Puducherry's CENTAC (Centralised Admission Committee) has released the official cutoff marks for Round 1 of NEET UG 2026 counselling for MBBS and BDS courses. The cutoff marks vary by college, region, category, and quota type — government quota, self-financing government quota, management quota, and NRI quota. These marks determine whether you are eligible to participate in seat allotment for each college and category. If your NEET score meets or exceeds the cutoff for a college and category you are interested in, you will be considered for that seat during counselling. This is a critical document: your score must clear the cutoff to proceed.
Your NEET score must equal or exceed the cutoff mark shown for your chosen college, category, and quota type to be eligible for that seat in Round 1 counselling.
What is a Cutoff Mark and Why It Matters
A cutoff mark is the minimum NEET score required to be considered for admission to a particular college, course, and category. It is set based on the number of seats available, the number of candidates who applied, and the scores of those candidates. If your NEET score is below the cutoff, you will not be eligible for that seat, even if seats remain unfilled.
The cutoff marks released by CENTAC are for Round 1 of counselling. These are the first set of cutoffs; if you do not get a seat in Round 1, subsequent rounds may have lower cutoffs as more candidates are accommodated. However, you should not rely on this — aim to meet the Round 1 cutoff if the college is your preference.
MBBS Government Quota Cutoffs: IGMC&RI
Indira Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute (IGMC&RI) is Puducherry's premier government medical college. It offers MBBS seats under government quota across four regions: Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. Each region has its own cutoff marks, and these vary significantly by category.
For example, in Puducherry region, the General category cutoff is 509, while the SC category cutoff is 381. Some categories have no seats in some regions — these are marked with a dash (–). The Government School category (for students from government schools) has separate, typically lower cutoffs: 257 in Puducherry, 180 in Karaikal, and 340 in Mahe.
If you are applying for IGMC&RI MBBS under government quota, identify your region and category, then check the corresponding cutoff. Your NEET score must be at least equal to that number.
- Puducherry region: General 509, OBC 482, MBC 481, SC 381, EWS 289, BCM 450, EBC 454, MSP 331, ESM 514, Government School 365, FF 257
- Karaikal region: General 476, OBC 472, MBC 423, SC 332, EBC 467, Government School 340, FF 180
- Mahe region: General 527, OBC 443, Government School 340
- Yanam region: General 443, MBC 427, SC 349
| Region | General | OBC | MBC | SC | EWS | BCM | EBC | MSP | ESM | PWD | FF | Govt. School |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puducherry | 509 | 482 | 481 | 381 | 289 | 450 | 454 | 331 | 514 | – | 365 | 257 |
| Karaikal | 476 | 472 | 423 | 332 | – | – | 467 | – | – | – | 340 | 180 |
| Mahe | 527 | 443 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | 340 |
| Yanam | 443 | – | 427 | 349 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
MBBS Self-Financing Colleges (Government Quota)
Puducherry has two self-financing medical colleges offering MBBS seats under government quota: PIMS (Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences) and SMVMC&H (Sri Manakula Vinayaka Medical College & Hospital). These colleges charge fees but reserve a portion of seats for government quota candidates, which are filled through CENTAC counselling.
PIMS has a General category cutoff of 463, while SMVMC&H has 438. Both colleges offer seats across multiple categories. The cutoffs for self-financing colleges are generally lower than IGMC&RI because these colleges have more seats available and attract a different candidate pool.
If you are interested in a self-financing college but want a government quota seat (which is cheaper than management or NRI quota), check the cutoff for your category at PIMS or SMVMC&H. Note that some categories may not have seats at these colleges — check the table carefully.
- PIMS: General 463, OBC 447, MBC 441, SC 367, BCM 448, EBC 435, MSP 204, ESM 419, PWD 349, FF 185
- SMVMC&H: General 438, OBC 435, MBC 420, SC 348, EWS 436, BCM 427, EBC 346, ESM 365, PWD 337, FF 251
| College | General | OBC | MBC | SC | EWS | BCM | EBC | MSP | ESM | PWD | FF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PIMS | 463 | 447 | 441 | 367 | – | 448 | 435 | 204 | 419 | 349 | 185 |
| SMVMC&H | 438 | 435 | 420 | 348 | 436 | 427 | 346 | – | 365 | 337 | 251 |
BDS (Dental) Cutoffs: Government Quota
Puducherry offers BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) seats at Mahatma Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Dental Sciences (MGPGIDS) under government quota. Like MBBS, BDS cutoffs vary by region and category. The General category cutoff in Puducherry region is 419, which is lower than MBBS because there are fewer dental seats.
