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NEET-UG 2026 Cut-Off — Expected Score
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate), commonly known as NEET-UG, is a crucial examination for students aspiring to secure admission in MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, BVSc & AH, and BSc Nursing courses across Indian medical colleges. The expected cut-off for NEET-UG 2026 is anticipated to follow trends observed from 2020 to 2025, reflecting the increasing competitiveness of the exam. While the precise cut-off scores will be announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA) after the exam, students can prepare by understanding the expected cut-off ranges.
Year-Wise Cut-Off Trends 2020-2025
Over the years, the cut-off scores for NEET-UG have shown a gradual increase, influenced by factors such as the number of candidates, the difficulty level of the exam, and overall performance. Here’s a brief overview of the cut-off trends from 2020 to 2025:
- 2020: 720-147
- 2021: 720-138
- 2022: 715-138
- 2023: 720-134
- 2024: 720-130 (expected)
- 2025: 720-135 (projected)
These trends indicate a slight fluctuation in the cut-off scores, suggesting that candidates should aim for higher scores to secure their desired seats.
Category-Wise Expected Cut-Offs
The cut-off scores for NEET-UG vary based on candidate categories. Based on previous years' data, the expected category-wise cut-offs for 2026 are:
- General: Approximately 720-135
- OBC-NCL: Approximately 120-130
- SC/ST: Approximately 100-110
- PwD: Approximately 110-120
These figures are subject to change and should be verified on the official NTA portal as the exam date approaches.
How Cut-Offs Are Determined
The cut-off scores for NEET-UG are determined based on several factors, including:
- The total number of candidates appearing for the exam.
- The difficulty level of the exam questions.
- The distribution of scores among candidates.
- Reservation policies and category-wise seat allocation.
The NTA uses a standardised process to ensure fairness and transparency in setting the cut-off scores, taking into account the above factors to accommodate varying levels of performance.
Tie-Breaking Criteria
In instances where candidates achieve the same score, the NTA employs specific tie-breaking criteria to determine ranks. The criteria typically include:
- 1Candidate with a higher score in Biology (the subject with the maximum weightage).
- 2Candidate with a higher score in Chemistry.
- 3Candidate with fewer incorrect answers.
- 4Age of the candidate: Older candidates may be given preference.
These criteria ensure that a clear ranking is established among candidates with identical scores, promoting fairness in the selection process.
Difficulty Adjustment Notes
It is important to note that the difficulty level of the NEET-UG exam can vary each year, influencing the overall cut-off scores. The NTA may adjust the cut-off to account for the difficulty of the exam, ensuring that the scores reflect the true performance of candidates. Students are encouraged to review previous year papers and take mock tests on PractiseExam.com to gauge their preparation level against varying difficulty levels.
In conclusion, while the exact cut-off scores for NEET-UG 2026 will be confirmed post-examination, understanding the trends and factors influencing these scores can help candidates prepare effectively. For additional resources, consider visiting our pages on syllabus, preparation strategy, and best books to enhance your study plan. Mock tests available on PractiseExam.com can also provide valuable practice to improve your performance ahead of the exam.