How Many Marks Are Required in NEET for MBBS? Category-Wise Cut Off Explained
If you are an aspiring doctor, the question is ” how many marks are required in NEET for MBBS?” is likely the first thing you think about when you wake up and the last thing on your mind before sleep.
To qualify for counselling, you usually need around 130–160 marks (50th percentile). But for a safe chance at a government MBBS seat (General category), you should aim for 610+ marks, depending on competition and exam difficulty.
Instead of preparing just to qualify, focus on scoring higher. A structured NEET online coaching can help you improve concepts, mock scores, and overall rank.
Minimum Marks Required in NEET for MBBS
Understanding the distinction between “qualifying” and “securing a seat” is vital for your sanity and your strategy.
- Minimum Qualifying Marks: This is the bare minimum required to participate in counselling. Usually, it falls between 137 and 164 for General candidates and 107 to 137 for reserved categories.
- Realistic Admission Score: To actually walk into a classroom, you need much more. Aim for 620+ for top-tier government colleges and 550+ for state-level government seats.
If you find yourself slightly short of these numbers, don’t panic. You might wonder how many attempts for NEET are allowed; currently, there is no upper limit, giving you the chance to improve your score next year.
NEET MBBS Marks Required – Category-Wise Breakdown
Marks required for MBBS vary significantly by category. Reservation policies directly affect cut-offs.
General / EWS Category
Students from General and EWS categories face the highest competition.
- AIQ Government MBBS: 610–650+
- State Government Colleges: 580–630+ (varies by state)
Under AIQ (15%), cut-offs remain higher because students from all states compete together. Under State Quota (85%), competition reduces slightly.
OBC Category
OBC students get reservation benefits, but competition still remains strong.
- AIQ Government MBBS: 580–620+
- State Quota: 540–600+
Cut-offs depend heavily on the state’s OBC population and seat availability.
SC / ST Category
SC and ST categories have lower qualifying and admission marks compared to General.
AIQ Government MBBS: 450–550+
State Quota: 400–520+
Some states show wider variation based on demand.
Here is a simplified comparison table:
| Category | AIQ Safe Score Range | State Quota Range |
| General/EWS | 610–650+ | 580–630+ |
| OBC | 580–620+ | 540–600+ |
| SC | 450–550+ | 420–520+ |
| ST | 430–520+ | 400–500+ |
These numbers change yearly. Always use them as guidance, not final confirmation.
State Quota vs All India Quota (AIQ) – Marks Difference
NEET counselling divides seats into:
- 15% All India Quota (AIQ)
- 85% State Quota
AIQ includes top government colleges across India. Competition is intense. Cut-offs remain high.
State Quota includes government colleges within your home state. You compete only with students from that particular state. Due to this, the required marks are slightly less.
For example:
A student who scores 595 may not get a seat through AIQ but may get a seat through state quota depending on the state. The awareness of such a distinction will assist individuals in not having excessively high expectations.
Government MBBS vs Private MBBS – Marks Comparison
Government colleges offer lower fees but demand higher scores.
- Government MBBS (General): 600+ usually required
- Government MBBS (Reserved Categories): 450–600 depending on category
- Private colleges usually accept lower scores:
- Private MBBS: 400–550 range (varies widely)
However, private colleges charge significantly higher fees. Some also offer management or NRI quota seats. These require NEET qualification but not extremely high marks.
Parents should balance marks, budget, and long-term financial planning before making decisions.
Factors That Decide NEET Marks Required for MBBS
Every year students ask why cut-offs change. These factors directly influence required marks:
- Number of NEET applicants
- Difficulty level of the exam
- Total MBBS seats available
- Reservation policies
State-wise demand for medical seats
If the paper is easier, cut-offs rise. If seats increase, competition pressure reduces slightly.
Do not focus only on last year’s number. Focus on improving your own score range.
How Many Marks Are Required in NEET for MBBS Abroad?
Many students also ask, how many marks are required in NEET for MBBS abroad?
For MBBS abroad, you only need to qualify NEET. High cut-offs like government colleges in India do not apply.
As long as you clear the minimum qualifying percentile, you can apply to universities in countries like:
- Russia
- Georgia
- Kazakhstan
- Philippines
However, it is compulsory to pursue NEET qualification if the candidates are from India as they need to practice later in India. It is always important to check the university’s recognition and NMC recommendations before taking up this course.
Can You Get MBBS with Low NEET Marks?
Yes, but options become limited.
If you score between 350–450:
- Some private colleges may accept you
- Certain states may offer seats under reserved quotas
- MBBS abroad becomes a possible route
If your score falls much lower, you should consider reattempting NEET. Before deciding, understand How many attempts for NEET are allowed and plan wisely.
Many students improve significantly in their second attempt with proper NEET guidance and structured preparation.
Do not lose confidence. Low marks do not end your medical dream. But you must make informed decisions.
FAQs – NEET Marks Required for MBBS
Q1. How many marks are required in NEET for MBBS in government college?
General category students usually need 600+ marks for safe admission in government colleges. Reserved categories may secure seats between 450–600 depending on category and state.
Q2. What is the minimum NEET score for MBBS admission?
The minimum qualifying score depends on percentile. For General, it is 50th percentile. For SC/ST/OBC, it is 40th percentile. However, qualifying does not guarantee admission.
Q3. How many marks are required in NEET for MBBS for OBC?
OBC students generally need 550–620+ for government colleges under AIQ. State quota cut-offs may be slightly lower.
Q4. Can I get MBBS with 400 marks in NEET?
Getting a government MBBS seat with 400 marks is difficult in most states. However, some private colleges or reserved quota seats may remain possible.
Q5. How many marks are required in NEET for MBBS abroad?
You only need to qualify NEET. High competitive scores are not required for most foreign universities, but NEET qualification is mandatory.
Plan Your MBBS Journey Smartly with Tutoroot’s NEET Score Guidance
So, how many marks are required in NEET for MBBS? There is no fixed number. Category, state quota, AIQ, and yearly competition decide the final cut-off.
Students should not panic after seeing random cut-off screenshots or social media claims. Instead, focus on improving your score range and understanding the counselling process clearly.
At Tutoroot, our online tuition classes help NEET aspirants with structured preparation, regular mock analysis, and personalised score tracking. We guide students with realistic score evaluation, exam strategy, and counselling clarity. We help you understand where you stand and what practical options you have.
Plan smart. Stay consistent. Prepare with the right guidance. And move confidently toward your medical career.
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