Every NEET aspirant eventually asks this question: how much marks required for NEET to get MBBS?
The honest answer? It depends on what you mean by “required.”
Because in NEET, there is a big difference between:
- qualifying the exam, and
- actually getting an MBBS seat in a government college.
Let’s break it down properly.
What Do “Minimum Marks” in NEET Mean?
Most students assume NEET works like board exams. Score X marks = get an MBBS seat.
That’s not how it works. In NEET, there are two different benchmarks:
- Qualification marks for NEET
- Admission cut-off for government MBBS colleges
Clearing the first does not guarantee the second.
NEET Passing Marks for MBBS: Qualification Cut-off
The qualification marks for NEET are released every year by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
These marks only decide: Whether you are eligible to participate in counselling.
They do not decide college allotments.
NEET 2025 Official Qualifying Marks (Used as Benchmark)
| Category | Qualifying Percentile | Marks Range |
| UR / EWS | ≥ 50th percentile | 686 – 144 |
| OBC | 40th – 50th percentile | 143 – 113 |
| SC | 40th – 50th percentile | 143 – 113 |
| ST | 40th – 50th percentile | 143 – 113 |
| UR/EWS & PwBD | 45th – 50th percentile | 143 – 127 |
| OBC/SC/ST & PwBD | 40th – 45th percentile | 126 – 113 |
So if you’re asking:
- NEET passing marks for MBBS
- Qualification marks for NEET
These are the numbers you’re referring to. But this is just step one.
Minimum Marks Required in NEET for MBBS in Government College
This is the real question students care about.
Government MBBS seats are limited. Competition is tough. So the cut-off shoots up far beyond qualifying marks.
The Reality Check
- Qualifying NEET: ~140–160 marks
- Getting MBBS in a government college: 500+ marks (usually much higher)
Category-wise Safe Score for Government MBBS (NEET 2026 Projection)
Based on recent trends, counselling data, and rising aspirant numbers, here’s what experts consider a safe score, not just a borderline one.
| Category | Minimum Safe Score for Govt MBBS |
| General (UR) | 610–620+ |
| OBC | 590+ |
| SC | 520+ |
| ST | 490–500+ |
This is what students usually mean when they ask:
- how many marks are required in NEET for MBBS
- minimum marks required in NEET for MBBS in government college
Anything below this enters the high-risk zone, dependent on:
- state quota
- counselling rounds
- seat vacancies
- paper difficulty
Why NEET MBBS Cut-offs Keep Rising Every Year
Students often ask, “Why did 580 work earlier but not now?”
Three reasons.
1. Aspirant Inflation
NEET 2026 is expected to cross 24 lakh candidates. Seats haven’t increased at the same pace.
2. High Biology Scores
NCERT-heavy papers mean more students scoring 330–350 in Biology alone.
3. Rank Compression
Thousands of students score within a 5–10 mark range, pushing ranks down fast. This is why at Aakash, we advise students to maintain a 15–20 mark buffer above last year’s cut-off, not chase the bare minimum.
NEET Qualifying Marks vs NEET Admission Cut-off
This difference decides careers. Yet many ignore it.
| Parameter | Qualifying Marks | Admission Cut-off |
| Released by | NTA | MCC / State Counselling |
| Purpose | Eligibility | Seat allotment |
| Marks level | Low | Very high |
| Guarantees MBBS? | No | Yes (if allotted) |
Example:
A student scoring 260 marks has qualified NEET. But if the opening mark for a government college is 610, that qualification means nothing for MBBS.
Previous Years’ Trends: Government MBBS Cut-off (General Category)
| Year | Cut-off Marks |
| 2025 | 686 – 144 |
| 2024 | 720 – 164 |
| 2023 | 720 – 137 |
| 2022 | 715 – 117 |
| 2021 | 720 – 138 |
The qualifying range fluctuates, but the safe MBBS score keeps climbing.
What If You Don’t Reach Government MBBS Cut-off?
Options still exist.
- State quota colleges with lower closing ranks
- BDS in government colleges (450+ is often workable)
- Private MBBS (with NEET qualification)
- MBBS abroad (only qualifying marks needed)
But if your target is government MBBS, the bar is non-negotiable.
How to Set a Smart Target for NEET 2026
Here’s what experts recommend:
- General/OBC: Target 650 in mocks → land at 610+ on exam day
- SC/ST: Target 550 in mocks → finish safely above 500
- Focus on accuracy over attempts
- Biology must cross 330+ consistently
In today’s NEET, 700+ is the only score that gives complete security, AIIMS included.
Conclusion
So, what are the minimum marks required in NEET for MBBS?
- To qualify NEET: ~140–160 marks
- To get MBBS in a government college: 500–620+ marks, depending on category
- To be stress-free: aim well above the minimum
NEET is not about clearing a line. It’s about beating the crowd above it.
FAQs: Minimum Marks Required in NEET for MBBS
1. What are the minimum marks required in NEET for MBBS in a government college?
For General category students, 610–620+ marks are considered safe. Reserved categories have lower but still competitive cut-offs.
2. Are NEET qualifying marks enough for MBBS admission?
No. Qualifying marks only make you eligible for counselling, not for seat allotment.
3. How many marks are required for NEET to get an MBBS abroad?
Only qualifying marks are needed to study MBBS abroad.
4. Do different states have different government MBBS cut-offs?
Yes. State quota cut-offs vary based on seats, domicile rules, and applicant pool.
