NEET PG 2026 cut-off hits six-year low as qualifying marks fall across categories

The NEET PG 2026 qualifying cut-off has fallen across all three categories for which comparable scores are available, with the General/EWS cut-off dropping to 262 marks — the lowest specified qualifying score in the available six-year data.

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) declared the NEET PG 2026 result on September 24, setting the qualifying cut-off for General and EWS candidates at the 50th percentile. The cut-off for General PwBD candidates was fixed at 244 marks at the 45th percentile, while SC, ST and OBC candidates, including PwBD candidates, were required to secure 226 marks at the 40th percentile.

For General and EWS candidates, the 2026 cut-off is 14 marks lower than last year's 276. It is also below the qualifying scores recorded in 2023 and 2022, when the cut-offs were 291 and 275, respectively.

The 2024 NEET PG result specified the qualifying percentile but did not provide corresponding cut-off scores, making a direct score comparison for that year unavailable.

The decline is also evident in the other categories. The General PwBD cut-off has fallen by 11 marks, from 255 in 2025 to 244 this year. For SC, ST and OBC candidates, including PwBD candidates, the qualifying score has dropped by nine marks, from 235 to 226.

NEET PG 2026 was conducted for 720 marks

The lower qualifying scores come in a year when the maximum marks for the examination were also reduced.

NEET PG 2026 was conducted for a total of 720 marks, compared with 800 marks in the previous years shown in the data. This change in the total marks is an important factor to consider while comparing this year's raw scores with those from earlier sessions.

A qualifying cut-off can move depending on several factors, including the performance of candidates and the difficulty level of the examination.

A relatively easier paper can result in more candidates securing higher marks, potentially pushing the qualifying score upwards. Conversely, a more difficult paper can bring down overall scores and lead to a lower qualifying mark.

The number of candidates appearing for the examination and the availability of postgraduate medical seats can also influence competition. Changes in seat availability can affect how candidates are distributed during counselling.

In previous years, the qualifying threshold has also been reduced at later stages depending on seat availability and vacancies after counselling rounds. In some instances, qualifying scores have even fallen into negative figures for certain categories.

NEET PG 2026 answer key to be released from October 1

This year's examination also brings a significant change in transparency, with NBEMS set to publish the NEET PG answer key and candidates' recorded responses for the first time.

The move follows directions from the Supreme Court on greater transparency in the examination process. Candidates will be able to access details including the question ID, correct answer, recorded response and marks awarded for individual questions through their applicant login.

The answer key will be released separately from the result. According to the NBEMS notice, the answer key and related details will be made available on or after October 1, 2026.

The release will give candidates an opportunity to compare their recorded responses with the official answers even though the NEET PG 2026 result has already been declared.