The National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) is a highly difficult medical entrance exam in India. Every year, lakhs of students take this exam with the hope of getting into a reputed medical college. However, becoming a doctor involves more than just passing the exam; you must also meet the NEET cut-off marks. The word “cut off in NEET” refers to the minimal qualifying marks required for admission to undergraduate medical programs such as MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH. In this post, we will look at the complexities of the NEET cut-off, including determining variables, changes throughout time, and techniques to assist you in getting a seat.
What is the NEET Cut-Off?
The NEET cut-off is the minimum score or percentile a candidate must attain to advance to the next stage of the admissions process. It is established by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the agency in charge of administering the exam. Each year, the cut-off fluctuates depending on criteria such as the exam’s difficulty level, the number of candidates, and seat availability.
The cut-off is announced alongside the NEET results and is divided into percentiles for several categories, such as General, OBC, SC, ST, and PWD. Only those who meet or exceed the cut-off are eligible for seat allocation counselling.
Factors Influencing the NEET Cut-Off
Several factors contribute to determining the NEET cut-off. Understanding these factors can help aspirants gauge their chances of qualifying and plan their preparation accordingly.
- Difficulty Level of the Exam
The cut-off of the NEET question paper is determined by its difficulty level. If the exam is relatively easier, the cut-off tends to be higher, and vice versa.
- Number of Candidates
With over 20 lakh students appearing for NEET annually, the competition is fierce. A higher number of candidates often leads to a higher cut-off, as the percentile system ensures that only the top performers qualify.
- Availability of Seats
The total number of seats available in medical colleges across India also impacts the cut-off. Limited seats mean higher competition, which can push the cut-off marks upward.
- Previous Year Trends
The NTA often considers the previous year’s cut-off trends while setting the current year’s cut-off. This promotes uniformity and impartiality throughout the review process.
- Reservation Policies
The cut-off varies for different categories due to the reservation policies mandated by the government. For instance, the cut-off for General category candidates is typically higher than that for SC, ST, or OBC candidates.
NEET Cut-Off Trends Over the Years
Analyzing the NEET cut-off trends over the years can provide valuable insights into the expected cut-off for the upcoming exams. Here’s a look at the cut-off marks for the General category from 2019 to 2023:
| Year | NEET Cut-Off Percentile | NEET Cut-Off Marks (General Category) |
| 2019 | 50th Percentile | 134-701 |
| 2020 | 50th Percentile | 147-720 |
| 2021 | 50th Percentile | 138-720 |
| 2022 | 50th Percentile | 117-715 |
| 2023 | 50th Percentile | 137-720 |
The table shows that the cut-off marks have fluctuated slightly over the years, but the percentile requirement has remained consistent at the 50th percentile for the General category. For reserved categories, the percentile requirement is lower (40th percentile for SC/ST/OBC and 45th percentile for PwD)
Category-Wise NEET Cut-Off 2024
Here’s a breakdown of the NEET 2024 cut-off marks for different categories:
| Category | NEET Cut-Off Percentile | NEET Cut-Off Marks |
| General | 50th Percentile | 137-720 |
| OBC | 40th Percentile | 107-136 |
| SC | 40th Percentile | 107-136 |
| ST | 40th Percentile | 107-136 |
| PwD (General) | 45th Percentile | 121-136 |
| PwD (OBC/SC/ST) | 40th Percentile | 107-120 |
How is the NEET Cut-Off Calculated?
The NEET cut-off is calculated based on the percentile score of the candidates. Here’s how it works:
- Raw Score Calculation: The raw score is the total number of right answers marked by the contestant. Each correct response earns four points, while each bad answer subtracts one point.
- Percentile Calculation: The percentile score is generated using the relative performance of all applicants. It shows the percentage of applicants who scored equal to or below a specific score.
- Cut-Off Determination: The NTA sets the cut-off percentile for each category, and the corresponding marks are derived from the percentile scores
Strategies to Meet the NEET Cut-Off
Securing a score above the NEET cut-off requires a well-planned strategy and consistent effort. Here are some tips to help you achieve your goal:
- Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Make yourself familiar with the NEET syllabus and exam pattern. Concentrate on high-weightage themes and practice questions from past years’ papers.
- Practice Regularly
Regular practice is essential for developing speed and accuracy. Solve practice tests and sample papers to acquire a feel for the real exam.
- Focus on NCERT Books
NCERT textbooks are the foundation for NEET preparation. Ensure you thoroughly study these books, especially for Biology, as most questions are based on them.
- Revise Consistently
Revision is crucial to retaining information. Allocate time for daily and weekly revisions to reinforce your learning.
What If You Don’t Meet the NEET Cut-Off?
Not meeting the NEET cut-off can be disheartening, but it’s not the end of the road. Here are some options you can consider:
- Reappear for NEET: Analyse your performance, identify areas of improvement, and prepare better for the next attempt.
- Explore Other Career Options: Consider alternative career paths in the medical field, such as nursing, pharmacy, or paramedical courses.
- Pursue Foreign Medical Education: Some countries offer medical courses without stringent entrance exams. Research and explore opportunities abroad.
- Enrol in AYUSH Courses: If you meet the cut-off for AYUSH courses, you can pursue a career in Ayurveda, Yoga, or Homeopathy.
Conclusion
The NEET cut-off is an important criterion for admission to medical programs in India. Understanding the elements that determine the cut-off and implementing appropriate preparation tactics will greatly increase your chances of success. Remember that while the competition is stiff, constant effort and a positive attitude might help you achieve your goal of becoming a doctor. Maintain concentration, work hard, and give it your best shot!