NEET PG 2026 Cut-Off Drops: Category-Wise Marks & Reduction

 

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) declared the results on 24 September 2026. NEET PG 2026 cut-off marks for General EWS candidates need at least 262 marks to qualify. The qualifying scores for General Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (Pw BD) and SC/ST/OBC candidates are 244 and 226 marks, respectively.

 

The NEET PG 2026 cut-off marks for General EWS qualifying score is 14 marks lower than the 2025 cut-off. Candidates must remember that qualifying for NEET PG does not guarantee admission to an MD, MS or DNB programmes. Seat allotment depends on several factors, including the candidate’s rank, category, preferred specialisations, college choices, applicable quota and seat availability. Read the full article for details on the revised data on NEET PG 2026 cut-off drops and counselling process.

 

Overview of NEET PG 2026 Counselling

 

NEET PG 2026 counselling officially began on 12 October 2026, with Round 1 registration remaining open until 21 October. Conducted online by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), the process covers admissions under the 50% All India Quota, Central and Deemed Universities, and DNB programme. The counselling process is expected to take place across four rounds. Eligible candidates must register through the official MCC portal, pay the required fees, and submit their preferred courses and institutions before the choice-locking deadline on 22 October 2026. The Round 1 seat allotment result will be published on 24 October 2026.

NEET PG 2026 Cut-Off: Category-Wise Qualifying Marks

 

NBEMS determines the minimum qualifying criteria for NEET PG 2026 cut-off. The maximum score for the 2026 examination is 720 marks, compared with 800 marks in previous years. The category-wise qualifying NEET PG 2026 cut-off drops are provided below.

 

 

Candidates should visit the official NBEMS NEET PG examination page to access their results, NEET PG 2026 cut-off, scorecards and related notices.

 

 

Also Read: Odisha NEET PG Counselling 2026: Schedule, Dates & Registration Steps

 

How Much Has the NEET PG 2026 Cut-Off Fallen?

 

The qualifying marks have decreased across all three reported category groups compared with 2025. The table below shows the category-wise changes in NEET PG 2026 cut-off compared with 2025 .

 

Revised NEET PG 2026 Cut-Off:

 

 

 

Candidates can understand from the table above that the NEET PG 2026 cut-off drops at 262 for the General/EWS qualifying score is the lowest specified score in the five-year comparison. The examination’s maximum NEET PG 2026 cut-off marks also changed from 800 to 720 in 2026.

 

Also Read: NEET PG 2026 MD/MS Seat Intake: State-Wise Analysis

 

Why Has the NEET PG 2026 Cut-Off Decreased?

 

Several factors can influence the qualifying NEET PG 2026 cut-off. A NEET PG 2026 category-wise cut-off reduction in the qualifying marks does not necessarily mean that admission to postgraduate medical programme has become easier.

 

1. Difficulty Level of the Examination

The difficulty level of the question paper can affect candidates’ overall performance. If candidates generally find the examination more difficult, average scores may decrease. Depending on the examination rules, this can influence the marks corresponding to the qualifying percentile.

 

2. Number of Candidates and Competition

The number of candidates appearing for NEET PG affects the overall competition for postgraduate medical seats. Simply qualifying for the examination does not indicate how competitive a candidate’s rank will be for a particular course, college or specialisation.

 

3. Availability of Postgraduate Seats

The number and distribution of available postgraduate medical seats also affect admission opportunities. Certain colleges and specialisations may receive significantly more applications than others. Vacancies and seat availability can also influence admission chances during later counselling rounds.

 

4. Changes in Qualifying Criteria

The qualifying percentile and the marks corresponding to that percentile are different measures. The authorities may also revise qualifying criteria through separate official decisions. Candidates should carefully check the examination year, category and admission session mentioned in every official notice before taking any action.

 

What Does the Lower NEET PG 2026 Cut-Off Mean for Students?

 

The NEET PG 2026 category-wise cut-off reduction may allow more candidates to meet the minimum eligibility requirement for counselling. However, its practical benefit depends on each candidate’s rank, category, preferences, and available seats. Candidates should take the following steps:

 

• Check your result and rank: Download your scorecard from the official NBEMS website and carefully verify all details.
• Confirm your eligibility: Review the qualifying criteria for your category and the eligibility requirements specified by the relevant counselling authority.
• Review the seat matrix: Check the availability of MD, MS, DNB and other eligible postgraduate medical seats under the applicable counselling process.
• Prepare your college preferences: Shortlist colleges and courses based on your rank, preferred specialisation, fees, location, applicable quota and eligibility.
• Follow counselling notices: Monitor the MCC website for central counselling updates and the relevant state counselling authority’s website for state-quota admissions.
• Keep your documents ready: Prepare the required identity documents, educational certificates, internship completion certificate, registration documents and category or disability certificates, wherever applicable.
  
  

Candidates should also remember that state-quota merit lists and admission rules are prepared separately by the respective states and Union Territories according to applicable regulations and policies.

 

 

Also Read: Tamil Nadu NEET PG 2026 Registration: Dates, Cut-Off & Fees

 

NEET PG 2026 Answer Key and Scorecard: What Should Candidates Know?

 

NBEMS announced that the NEET PG 2026 answer key and individual scorecards would be available on or after 1 October 2026. According to the official notice, candidates can access question identification numbers, correct answer key IDs, their recorded response IDs, and the marks awarded for individual questions through their applicant login.

 

Candidates should regularly visit the official NBEMS NEET PG page to check the latest notices and access the available documents. They should also read all instructions carefully, particularly if they have questions about their scores or recorded responses.

 

Candidates seeking further updates about NEET PG 2026 cut-off or need personalised guidance for NEET counselling or JEE admission can visit Hello Mentor for a one-to-one session with our experts.

 

Frequently Asked Questions on the NEET PG 2026 Cut-Off and Counselling

 

1. What is the NEET PG 2026 cut-off for General/EWS candidates?

The NEET PG 2026 qualifying cut-off for General/EWS candidates is 262 marks out of 720, corresponding to the 50th percentile.

 

2. Why has the NEET PG 2026 cut-off decreased?

The qualifying score can change because of factors such as candidates’ overall performance, the difficulty level of the examination and changes affecting the qualifying criteria. Candidates should also note that the maximum marks decreased from 800 in previous years to 720 in 2026.

 

3. Where can I check NEET PG 2026 counselling updates?

Candidates should check the official Medical Counselling Committee website for updates on central counselling. For state-quota admissions, they should visit the official website of the relevant state counselling authority.

 

4. Can I get an MD or MS seat if I qualify for NEET PG 2026?

Qualifying for NEET PG makes a candidate eligible to participate in counselling, subject to the applicable rules. It does not guarantee admission. Seat allotment depends on the candidate’s rank, category, course and college preferences, applicable quota, eligibility requirements and seat availability.

 

 

 

Also Read: MCC NEET PG Counselling 2026: Schedule, Dates & Documents