The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a highly competitive examination in India for students aspiring to pursue undergraduate medical and dental courses. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), NEET is the sole entrance examination for admission to medical and dental colleges across the country. Aspiring candidates often come across terms like qualifying marks and cut-off while preparing for NEET.
In this blog, we will explore the difference between qualifying marks and cut-off in NEET and their significance in the admission process.
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Qualifying Marks in NEET:
Qualifying marks in NEET refer to the minimum marks that a candidate must score in order to be eligible for further admission processes. The NTA sets the qualifying marks for NEET every year and it varies for different categories. As per the latest guidelines, for General category candidates, the qualifying marks in NEET is 50 percentile, while for SC/ST/OBC category candidates, it is 40 percentile, and for candidates with benchmark disabilities, it is 45 percentile. It’s important to note that qualifying marks are not the same as the cut-off marks.
Cut-off Marks in NEET:
Cut-off marks in NEET are the minimum marks that a candidate must score in order to secure a seat in a medical or dental college. Cut-off marks are determined based on various factors such as the number of candidates appearing for the exam, the difficulty level of the question paper, the number of available seats, and the reservation policy. Cut-off marks vary for different colleges, categories, and states. Candidates who score equal to or above the cut-off marks are eligible for further rounds of counseling and seat allotment.
Difference between Qualifying Marks and Cut-off:
- The main difference between qualifying marks and cut-off marks in NEET is their purpose and significance in the admission process. Qualifying marks are the minimum marks required to be eligible for admission, while cut-off marks are the minimum marks required to secure a seat in a college.
- Qualifying marks are set by the NTA and are consistent across all colleges and states, while cut-off marks are determined by individual colleges, states, and categories.
- Qualifying marks are mandatory for all candidates, and candidates who fail to meet the qualifying marks criteria are not eligible for further admission processes. On the other hand, cut-off marks are not fixed and can vary each year and for different colleges, categories, and states.
Significance of Qualifying Marks and Cut-off in NEET Admission:
Qualifying marks and cut-off marks are crucial in the NEET admission process. Qualifying marks are the first benchmark that candidates need to clear in order to be eligible for admission. Candidates who do not meet the qualifying marks criteria are disqualified from further admission processes. Cut-off marks, on the other hand, determine the ranks and eligibility of candidates for counseling and seat allotment. Candidates who score above the cut-off marks have a higher chance of securing a seat in their desired college, while those who score below the cut-off marks may not be eligible for admission.
Note: It’s important to note that qualifying marks and cut-off marks can change from year to year and from college to college. Therefore, candidates are advised to stay updated with the latest information and guidelines released by the NTA and respective colleges or states.
FAQs
The NEET qualifying mark is the minimum score a candidate must obtain in the exam to be considered eligible for admission to medical colleges. In contrast, the cut-off is the score determined by the respective colleges that a candidate must achieve to secure admission into the college. No, the qualifying marks and cut-offs may vary depending on the college's level of competition, availability of seats, and other factors such as category-wise reservations. The qualifying marks are calculated by the National Testing Agency (NTA) based on the exam's difficulty level, number of applicants, and other factors. The cut-off, on the other hand, is determined by the respective medical colleges and is based on various factors such as the college's past admission trends, reservation policies, and availability of seats. No, clearing the qualifying mark does not guarantee admission into a medical college. Candidates must score above the cut-off to secure admission into the college.What is the NEET qualifying mark, and how is it different from the cut-off?
Are the qualifying marks and cut-offs the same for all medical colleges?
How are the NEET cut-offs and qualifying marks calculated?
Is it possible to secure admission into a medical college if one has cleared the NEET qualifying mark but not the cut-off?
