NEET Cut Off 2026: Category Wise Trends for UR, OBC, SC, ST & EWS

NEET Cut Off 2026 is the most crucial factor for students aiming to secure admission in MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other medical courses across India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency, NEET UG serves as the single entrance exam for undergraduate medical admissions.

With more than 25 lakh aspirants expected to appear this year, the NEET Cut Off 2026 is likely to remain highly competitive. Understanding expected marks, category-wise trends, and admission benchmarks is essential for planning your counselling strategy effectively.

NEET Cut Off 2026 Expected Marks

The NEET Cut Off 2026 will be released in two forms:

• Qualifying Cut Off – Minimum marks required to pass NEET

• Admission Cut Off – Marks required to secure a seat in a college

Expected NEET UG 2026 Qualifying Cut Off

NEET UG Cut Off 2026: Qualifying vs Admission Cut Off

Many students assume clearing NEET guarantees a medical seat, but that is not the case.

• Qualifying Cut Off: Makes you eligible for counselling

• Admission Cut Off: Determines whether you actually get a college

For example, while the qualifying marks for the General category may be around 138, top MBBS colleges often close admissions above 650+ marks.

NEET Cut Off 2026 Category Wise Trends

General / EWS Category

This category sees the highest competition. A safe score for MBBS in government colleges is expected to be 600+, while AIQ seats may require even higher marks.

OBC / SC / ST Category

Although the qualifying percentile is lower, admission cut-offs are still competitive:

• OBC candidates: 580+ marks (approx.)

• SC candidates: 500+ marks (approx.)

NEET UG Cut Off 2026 for MBBS: Government vs Private Colleges

Government Medical Colleges

Government colleges are highly preferred due to low fees and better infrastructure.

• Expected safe score (General category, AIQ): 610–635+ marks

Private Medical Colleges

Private colleges have comparatively lower cut-offs but higher fees.

• Admission possible from qualifying marks to 500+, depending on quota

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

The 15% AIQ counselling is conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee. Through this quota, students compete for top institutions like All India Institute of Medical Sciences.

• Top colleges may require 650–705+ marks

• AIQ remains the most competitive admission route

Previous Year Trends and 2026 Prediction

Recent years have shown a steady rise in NEET cut-offs due to rank inflation. More students are now scoring above 600, increasing competition for top colleges.

• If NEET 2026 paper is moderate, cut-off may increase slightly

• If the paper is difficult, cut-off may remain stable or drop slightly

Factors Affecting NEET UG Cut Off 2026

The final cut-off depends on multiple factors:

• Number of candidates appearing

• Difficulty level of the exam

• Availability of MBBS seats

• Highest score achieved

• Reservation policies

Seat expansion by the National Medical Commission may also help in balancing rising competition.

NEET UG Cut Off 2026: What Should Be Your Target Score?

• 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

NEET UG Cut Off 2026 FAQs

Q1. What is the expected NEET Cut Off 2026 for General category?
The qualifying range is expected to be 720–138 marks, but admission cut-off will be much higher.

Q2. How many marks are required for MBBS in NEET 2026?
Students should aim for at least 610+ marks for government colleges under AIQ.

Q3. Is 550 a good score in NEET Cut Off 2026?
Yes, it is a good score for private and some state quota colleges but may not secure top government colleges.

Q4. Who releases NEET Cut Off 2026?
The cut-off is released by the National Testing Agency along with the result.

Q5. Can I get MBBS with 400 marks in NEET 2026?
It is difficult to get a government seat with 400 marks, but private colleges may still be an option.