NEET 2026 Cutoff Trends: Category-Wise & State-Wise Analysis (What Score Is Really Safe?)

Introduction

Every NEET aspirant asks the same question after the exam:“Is my score safe for MBBS?”

The answer depends on multiple factors—category, state quota, All India Quota (AIQ), number of seats, and yearly competition trends. With NEET participation crossing 24 lakh candidates, understanding NEET 2026 cutoff trends is essential before counselling.

This blog provides:

• Category-wise NEET 2026 cutoff trends

• State-wise safe score ranges

• AIQ vs State Quota comparison

• A realistic definition of a “safe score”

What Does NEET Cutoff Actually Mean? (H2)

NEET cutoff has two meanings:

1. Qualifying Cutoff (NTA)

Minimum percentile required to be eligible for counselling.

2. Admission Cutoff (Counselling Cutoff)

The actual score/rank at which MBBS seats close during AIQ or state counselling.

This blog focuses on admission cutoffs, not just qualifying marks.

NEET 2026 Expected Qualifying Cutoff (Category-Wise)

Category	Percentile	Expected Marks (Approx.)
General	50th	165–175
OBC	40th	130–140
SC	40th	130–140
ST	40th	120–135
PwD (Gen)	45th	145–155

Note: Qualifying ≠ Getting MBBS seat.

NEET 2026 Category-Wise Safe Score for MBBS (Government Colleges)

All India Quota (AIQ – 15%)

Category	Safe Score Range
General	635+
OBC	610+
SC	540+
ST	510+
EWS	615+

State Quota (85%) – General Trend

Category	Safe Score Range
General	590–610
OBC	560–580
SC	480–520
ST	430–480
EWS	570–600

State quota cutoffs are usually lower than AIQ due to limited competition.

State-Wise NEET 2026 Cutoff Trends (Government MBBS)

High-Cutoff States

(More competition, fewer seats)

State	Safe Score (Gen)
Delhi	660+
Rajasthan	630+
UP	620+
Haryana	615+

Mid-Range Cutoff States

State	Safe Score (Gen)
Maharashtra	610+
Tamil Nadu	595+
Karnataka	590+
Gujarat	600+

Lower-Cutoff / Opportunity States

State	Safe Score (Gen)
Assam	550–565
Chhattisgarh	545–560
Odisha	555–570
Bihar	560–575

AIQ vs State Quota Cutoff Difference

Factor	AIQ	State Quota
Competition	Pan-India	State-limited
Cutoff	Higher	Lower
Seat Options	AIIMS, Central colleges	State govt colleges
Strategy	Rank-focused	Score + domicile

Smart strategy: Apply for both AIQ and State Quota.

What Is a “Safe Score” for NEET 2026?

A safe score means:

• You can secure a government MBBS seat

• Without relying on mop-up or stray rounds

• In at least one counselling route (AIQ or State)

Overall Safe Score Benchmarks

• 650+ → Safe everywhere (AIQ + top states)

• 620–640 → Strong AIQ & most states

• 580–610 → State quota dependent

• 520–570 → Reserved category / low-cutoff states

• <500 → Private / AYUSH / Allied options

Factors That Can Shift NEET 2026 Cutoffs

• Number of NEET candidates

• Difficulty level of paper

• New medical colleges

• Seat increase/decrease

• Category seat matrix

• Migration trends between states

Common Mistakes Students Make

• Assuming last year’s cutoff is fixed

• Ignoring state quota advantage

• Not applying for AIQ

• Waiting only for mop-up rounds

• Misjudging “safe score”

Counselling Strategy Based on Cutoff Trends

• Fill maximum choices

• Prefer state quota if score < AIQ cutoff

• Track round-wise closing ranks

• Always keep Plan B ready

Conclusion

NEET 2026 cutoff trends clearly show that a good score alone is not enough—smart counselling decisions matter equally. By understanding category-wise and state-wise cutoffs, students can realistically assess their chances and avoid last-minute panic.

A well-planned strategy can turn an average score into a confirmed MBBS seat.

FAQs

1. What is a safe score for NEET 2026 MBBS?

650+ is universally safe. State quota seats may be possible at lower scores.

2. Are state quota cutoffs lower than AIQ?

Yes, in most states state quota cutoffs are lower.

3. Can I get MBBS with 580 marks in NEET 2026?

Yes, possible in mid-range or low-cutoff states via state quota.

4. Does category affect NEET cutoff significantly?

Yes, reserved categories have lower cutoffs.

5. Do cutoffs change every year?

Yes, depending on competition, paper difficulty, and seats.