NEET PG 2026 cutoff released: check category-wise qualifying marks
In short
- The NEET PG 2026 cutoff has been released by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS).
- Results and ranks for NEET PG 2026 were published on September 24, 2026, on the official NBEMS website.
- Individual scorecards and answer keys will be accessible to candidates from October 1, 2026.
- General/EWS candidates require a minimum of 262 marks out of 720 to qualify, corresponding to the 50th percentile.
- Meeting the qualifying cutoff makes candidates eligible for counselling but does not guarantee admission to postgraduate medical courses.
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) released the NEET PG 2026 cutoff on September 24, 2026. This release, which accompanied the results and ranks for candidates seeking admission to postgraduate medical courses, determines eligibility for the subsequent counselling process.
Candidates for MD, MS, DNB, DrNB, and PG Medical Diploma courses can access their individual scorecards and answer keys from October 1, 2026, via the official NBEMS websites, natboard.edu.in and nbe.edu.in. The qualifying cutoff serves as an initial filter for the counselling and seat allocation process.
NEET PG 2026 Qualifying Marks and Percentiles
The NBEMS has specified category-wise qualifying marks and percentiles for NEET PG 2026. General and EWS category candidates must secure at least 262 marks out of a total of 720, which corresponds to the 50th percentile. For candidates belonging to the SC, ST, and OBC categories, the qualifying score is 226 marks. General/EWS candidates under the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) category need to achieve 244 marks to meet the cutoff.
Meeting these qualifying criteria makes a candidate eligible to participate in the counselling process for postgraduate medical admissions. However, it does not guarantee admission, as the admission cutoff, which varies by college and speciality, is determined by factors such as competition and seat availability.
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Percentile | Cut-Off Score (Out of 720) |
|---|---|---|
| General/EWS | 50th percentile | 262 |
| General/EWS PwD | 45th percentile | 244 |
| SC/ST/OBC, including PwD | 40th percentile | 226 |
Exam Structure and Marking Scheme
The NEET PG 2026 examination was conducted for a duration of 3 hours and 30 minutes (210 minutes). The exam comprised 180 questions, with a total maximum score of 720 marks. The marking scheme awarded +4 marks for each correct answer, deducted -1 mark for every incorrect answer, and assigned 0 marks for unanswered questions.
The NEET PG exam is conducted annually, and registration for the 2026 edition was likely to commence in the first week of April 2026. The qualifying cutoff is distinct from the admission cutoff, which reflects the rank or score at which a specific course and seat are filled during counselling.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Frequency of Exam | Once a Year (Annual) |
| Conducting Authority | National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours 30 Minutes (210 Minutes) |
| Time-Bound Sections | A, B, C, D, and E |
| Section Distribution | 36 questions |
| Section Time Limits | 42 minutes |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Total Marks | 720 |
| Total Questions | 180 |
| Marking Scheme | +4 marks for each right answer -1 mark for each wrong answer 0 marks for unanswered questions |
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Factors Influencing Admission Cutoffs and Counselling
The admission cutoff for NEET PG 2026 can vary significantly across different medical colleges and specialities. Key factors influencing these cutoffs include the level of competition, the number of available seats, the overall difficulty of the examination, and the performance of candidates. The popularity of specific specialities, college preferences, candidate category, and the counselling quota also play a role in determining the final admission cutoffs.
Highly sought-after branches such as Radiology, Dermatology, and General Medicine have historically shown higher admission cutoffs. Candidates who meet the prescribed NEET PG 2026 qualifying criteria are advised to monitor official announcements for counselling dates and instructions before initiating their registration process.
| Branch / Speciality | Expected Cut-off Marks (2026) |
|---|---|
| Radiology | 545 |
| General Medicine | 535 |
| Dermatology | 550 |
| Obstetrics and Gynaecology | 500 |
| Paediatrics | 510 |
| ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) | 440 |
| Surgery | 480 |
| Orthopaedics | 490 |
| Pulmonary Medicine | 495 |
| Ophthalmology | 450 |
| Anaesthesiology | 460 |
Further reading
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