Minimum Marks Required in NEET for MBBS 2026
For aspiring medical students in India, securing a seat in an MBBS program is a major milestone. NEET is the mandatory entrance exam for MBBS admissions in both government and private medical colleges. That’s why understanding the minimum marks required in NEET for MBBS is essential to set the right target score.
Every year, NEET cutoffs change based on exam difficulty, number of applicants, and seat availability. A good NEET score does not just make you eligible—it improves your chances of getting into top institutes like AIIMS and reputed government colleges.
This guide provides an updated and realistic view of the expected NEET marks for MBBS admission in 2026, based on actual NEET-UG 2025 data and current counselling trends.
Importance of Knowing NEET Cutoff Marks for MBBS
NEET is the only entrance examination for medical admissions in India. A higher NEET score increases your chances of getting into government medical colleges and top private institutions. Knowing how many marks are required in NEET for MBBS helps students plan better and set realistic goals.
Many students confuse qualifying marks with admission cutoffs. Clearing NEET makes you eligible for counselling, but actual MBBS seats—especially in government colleges—require much higher scores.
NEET Qualifying Marks (Eligibility for Counselling – 2025)
These are the official qualifying ranges for NEET-UG 2025:
| Category | Percentile | Qualifying Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | 50th | 144–686 |
| OBC / SC / ST | 40th | 113–143 |
| General-PwBD | 45th | 127–143 |
| OBC/SC/ST-PwBD | 40th | 113–126 |
These marks only make you eligible for counselling. They do not guarantee an MBBS seat.
For NEET 2026, the qualifying pattern is expected to remain similar because it is percentile-based
Real NEET Cutoff for MBBS in Government Colleges (2025 Trend)
Admission to government MBBS colleges is highly competitive. Based on NEET-UG 2025 counselling data:
| Category | Government MBBS Cutoff (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| General (UR/EWS) | 620–680+ marks |
| OBC | 590–610 marks |
| SC | 520–550 marks |
| ST | 520–550 marks |
Top colleges such as AIIMS Delhi, MAMC Delhi, and other premier institutes usually close at the higher end of these ranges.
This shows the real gap between qualifying NEET and actually getting an MBBS seat.
State-Wise NEET Marks Requirement for MBBS
State cutoffs vary depending on competition and seat availability:
- Delhi: Top government colleges often require 680–705 marks for General category.
- Uttar Pradesh: Government MBBS seats usually close around 600–620+ marks.
- Rajasthan: Due to high competition, a safe target is 600+ marks.
- Tamil Nadu: Cutoffs are relatively lower; General category seats may close around 430–460 marks, depending on the college.
Each state conducts its own counselling, so exact closing marks differ every year.
NEET Marks Required for MBBS in Private Colleges
Private medical colleges offer more flexibility:
- General Category: ~350–550+ marks
- Reserved Categories: ~300–450 marks
In 2025, many private colleges filled seats in the 350–450 range, especially under management quota. Some NRI and management quota seats were allotted at even lower scores, depending on the state and institution.
Private colleges remain a strong option for students who fall short of government cutoffs.
NEET Marks for AIIMS and JIPMER
AIIMS and JIPMER now admit students through NEET only.
- AIIMS Delhi: Aim for 650–700+ marks
- JIPMER Puducherry: Usually requires 600+ marks
These institutes have limited seats and very high competition.
Factors Affecting NEET Cutoff Marks
- Number of candidates
- Difficulty level of the paper
- Total MBBS seats
- Category-wise reservations
- State-wise counselling rules
Even a small change in paper difficulty can shift cutoffs by 10–30 marks.
NEET Marks Required for MBBS Abroad
For MBBS abroad, NEET qualification is mandatory, but the required score is much lower—usually 120–300 marks. Countries like Russia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, and the Philippines accept students with lower NEET scores.
This option is useful for students who do not meet Indian cutoffs.
Tips to Achieve the Required NEET Marks
- Understand the NEET syllabus thoroughly
- Focus on NCERT, especially Biology
- Practice mock tests and previous year papers
- Manage time based on subject difficulty
- Revise weak topics regularly
Consistency matters more than long study hours.
NEET Cutoff Trends (Past Years)
- NEET 2025 (General): 144–686 (qualifying range)
- NEET 2022: 117–715
- NEET 2021: 138–720
While qualifying marks fluctuate, actual MBBS admission cutoffs in government colleges remain around 600+ for General category.
Top Private Medical Colleges Accepting NEET
- CMC Vellore
- St. John’s Medical College, Bengaluru
- MGM Medical College, Aurangabad
- DY Patil Medical College, Pune
These colleges offer quality education with relatively accessible cutoffs compared to government institutions.
Conclusion
Understanding how many marks are required in NEET for MBBS is essential for every medical aspirant. Clearing NEET with 120–150 marks only makes you eligible—it does not ensure admission.
For government MBBS seats, students should target:
- General: 620–680+
- OBC: 590+
- SC/ST: 520+
Private colleges and MBBS abroad provide alternatives for students scoring lower.
By tracking cutoff trends, focusing on NCERT, and following a disciplined study plan, students can significantly improve their chances of securing an MBBS seat in 2026.
Read Also:
NEET 2026 Rank vs Marks: How Many Marks do you Need for a Govt Seat?
BDS Admission Through NEET 2025: Required Marks, Eligibility, Top Colleges List
NEET 2026 Syllabus PDF: Subject-Wise Topics & Chapter Weightage for Physics, Chemistry & Biology
Tips to Avoid Negative Marking in NEET 2025
FAQs
For General category, aim for 620–650+ marks. Reserved categories usually require lower scores.
Government seats are unlikely, but some private and abroad options may be available.
Yes, OBC, SC, and ST categories have lower cutoffs.
50th percentile for General, 40th for OBC/SC/ST.
Yes, NEET scores are valid for All India Quota and state counselling.
No, there is no limit on the number of attempts.