Introduction
One of the most important medical entrance exams in the country is the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Every year, several lakh aspirants appear for the NEET exam in hopes of securing a place in good medical/dental colleges. NEET cut-off is one of the most important factors deciding the chances of the candidate to get into a medical college.
In this article, we will discuss the NEET cut off in detail, along with the factors determining it and previous years’ trends, category-wise.
What is NEET Cut Off?
The NEET cut-off is the minimal score required for medical and dental college admissions. The cut-off is established by a variety of variables, including the exam’s difficulty level, the number of candidates that appear, and students’ overall performance.
The cut-off is divided into two categories:
- Qualifying Cut-Off – The minimum marks required to qualify for the NEET exam.
- Admission Cut Off – The minimum marks required to secure admission to medical colleges.
Factors Affecting NEET Cut-Off
The NEET cut-off varies each year based on multiple factors. Some of the crucial factors influencing the cut-off are:
- Number of Candidates Appearing – Higher competition leads to a higher cut-off.
- Difficulty Level of the Exam – If the exam is tough, the cut-off tends to be lower.
- Availability of Seats – The number of medical and dental seats available directly impacts the cut-off.
- Category of Candidates – Reserved categories (SC, ST, OBC, EWS) have different cut offs compared to the general category.
- Previous Year Cut-Off Trends – Past trends also influence the expected cut off.
- Performance of Candidates – If more students score high marks, the cut off rises.
NEET Cut Off for Previous Years
To understand the cut off trends, let’s look at the NEET cut off for the past few years.
NEET 2024 Cut Off
| Category | Qualifying Percentile | Cut Off Marks |
| General | 50th Percentile | 720-137 |
| SC/ST/OBC | 40th Percentile | 136-107 |
| General-PwD | 45th Percentile | 136-121 |
| SC/ST/OBC-PwD | 40th Percentile | 120-107 |
NEET 2023 Cut Off
| Category | Qualifying Percentile | Cut Off Marks |
| General | 50th Percentile | 715-117 |
| SC/ST/OBC | 40th Percentile | 116-93 |
| General-PwD | 45th Percentile | 116-105 |
| SC/ST/OBC-PwD | 40th Percentile | 104-93 |
By analyzing these trends, candidates can estimate the expected cut-off for the upcoming NEET exam.
Expected NEET 2025 Cut Off
The expected NEET 2024 cut off will be influenced by various factors, including the difficulty level of the exam. Based on past trends, we can predict that:
- The general category cut-off may range between 720-140 marks.
- The SC/ST/OBC category cut-off may be around 140-110 marks.
- The cut-off for PwD candidates may be slightly lower.
Candidates must keep a close watch on official announcements to get the exact figures.
NEET Cut Off for Government Colleges
Government medical colleges have higher cut-offs due to high demand and limited seats. The cut-off for government colleges varies based on the state and category of the candidate.
Here are some approximate cut-off marks for top government medical colleges in India:
| College | General Cut Off | OBC Cut Off | SC/ST Cut Off |
| AIIMS Delhi | 710+ | 680+ | 650+ |
| Maulana Azad Medical College | 690+ | 670+ | 640+ |
| JIPMER, Puducherry | 680+ | 660+ | 630+ |
| KGMU, Lucknow | 675+ | 655+ | 620+ |
Aspiring candidates must aim for higher marks to secure a seat in these premier institutions.
NEET Cut Off for Private Colleges
Private medical colleges generally have lower cut-offs than government colleges. However, the tuition fees for private colleges are significantly higher.
On average, the cut off for private medical colleges is:
- General category: 450-650 marks
- OBC category: 400-600 marks
- SC/ST category: 300-500 marks
Private colleges also have management quota seats, where admission is based on a different set of criteria and higher tuition fees.
How to Check NEET Cut Off?
Once the NEET results are declared, the official cut off marks are published by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Candidates can check their cut off by following these steps:
- Visit the official NTA website: https://neet.nta.nic.in
- Click on the NEET result link.
- Enter your application number and password.
- View and download the scorecard.
- Check the cut off marks mentioned in the scorecard.
What After the NEET Cut Off is Released?
Once the NEET cut off is announced, candidates who meet the cut-off criteria will proceed to the next steps:
- Counselling Registration – Eligible candidates must register for the counselling process conducted by MCC (for AIQ seats) or respective state authorities (for state quota seats).
- Choice Filling and Locking – Candidates must select their preferred colleges and lock their choices.
- Seat Allotment – Based on merit, category, and preference, seats are allotted to candidates.
- Reporting to the College – Finally, candidates must report to the allotted college for admission formalities.
How to Improve Your NEET Score?
To secure a high rank and get admission into top medical colleges, follow these preparation tips:
- Understand the Syllabus – Focus on NCERT textbooks for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Regular Practice – Solve previous years’ question papers and mock tests.
- Time Management – Allocate time wisely during exam preparation and the actual exam.
- Conceptual Clarity – Strengthen your fundamentals in all subjects.
- Stay Updated – Follow NEET exam notifications and updates regularly.
Conclusion
NEET cut-off is one of the most important factors that can affect a candidate’s chances of being admitted into medical and dental colleges. Knowing past trends, determinants of the cut-off, and preparation tactics, aspirants can dream of becoming a doctor without unrealistic goals.