NEET PG 2025 Cut-off Slashed: 0 Percentile, -40 Marks for SC/ST/OBC

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has significantly reduced the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET PG 2025) qualifying cut-offs. This revision makes postgraduate medical admissions accessible to a broader pool of candidates. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) will soon release the updated schedule for NEET PG Round 3 counselling on its official website, mcc.nic.in.

Revised Cut-off Scores Announced

NBEMS announced substantial changes to the minimum qualifying criteria for all categories. The previous 50th percentile for General/EWS candidates has dropped significantly to the 7th percentile. This revision adjusts the required cut-off score from 276 to 103 marks , opening doors for many more general category aspirants.

For General PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) candidates, the qualifying percentile now stands at 5th, a decrease from the earlier 45th percentile. Their required score has moved from 255 to 90 marks .

The most notable reduction impacts candidates from SC, ST, and OBC categories, including PwBD candidates within these groups. Their qualifying percentile has been lowered from the 40th percentile to the 0th percentile . This translates to a minimum score of -40 marks for eligibility. This unprecedented change means any candidate who attempted the exam and achieved a score above -40 marks is now considered eligible to participate in the postgraduate medical admission counselling process, vastly expanding the pool of qualified applicants.

Understanding the Changes

The NEET PG examination is the gateway for admissions to various Master of Surgery (MS), Doctor of Medicine (MD), and PG Diploma programs across India. NBEMS conducts this crucial entrance examination. The NEET PG 2025 results were initially declared on August 19.

These revised cut-offs serve a crucial purpose: to effectively fill vacant postgraduate medical seats across the country. By significantly lowering the eligibility criteria, a larger number of candidates become qualified to participate in the counselling process. This strategy aims to ensure that available medical education positions are utilized, thereby strengthening the medical workforce and optimizing the nation’s healthcare infrastructure. The move also helps in addressing regional disparities in doctor availability.

NEET PG 2025 Cut-off Comparison

Category Previous Qualifying Criteria Previous Cut-off Score Revised Qualifying Criteria Revised Cut-off Scores
General/EWS 50th Percentile 276 7th Percentile 103
General PwBD 45th Percentile 255 5th Percentile 90
SC/ST/OBC
(Including PwBD of SC/ST/OBC)
40th Percentile 235 0th Percentile -40

Round 3 Counselling to Resume

Following the percentile adjustments, the MCC is preparing to resume the third round of NEET PG 2025 counselling. Candidates who now meet the revised eligibility criteria, or those already eligible, should monitor the MCC website for immediate announcements. The updated schedule will detail registration dates, choice filling options, and the availability of the seat matrix.

Participation in Round 3 counselling requires prompt action from candidates. They must register, submit their choices of colleges and courses, and lock their selections within the specified timeframe. Missing these deadlines will result in forfeiture of an admission opportunity. The MCC’s official portal,mcc.nic.in, remains the primary source for all authentic updates and instructions regarding the counselling process.

What Candidates Must Do Next

All eligible candidates must regularly check the MCC’s official website. Official notifications will provide the exact dates and procedures for Round 3 registration and choice filling. Candidates must review the revised seat matrix to identify available postgraduate medical seats. Staying informed through mcc.nic.in ensures no crucial updates are missed for NEET PG 2025 admissions.