MGPGIDS has seats across four regions: Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. Not all categories have seats in all regions. For example, SC category has a cutoff of 328 in Puducherry but no seats in Karaikal, Mahe, or Yanam. Check your region and category carefully before assuming a seat is available.
There is also one self-financing dental college, MINDS, with a General category cutoff of 375. If you are interested in BDS, compare the cutoffs at MGPGIDS (government quota, lower fees) and MINDS (self-financing, higher fees) to decide where to apply.
- MGPGIDS Puducherry region: General 419, OBC 410, MBC 410, SC 328, BCM 418, EBC 417, MSP 220, ESM 288, FF 308
- MGPGIDS Karaikal region: General 376, OBC 376, MBC 318, SC 311
- MGPGIDS Mahe region: General 393, EWS 357
- MGPGIDS Yanam region: General 402
- MINDS (self-financing): General 375, OBC 354, MBC 355, SC 301, BCM 362, ESM 290, FF 302
| College / Region | General | OBC | MBC | SC | EWS | BCM | EBC | MSP | ESM | PWD | FF |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MGPGIDS Puducherry | 419 | 410 | 410 | 328 | – | 418 | 417 | 220 | 288 | – | 308 |
| MGPGIDS Karaikal | 376 | 376 | 318 | 311 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| MGPGIDS Mahe | 393 | – | – | – | 357 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| MGPGIDS Yanam | 402 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| MINDS (Self-fin.) | 375 | 354 | 355 | 301 | – | 362 | – | – | 290 | – | 302 |
Ayurveda (RGAMC) Cutoffs
Rajiv Gandhi Ayurveda Medical College (RGAMC) in Mahe offers seats in Ayurveda, a traditional Indian medical system. This is included in the NEET UG counselling. The General category cutoff in Puducherry region is 359, and cutoffs vary by region and category.
RGAMC also has a self-financing college, MINDS Ayurveda, but the notice does not provide detailed cutoff information for it beyond the self-financing colleges section. If you are interested in Ayurveda, check the RGAMC cutoffs by your region and category.
- RGAMC Puducherry region: General 359, OBC 342, MBC 349, SC 281, BCM 281, EBC 356, MSP 403, PWD 284
- RGAMC Karaikal region: General 346, OBC 289, MBC 220, SC 235
- RGAMC Mahe region: General 286, BCM 213
- RGAMC Yanam region: General 317
Management Quota Cutoffs (Self-Financing Colleges)
Management quota seats are reserved for candidates selected directly by the college, typically for a higher fee. These seats are not filled through CENTAC counselling in the same way as government quota seats. However, the notice provides management quota cutoff marks for reference.
For MBBS management quota, PIMS has a General category cutoff of 484, SMVMC&H has 464, and RIVER (another self-financing college) has 461. IGMC&RI and RGAMC do not show management quota cutoffs (marked with a dash), meaning they may not offer management quota seats or the information is not available.
Management quota seats are typically more expensive than government quota seats at the same college. If you are considering management quota, contact the college directly for fees, application procedures, and seat availability.
- PIMS MBBS management quota: General 484
- SMVMC&H MBBS management quota: General 464
- RIVER MBBS management quota: General 461
- IGMC&RI and RGAMC: No management quota cutoffs listed
NRI Quota Cutoffs
NRI (Non-Resident Indian) quota seats are reserved for candidates who are Indian citizens but have NRI status or are children of NRI parents. These seats are filled at a higher fee. The notice provides NRI quota cutoff marks for MBBS across several colleges.
For MBBS NRI quota, IGMC&RI has a General category cutoff of 387, PIMS has 373, SMVMC&H has 322, MGPGIDS (dental) has 253, and RIVER has 332. These cutoffs are lower than government quota cutoffs because NRI seats are fewer and the candidate pool is different. If you are an NRI or eligible for NRI quota, check the cutoff for your chosen college.
- IGMC&RI MBBS NRI quota: General 387
- PIMS MBBS NRI quota: General 373
- SMVMC&H MBBS NRI quota: General 322
- MGPGIDS BDS NRI quota: General 253
- RIVER MBBS NRI quota: General 332
Understanding Category Codes
The cutoff tables use abbreviations for different categories. These represent reserved categories and special quotas. It is critical to use the correct category code when applying, as using the wrong one can result in your application being rejected or considered for the wrong quota.
