The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has announced the qualifying cutoff for NEET PG 2026 on its official portal. This cutoff determines which candidates are eligible to participate in the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) counselling process for All India Quota (AIQ) seats in MD, MS, and DNB programmes. The cutoff is expressed as a percentile and varies by category — General, EWS, SC/ST/OBC, and candidates with disabilities. Every MBBS graduate aiming for a postgraduate seat must clear this threshold to move forward in the admission process.
To qualify for NEET PG 2026 counselling, a General category candidate must score at least 262 marks out of 720 (50th percentile); SC/ST/OBC candidates need 226 marks (40th percentile); and PwBD candidates in the General category need 244 marks (45th percentile).
What Are the NEET PG 2026 Qualifying Cutoff Marks?
NBEMS has released the official qualifying cutoff for NEET PG 2026, which sets the minimum performance threshold a candidate must achieve to enter the counselling pool. The cutoff is structured by category to ensure fair representation across reserved and unreserved groups. Candidates who meet or exceed their category's cutoff become eligible for the MCC-conducted All India Quota counselling rounds.
The cutoff marks out of 720 are: General and EWS candidates require 262 marks (50th percentile); General category candidates with disabilities (PwBD) need 244 marks (45th percentile); and SC, ST, OBC candidates, including those with disabilities in these categories, must score 226 marks (40th percentile). These thresholds remain fixed for the 2026 admission cycle and apply uniformly across all medical colleges participating in AIQ counselling.
| Category | Qualifying Percentile | Cutoff Marks (out of 720) |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | 50th percentile | 262 |
| General PwBD | 45th percentile | 244 |
| SC / ST / OBC (including PwBD) | 40th percentile | 226 |
How Does Percentile-Based Cutoff Differ From Raw Marks?
The NEET PG cutoff is set using percentile scores rather than absolute raw marks. A percentile indicates the percentage of test-takers whose score falls below a given candidate's score. For example, a 50th percentile means the candidate performed better than 50 percent of all test-takers in that examination cycle. This approach ensures fairness when exam difficulty varies from year to year.
NBEMS calculates percentiles after the entire examination is complete and all answer keys are finalized. The raw mark corresponding to each percentile threshold is then determined based on the actual score distribution. This means the exact raw mark needed to qualify can differ between years, even if the percentile cutoff remains constant. A candidate scoring 262 marks in 2026 qualifies because that mark aligns with the 50th percentile for that year's test-taker population.
Who Becomes Eligible for MCC Counselling After Clearing Cutoff?
Any candidate who scores at or above the category-specific cutoff automatically qualifies for the MCC All India Quota counselling process. The AIQ pool comprises 50 percent of all postgraduate medical seats available across India's government medical colleges and deemed universities. Qualified candidates enter a merit-based seat allotment system where they are ranked by their NEET PG score and assigned seats based on their choices and merit rank.
The remaining 50 percent of postgraduate seats fall under state quota and are managed by individual state authorities. Candidates who qualify for AIQ counselling are also eligible to participate in their respective state counselling rounds, but they must register separately on state portals. Many candidates participate in both AIQ and state counselling to maximize their chances of securing a seat in their preferred location or specialty.
What Is the Next Step After Qualifying the Cutoff?
Once the cutoff is released and a candidate confirms their qualification, the focus shifts to preparing for the MCC counselling process. NBEMS will announce the schedule for AIQ counselling rounds on the official MCC website. Candidates must monitor the MCC portal regularly for updates on registration dates, choice-filling windows, and seat allotment results. Registration typically opens a few days after the cutoff announcement and requires candidates to log in using their NEET PG roll number and password.
During registration, candidates fill in personal details, upload required documents, and pay the counselling fee (usually around ₹1,000–₹2,000). After registration closes, the choice-filling phase begins, where candidates rank their preferred colleges and specialties in order of preference. The MCC then runs an algorithm to match candidates with seats based on merit rank and choice order. Candidates who receive an allotment must report to their assigned college within the specified reporting window to secure their seat.
What Documents Must Candidates Carry to Counselling?
Candidates must prepare a complete set of documents before attending counselling, whether for AIQ or state rounds. The document checklist is standardized across all counselling processes and must be verified by the counselling authority before seat confirmation. Missing or incomplete documentation can delay or jeopardize a candidate's admission, so careful preparation is essential.
The required documents include: NEET PG 2026 admit card and scorecard or rank letter; MBBS degree certificate or provisional passing certificate; MBBS mark sheets from all professional years; internship completion certificate; permanent or provisional NMC (National Medical Commission) registration certificate; Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets and certificates; category certificate (for SC/ST/OBC candidates); PwD certificate (if applicable); government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, or driving license); and recent passport-size photographs (typically 4–6 copies). Candidates should obtain certified copies of all certificates and keep originals for verification.
- NEET PG 2026 admit card and scorecard
- MBBS degree or provisional passing certificate
- MBBS mark sheets (all professional years)
- Internship completion certificate
- NMC registration certificate (permanent or provisional)
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Government photo ID proof
- Passport-size photographs
How to Check Your NEET PG 2026 Cutoff Status?
Checking whether you have qualified is straightforward and can be done within minutes. Visit the official NBEMS website at natboard.edu.in and locate the NEET PG 2026 cutoff notice link on the homepage or exam section. The notice is typically available as a downloadable PDF that lists the category-wise qualifying percentiles and corresponding raw marks.
