The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the primary exam for admission to MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses in India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), NEET is a highly competitive exam, with lakhs of students appearing every year.
One of the most frequently asked questions among NEET aspirants is: What are the passing marks for MBBS? Understanding the minimum qualifying marks, cutoff scores, and admission criteria is essential for students planning to pursue a career in medicine.
This topic provides a detailed guide on NEET passing marks for MBBS, including category-wise cutoffs, factors affecting qualifying scores, and tips to secure admission into top medical colleges.
What Are NEET Passing Marks for MBBS?
To be eligible for MBBS admission, candidates must achieve the minimum qualifying marks set by the NTA. These marks are determined based on percentile scores, meaning they vary each year depending on the difficulty level of the exam and overall student performance.
The passing marks for NEET are categorized into:
- General category
- OBC, SC, and ST categories
- PwD (Persons with Disabilities) category
NEET Minimum Qualifying Marks (Category-Wise)
The table below shows the expected NEET qualifying marks for MBBS based on previous years’ trends:
| Category | Minimum Percentile | Expected Passing Marks (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| General | 50th Percentile | 720 – 137 |
| OBC | 40th Percentile | 136 – 107 |
| SC | 40th Percentile | 136 – 107 |
| ST | 40th Percentile | 136 – 107 |
| General-PwD | 45th Percentile | 136 – 121 |
| OBC/SC/ST-PwD | 40th Percentile | 120 – 107 |
These cutoff scores may change slightly based on exam difficulty and the number of candidates appearing for NEET each year.
NEET Cutoff vs. Passing Marks: What’s the Difference?
Many students confuse NEET passing marks with cutoff scores. Here’s the key difference:
- NEET passing marks refer to the minimum qualifying scores required to be eligible for MBBS admission.
- NEET cutoff scores are the marks needed to secure a seat in a medical college. Cutoffs are higher than passing marks and vary for different institutions.
For example, a candidate from the General category may need only 137 marks to qualify NEET, but they will require a much higher score (500-650+) to get admission into a top government medical college.
NEET Cutoff Trends for MBBS Admission (Government & Private Colleges)
1. Government Medical College Cutoff
Government colleges have higher cutoffs due to their affordability and reputation. The table below shows the expected cutoffs for MBBS admission in top government medical colleges:
| College Name | Expected NEET Cutoff Score (General Category) |
|---|---|
| AIIMS Delhi | 710+ |
| Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), Delhi | 680+ |
| King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow | 650+ |
| Grant Medical College, Mumbai | 640+ |
| Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER) | 670+ |
2. Private Medical College Cutoff
Private medical colleges have lower cutoff scores compared to government colleges, but the fees are significantly higher. The expected cutoffs are:
| College Name | Expected NEET Cutoff Score (General Category) |
|---|---|
| Kasturba Medical College, Manipal | 500+ |
| SRM Medical College, Chennai | 450+ |
| Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College, Pune | 400+ |
| DY Patil Medical College, Mumbai | 400+ |
Factors Affecting NEET Passing Marks and Cutoffs
Several factors influence NEET passing and cutoff marks each year:
1. Difficulty Level of the Exam
If the exam is tougher, the qualifying marks may be lower, and vice versa.
2. Number of Candidates Appearing
Higher competition leads to higher cutoff scores, especially for top government medical colleges.
3. Seat Availability in MBBS Colleges
More seats reduce competition and result in lower cutoffs, while limited seats increase the required marks.
4. Reservation Policy
Candidates from reserved categories (OBC, SC, ST, PwD) have lower qualifying marks and cutoff scores.
How to Score Above NEET Passing Marks for MBBS?
1. Focus on NCERT Books
- 85-90% of NEET questions come from NCERT textbooks.
- Study all diagrams, formulas, and concepts from Class 11 & 12 Biology, Physics, and Chemistry.
2. Solve Previous Year Question Papers
- Practicing last 10 years’ NEET papers helps understand question patterns.
- Identify repeated topics and focus on them.
3. Take Mock Tests Regularly
- Time-bound tests improve speed, accuracy, and time management.
- Helps students adapt to real exam pressure.
4. Avoid Negative Marking
- One wrong answer deducts 1 mark.
- If unsure, skip the question instead of guessing randomly.
5. Use Mnemonics and Short Tricks
- Memorizing Biology concepts and formulas through mnemonics saves time.
- Example: “My Very Educated Mother Just Served Us Nachos” (for planets).
6. Strengthen Weak Subjects
- Identify your weak areas and revise them daily.
- Allocate extra time for Physics (most challenging subject in NEET).
What Happens If You Score Below NEET Passing Marks?
If a student scores below the qualifying percentile, they cannot:
✅ Apply for MBBS/BDS courses in India or abroad.
✅ Participate in state or central medical counseling.
However, students can:
✔ Retake NEET next year after better preparation.
✔ Apply for paramedical or allied health sciences courses like B.Sc. Nursing, Physiotherapy, or Pharmacy.
To qualify for MBBS admission, NEET candidates must achieve at least the minimum passing marks set by the NTA. However, simply passing NEET is not enough—securing admission to a top medical college requires a much higher score.
Government medical colleges have higher cutoffs (600+ marks), while private colleges may accept lower scores (400-500 marks).
Aspirants should study NCERT thoroughly, solve previous year papers, take mock tests, and avoid negative marking to maximize their chances of securing an MBBS seat.
By understanding the required passing marks, cutoff trends, and preparation strategies, students can set realistic goals and work towards their dream of becoming a doctor.