Any medical graduate in India will know the importance of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET PG). It acts as a benchmark for eligibility for different postgraduate medical degrees across multiple government and private medical colleges. Every candidate needs to know branch-wise cut-off scores to plan their choices more wisely and enhance their preparations.
This article gives a detailed analysis of the NEET PG 2024 branch cut-off scores such as expected scores, their causes, category-wise cut-offs, and tips for the aspirants.
Understanding NEET PG Cut-Offs
What is a Cut-Off Score?
A cut-off score is the minimum mark required for candidates to qualify for a specific branch in NEET PG. Cut-off scores can be categorized into:
- Qualifying Cut-Off: The minimum percentile a candidate must secure to be eligible for NEET PG counselling.
- Admission Cut-Off: The actual score required to secure a seat in a particular specialty, which is generally higher than the qualifying cut-off due to competition.
Types of Cut-Offs
- AIQ (All India Quota) Cut-Off: Applicable for admissions under the 50% All India Quota.
- State Quota Cut-Off: Each state sets its cut-off for state medical colleges.
- Institutional Cut-Off: Some institutions have their specific cut-offs based on historical data and demand.
Factors Influencing NEET PG 2024 Cut-Offs
The NEET PG cut-off scores are influenced by several dynamic factors:
- Number of Applicants
A higher number of candidates appearing for NEET PG increases competition, leading to higher cut-offs.
- Difficulty Level of the Exam
A difficult exam may result in lower cut-offs, while an easier paper can push cut-off scores higher.
- Seat Availability
The total number of available seats in a particular specialty or college influences the cut-off. Fewer seats lead to higher cut-offs.
- Reservation Policies
Category-wise reservations for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD candidates impact cut-off variations. Lower cut-offs are generally observed for reserved categories.
- Previous Year Trends
Analyzing past years’ cut-offs helps predict the expected range for NEET PG 2024.
Expected Branch-Wise Cut-Offs for NEET PG 2024
While exact cut-offs may vary each year, the following table provides an estimate based on historical data and current trends:
| Specialty | General Category | OBC Category | SC Category | ST Category |
| Radiology | 545 | 535 | 500 | 443 |
| Dermatology | 550 | 515 | 450 | 395 |
| General Medicine | 535 | 500 | 435 | 350 |
| Paediatrics | 510 | 485 | 405 | 360 |
| Obstetrics & Gynecology | 500 | 475 | 405 | 305 |
| Pulmonary Medicine | 495 | 500 | 400 | 300 |
| General Surgery | 480 | 465 | 385 | 310 |
| Orthopedics | 490 | 480 | 395 | 300 |
| Ophthalmology | 450 | 435 | 370 | 295 |
| ENT | 440 | 430 | 370 | 280 |
| Psychiatry | 455 | 430 | 370 | 265 |
| Anesthesiology | 430 | 415 | 360 | 275 |
These figures are projections and may fluctuate based on the final seat matrix, competition level, and category-based adjustments.
Category-Wise Qualifying Percentiles for NEET PG 2024
The National Board of Examinations (NBE) sets different qualifying percentiles for different categories:
- General/EWS Category: 50th percentile
- SC/ST/OBC Category: 40th percentile
- UR-PwD Category: 45th percentile
These percentiles represent the minimum score required to be eligible for NEET PG counselling. However, admission cut-offs for top branches are much higher.
Trends in NEET PG Cut-Offs
- Increasing Competition
Over the years, NEET PG has witnessed a steady increase in applicants, leading to rising cut-offs for competitive branches such as Radiology, Dermatology, and General Medicine.
- Changing Seat Matrix
Government initiatives to increase PG medical seats have slightly eased competition in some branches, but premium specialties continue to have high cut-offs.
- Revised Cut-Offs
In certain years, the qualifying percentiles have been revised downward to ensure that more candidates qualify and seats are filled.
For instance, in NEET PG 2023, the cut-off percentiles were reduced as follows:
- General Category: 50th percentile → 15th percentile
- SC/ST/OBC Category: 40th percentile → 10th percentile
- UR-PwD Category: 45th percentile → 13th percentile
This adjustment was made to accommodate unfilled seats in various medical colleges.
Strategies to Secure Admission in Preferred Branches
- Set Realistic Goals
Understanding expected cut-offs helps aspirants set realistic target scores and plan their study schedules accordingly.
- Focus on High-Yield Topics
Prioritize subjects and topics that carry more weight in the NEET PG syllabus to maximize scoring potential.
- Take Regular Mock Tests
Frequent self-assessment through mock tests enables candidates to identify weak areas and improve performance.
- Stay Updated with Official Announcements
NBE periodically updates policies related to cut-offs, seat allocation, and reservation criteria. Staying informed can help candidates make better decisions.
- Consider Alternative Specialties
If a candidate’s score is marginally lower than the expected cut-off for a desired specialty, they should explore related fields with slightly lower cut-offs.
Conclusion
Knowing the NEET PG branch-wise cut-offs gives a candidate a unique opportunity to plan and choose their preferred specialty. While the qualifying cut-offs create the eligibility bar, the actual admission cut-offs are determined by competition, availability of seats, and reservation categories.
With an appropriate focus on high-yield topics and trends, candidates can increase their probability of getting a seat allocated to a specialty of their choosing. Seeking success in NEET PG is achievable through continuous effort, flexibility, and the right choices, knowing that everything impacts the result.