General: Open to all candidates. OBC: Other Backward Classes (Central list). MBC: Most Backward Classes (Puducherry state list). SC: Scheduled Caste. ST: Scheduled Tribe (marked with a dash in most Puducherry colleges, indicating no seats). EWS: Economically Weaker Sections. BCM: Backward Caste Muslim. EBC: Extremely Backward Caste. MSP: Muslim Minority (in some contexts). ESM: Ex-Servicemen. PWD: Persons with Disability. FF: Freedom Fighter (descendants of freedom fighters). Government School: Candidates from government schools (a special category in Puducherry).
A dash (–) in a cell means no seats are available for that category at that college/region in Round 1. Do not apply for a category with no seats — your application will be rejected. If your category is not listed, you may be eligible under General category or another applicable category; check the counselling guidelines or contact CENTAC.
- General: Open category
- OBC: Other Backward Classes
- MBC: Most Backward Classes (Puducherry)
- SC: Scheduled Caste
- ST: Scheduled Tribe
- EWS: Economically Weaker Sections
- BCM: Backward Caste Muslim
- EBC: Extremely Backward Caste
- MSP: Muslim Minority
- ESM: Ex-Servicemen
- PWD: Persons with Disability
- FF: Freedom Fighter
- Government School: Government school students
How to Use These Cutoffs During Counselling
During Round 1 counselling registration, you will be asked to fill in your choices of colleges and courses in order of preference. Before you do, check your NEET score against the cutoff marks in this notice. If your score is below the cutoff for a college and category, you will not be eligible for that seat, and it is pointless to list it as a choice.
Strategy: List colleges and categories where your score meets or exceeds the cutoff. Prioritize by your preference — put your most desired college first, even if the cutoff is high, because the counselling system will try to allot you the highest-preference seat you are eligible for. If you do not get a seat in Round 1, you can participate in subsequent rounds, which may have lower cutoffs.
Important: The cutoff marks are for Round 1 only. If you do not get a seat in Round 1, do not assume you will get one in Round 2 or 3 — participate in all rounds you are eligible for. Also, cutoffs can change slightly between rounds based on the number of candidates and seats filled.
- Check your NEET score against the cutoff for each college, course, and category you are interested in
- Only list colleges and categories where your score meets or exceeds the cutoff
- Prioritize your choices by preference, not by cutoff difficulty
- Participate in all rounds of counselling if you do not get a seat in Round 1
- Remember: cutoffs are for Round 1; subsequent rounds may have different cutoffs
Important Traps and Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Applying for a category with no seats. If a cell shows a dash (–), there are no seats for that category at that college/region. Applying anyway will result in rejection. Always check the table carefully before applying.
Mistake 2: Confusing region with college. IGMC&RI has different cutoffs for Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam regions. These are not different colleges — they are the same college, but seats are allocated by region based on domicile or other criteria. Make sure you apply for the correct region.
Mistake 3: Assuming a lower cutoff means an easier seat. A lower cutoff does not mean the seat is easier to get — it may mean fewer seats are available, so competition is higher. Focus on colleges where your score is comfortably above the cutoff, not just barely above it.
Mistake 4: Not checking the category code. Using the wrong category code (e.g., applying as OBC when you are MBC) can result in your application being rejected or considered for the wrong quota. Verify your category with your caste/community certificate before applying.
Mistake 5: Ignoring the Government School category. If you studied in a government school, you may be eligible for the Government School category, which often has lower cutoffs. Check if you qualify and apply for this category if it benefits you.
- Do not apply for a category with a dash (–) — no seats available
- Check your region carefully; IGMC&RI has different cutoffs for each region
- A lower cutoff does not guarantee a seat; focus on colleges where your score is well above the cutoff
- Verify your category code matches your caste/community certificate
- Check if you are eligible for Government School category if you studied in a government school
What Happens After Round 1 Cutoffs Are Released
After cutoffs are released, CENTAC will open the counselling registration portal. You will log in with your NEET roll number and password, fill in your choices of colleges and courses, and submit. The system will then process your choices and allot you a seat based on your score, category, and the availability of seats.
If you are allotted a seat in Round 1, you will be notified, and you must report to the college to complete admission formalities (document verification, fee payment, etc.) within the specified deadline. If you do not report, your seat will be cancelled and offered to the next eligible candidate.
If you are not allotted a seat in Round 1, you can participate in Round 2 counselling, which will have a fresh set of choices and may have lower cutoffs. The process repeats until all seats are filled or you choose to withdraw.
