected Score
AIIM New Delhi	695–720
Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi	680–694
VMMC Safdarjung, Delhi	665–679
JIPMER Puducherry	660–675
BHU IMS Varanasi	650–665
Grant Medical College, Mumbai	638–652
SMS Medical College, Jaipur	628–643
KGMU Lucknow	630–648

Key factors influencing NEET 2026 cut-offs

1. Paper’s difficulty level

The single greatest factor. A simpler paper in 2022 reduced cut-offs significantly, whereas a more difficult paper in 2023 increased them. The NTA’s new exam pattern for 2026 may impact the difficulty.

2. Total number of candidates registered

More candidates equals increased competition for the same seats. With 23L+ projected by 2026, cut-off scores may rise, even if the paper is moderately tough.

3. Seat matrix modifications

New AIIMS, ESIC, and state medical institutions add seats on an annual basis. More seats can help mid-range scorers meet admission requirements slightly more easily.

NEET 2026 Cut-Off for MBBS: Government vs. Private Colleges

Government Medical Colleges

Government colleges are generally preferred due to their affordable tuition and superior infrastructure.

Expected Safe Score (General Category, AIQ): 610-635+ marks

Private Medical Colleges

Private colleges have lower cutoffs but higher costs.

Admission is available with qualifying marks of 500+, depending on the quota.

NEET AIQ Cut-Off 2026 (15% All-India Quota)

The Medical Counselling Committee conducts 15% AIQ counselling. This quota allows students to compete for premier universities such as the All India Institute of Medical Sciences.

Top institutions may require 650-705+ marks.

AIQ remains the most competitive admissions path.

What should be your target score for NEET 2026?

• 650+ marks: Top AIQ colleges (AIIMS, top GMCs)
• 610–630 marks: Good government medical colleges
• 500–600 marks: State quota / semi-government colleges
• Below 500: Private colleges or alternative options