Compare your NEET PG score with the cutoff for your category. If your score is equal to or higher than the cutoff mark listed for your category, you have qualified. Download and save the official cutoff notice for your records, as you will need to reference it during counselling registration and may be asked to produce it as proof of qualification. Keep a digital copy on your phone and a printed copy with your other important documents.
- Visit natboard.edu.in
- Find and click the NEET PG 2026 cutoff notice link
- Download the PDF containing category-wise cutoff marks
- Locate your category and note the qualifying mark
- Compare your NEET PG score with the cutoff
- Download and save the notice for future reference
What Happens if You Don't Clear the Cutoff?
Candidates who score below the category-specific cutoff are not eligible for MCC AIQ counselling in the current year. However, this does not mean the end of the road for postgraduate admission. Depending on the score and circumstances, candidates have several options to explore. Some may be eligible for state counselling if their state has a separate, lower cutoff (though this is rare). Others may consider attempting NEET PG again in the following year with focused preparation.
Additionally, candidates who do not qualify for AIQ may still pursue postgraduate seats through private medical colleges, deemed universities, or direct college counselling if those institutions accept NEET PG scores below the national cutoff. Some candidates also explore DNB (Diplomate of National Board) programmes offered by accredited private hospitals, which may have different eligibility criteria. It is advisable to consult with mentors or counsellors to understand all available pathways before making a decision.
When Will MCC Counselling Begin After Cutoff Release?
The MCC typically announces the counselling schedule within a week or two of releasing the cutoff. The exact dates depend on administrative timelines and any legal challenges to the cutoff that may arise. Candidates should monitor the official MCC website (mcc.nic.in) and NBEMS portal regularly for announcements regarding AIQ counselling round dates, registration windows, and choice-filling schedules.
State counselling schedules are announced separately by each state's medical education authority and may begin before, during, or after AIQ counselling, depending on the state's policy. Candidates must track both the MCC website and their respective state medical counselling portals to stay informed. Setting up email alerts or following official social media handles of these bodies can help ensure you do not miss important announcements.
Why the Cutoff Matters for Your PG Career
The NEET PG cutoff is the gateway to postgraduate medical education in India. Clearing it determines whether you can access the majority of government medical college seats through AIQ counselling, which are typically more affordable and prestigious than private options. For many MBBS graduates, especially those from economically weaker backgrounds, AIQ seats represent the primary pathway to specialization.
Beyond seat access, the cutoff also influences your strategic planning for counselling. Knowing the cutoff helps you assess your position in the merit list, estimate your chances of securing a seat in your preferred specialty and location, and decide whether to participate in AIQ, state, or private counselling rounds. Understanding the cutoff system also prepares you for potential score variations in future attempts if needed. In essence, the cutoff is not just a number — it is a critical milestone that shapes your postgraduate medical career trajectory.
2 minute · Free preview
Which MBBS colleges can your NEET rank actually get?
See the real colleges your rank can reach — every state and All India Quota — with official closing ranks and the exact fee for each seat.
See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What is the NEET PG 2026 qualifying cutoff for General category candidates?
General and EWS category candidates must score at least 262 marks out of 720 (50th percentile) to qualify for MCC counselling. This is the minimum threshold set by NBEMS for these categories.
Is the cutoff the same for SC, ST, and OBC candidates?
Yes, SC, ST, and OBC candidates (including those with disabilities in these categories) have a common qualifying cutoff of 226 marks out of 720 (40th percentile). This is lower than the General category cutoff to ensure representation of reserved categories in postgraduate medical education.
What is the cutoff for candidates with disabilities in the General category?
General category candidates with disabilities (PwBD) need to score 244 marks out of 720 (45th percentile) to qualify. This is lower than the General category cutoff but higher than the SC/ST/OBC cutoff.
How do I know if my NEET PG score qualifies for counselling?
Compare your NEET PG score with the cutoff mark for your category listed in the official NBEMS cutoff notice available at natboard.edu.in. If your score is equal to or higher than the category cutoff, you have qualified for MCC counselling.
What happens after I clear the cutoff?
After clearing the cutoff, you become eligible for MCC All India Quota counselling. You must register on the MCC website when counselling begins, fill your choice of colleges and specialties, and participate in the seat allotment process. You can also register separately for state counselling if your state conducts it.
Can I participate in state counselling if I don't clear the national cutoff?
Typically, no. The national cutoff set by NBEMS applies to both AIQ and most state counselling processes. However, some states may have their own separate cutoffs or counselling processes. Check your state's medical education authority website for specific rules.
Is the cutoff the same every year?
The percentile cutoff (e.g., 50th percentile for General category) remains consistent year to year, but the raw mark corresponding to that percentile can vary. This is because the percentile is calculated based on the performance of all candidates in that year's exam, so the exact mark needed may differ if exam difficulty changes.
Where can I download the official NEET PG 2026 cutoff notice?
Visit the official NBEMS website at natboard.edu.in. Locate the NEET PG 2026 cutoff notice link and download the PDF. This document contains the category-wise qualifying percentiles and corresponding marks.
If you have cleared the cutoff, begin preparing your documents immediately and monitor the MCC website for counselling schedule announcements. If you have not qualified, consider consulting with a mentor about your options, including state counselling eligibility, private college pathways, or preparation for the next NEET PG attempt.
Plan your admission with free AI tools
Turn your NEET score into a rank, then into the exact colleges you can get.