- Register on the CENTAC counselling portal and fill in your college choices
- The system will allot you a seat based on your score, category, and preferences
- If allotted, report to the college within the deadline to complete admission
- If not allotted, participate in Round 2 counselling
- Repeat until you get a seat or all rounds are completed
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See My CollegesFrequently asked questions
What does a cutoff mark mean?
A cutoff mark is the minimum NEET score required to be eligible for a seat at a particular college, course, and category. If your score is below the cutoff, you will not be considered for that seat, even if seats remain unfilled. The cutoff is set based on the number of seats, the number of applicants, and their scores.
My NEET score is 450. Can I apply for IGMC&RI MBBS General category in Puducherry?
No. The cutoff for IGMC&RI MBBS General category in Puducherry is 509. Your score of 450 is below the cutoff, so you are not eligible for this seat. You can apply for colleges or categories where your score meets or exceeds the cutoff, such as self-financing colleges or lower categories if you are eligible.
What does the dash (–) symbol mean in the cutoff table?
A dash (–) means no seats are available for that category at that college/region in Round 1. Do not apply for a category with a dash — your application will be rejected. Check the table carefully to see which categories have seats available.
I am from Karaikal. Can I apply for IGMC&RI MBBS under the Puducherry region cutoff?
No. IGMC&RI has separate cutoffs for each region: Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam. You should apply for the Karaikal region cutoff, which is different from Puducherry. For example, the General category cutoff in Karaikal is 476, while in Puducherry it is 509. Check the cutoff for your region.
What is the difference between government quota and self-financing colleges?
Government quota seats are at government colleges (like IGMC&RI) or reserved seats at self-financing colleges, and they are cheaper because the government subsidizes the fees. Self-financing colleges charge higher fees but may have lower cutoffs because they have more seats. Both are filled through CENTAC counselling based on merit.
I studied in a government school. Should I apply for the Government School category?
Yes, if you are eligible. The Government School category has separate, typically lower cutoffs. For example, at IGMC&RI MBBS in Puducherry, the Government School cutoff is 257, compared to 509 for General. Check if you meet the eligibility criteria (studied in a government school) and apply for this category if it benefits you.
Are these cutoffs final, or will they change in Round 2?
These are Round 1 cutoffs only. Round 2 and subsequent rounds may have different cutoffs, usually lower, as more candidates are accommodated. If you do not get a seat in Round 1, participate in Round 2 counselling. Do not assume you will get a seat in later rounds — apply in all rounds you are eligible for.
What is NRI quota, and am I eligible?
NRI quota seats are reserved for Non-Resident Indians or children of NRI parents. These seats are filled at a higher fee and have separate cutoffs. If you or your parents have NRI status, you may be eligible. Check the NRI quota cutoffs in the notice and contact the college for eligibility criteria and application procedures.
My score is 380, and the cutoff for SC category at IGMC&RI Puducherry is 381. Can I apply?
No. The cutoff is 381, and your score is 380. You must meet or exceed the cutoff to be eligible. Your score is 1 point below, so you are not eligible for this seat. You can apply for colleges or categories where your score meets or exceeds the cutoff.
How do I know which category to apply for?
Your category is determined by your caste, community, or other criteria as per government rules. You must have a valid caste/community certificate or other proof to apply for a reserved category. If you are unsure, check your certificate or contact CENTAC. Using the wrong category can result in rejection.
Can I apply for multiple colleges and categories in Round 1?
Yes. During counselling registration, you can list multiple colleges and categories in order of preference. The system will allot you the highest-preference seat you are eligible for based on your score and category. You can only accept one seat per round, but you can participate in subsequent rounds if you do not get a seat or want to upgrade.
What should I do if my score is below all the cutoffs I am interested in?
If your score is below the cutoffs for your preferred colleges, you have a few options: (1) Apply for colleges with lower cutoffs, such as self-financing colleges or colleges in other regions. (2) Check if you are eligible for a reserved category (SC, OBC, etc.) with a lower cutoff. (3) Participate in all rounds of counselling — cutoffs may drop in later rounds. (4) Consider other courses like BDS or Ayurveda if your score qualifies. Contact CENTAC for guidance on your options.
The Round 1 cutoff marks are now available. Check your NEET score against the cutoff for each college, course, category, and region you are interested in. Only apply for colleges and categories where your score meets or exceeds the cutoff — applying below the cutoff will result in rejection. Register on the CENTAC counselling portal as soon as it opens, fill in your choices carefully, and submit. If you do not get a seat in Round 1, participate in Round 2 counselling. For any questions, contact CENTAC or visit the official Puducherry higher education website.
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