NCET 2026 expected qualifying cutoff for ST category is approximately 288 marks out of 640 — 45% of the total score — based on NTA’s 2024 cutoff norms for reserved categories.
The National Common Entrance Test (NCET) 2026, scheduled for June 12, 2026, is conducted by NTA for admission to the 4-year Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) at Central Universities across India. For Scheduled Tribe (ST) students, the cutoff is set lower than the General category cutoff in line with the Government of India’s 7.5% ST reservation policy. The final cutoff will be published on the official portal after results are declared.
- Total NCET 2026 marks: 640 (181 questions; +4 for correct, ?1 for wrong answer).
- ST qualifying cutoff (expected): 288 marks (approximately 45% of 640), based on 2024 norms.
- General category qualifying cutoff (expected): Approximately 320 marks (50% of 640).
- ST reservation in ITEP seats: 7.5% of total seats at all participating Central Universities.
- Admission cutoff: Set independently by each university; varies by programme and competition level.
| Direct Link to NCET 2026 Official Portal (Active) — exams.nta.nic.in/ncet |
Qualifying Cutoff vs Admission Cutoff for ST Category
NCET cutoff works in two layers. Understanding both helps ST students plan their admission strategy:
- NTA Qualifying Cutoff: The minimum marks NTA sets for a student to be eligible for counselling. For ST category, this is lower than the General category threshold. Based on 2024 data, this is approximately 45% of 640 marks — around 288 marks — for ST students.
- University Admission Cutoff: The closing marks at which a specific university-programme fills its ST seats. Set independently by each university and always at or above the NTA qualifying cutoff.
Students who score at or above the NTA qualifying cutoff become eligible for centralised counselling. Those who cross the university’s admission cutoff for their preferred ITEP programme and category receive a seat.
| Category | Expected Qualifying Marks (out of 640) | Expected Qualifying % |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | ~320 marks | ~50% |
| OBC-NCL | ~288 marks | ~45% |
| SC | ~272 marks | ~42.5% |
| ST | ~288 marks | ~45% |
| PwD | ~256 marks | ~40% |
All figures are expected estimates based on 2024 qualifying norms and will be confirmed by NTA after the NCET 2026 result is declared.
NCET Previous Year Cutoff for ST Category
NCET has been conducted since 2023. The table below captures ST category cutoff trends from available 2023 and 2024 data to help project 2026 expectations.
| Cutoff Parameter | NCET 2023 | NCET 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Total marks | 640 | 640 |
| ST qualifying cutoff (approx.) | ~272 marks (42.5%) | ~288 marks (45%) |
| General qualifying cutoff (approx.) | ~308 marks (48%) | ~320 marks (50%) |
| Gap between ST and General cutoff | ~36 marks | ~32 marks |
| ST admission cutoff range (all universities) | 272–400 marks | 288–420 marks |
The qualifying cutoff has shown a marginal upward trend as the exam matures and more students appear each year. ST students consistently receive a relaxation of 28–40 marks compared to the General category qualifying threshold.
NCET 2026 Expected Cutoff for ST Category
Based on 2024 trends, the NCET 2026 expected qualifying cutoff for ST category is approximately 288 marks out of 640. University-level admission cutoffs are expected to range from 290 to 430 marks for ST students depending on the programme and institution.
| ITEP Stream | ST Expected Qualifying Marks | ST Expected Admission Cutoff Range | General Expected Admission Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| BSc B.Ed. (Science — PCM) | ~288 marks | 300–430 marks | 420–550 marks |
| BSc B.Ed. (Science — PCB) | ~288 marks | 290–410 marks | 410–530 marks |
| BA B.Ed. (Humanities / Arts) | ~288 marks | 290–380 marks | 380–500 marks |
| BCom B.Ed. (Commerce) | ~288 marks | 290–370 marks | 370–480 marks |
All figures are expected based on 2024 trends. NTA will publish the official NCET 2026 cutoff on the result date.
University-wise Expected NCET Cutoff for ST Category
Admission cutoffs vary across universities based on programme demand and available ST seats. High-demand universities in metro cities typically record higher ST closing marks. The figures below are expected estimates based on 2024 trends.
| University | ITEP Programme | ST Expected Closing Marks (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi University (DU) | BSc B.Ed. (Science) | 380–430 marks |
| Delhi University (DU) | BA B.Ed. (Humanities) | 340–390 marks |
| Banaras Hindu University (BHU) | BA B.Ed. / BSc B.Ed. | 310–360 marks |
| Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) | BA B.Ed. / BSc B.Ed. | 300–350 marks |
| University of Hyderabad (UoH) | BA B.Ed. | 290–340 marks |
| Central University of Rajasthan | BSc B.Ed. / BA B.Ed. | 288–320 marks |
Universities in states with higher tribal populations may see more ST applicants, which can raise the closing cutoff. Check individual university portals for final NCET seat allotment cutoffs once counselling begins.
Factors Affecting NCET Cutoff for ST Category
Several variables determine where the NCET 2026 ST cutoff settles:
- Number of ST applicants: More ST students appearing increases competition for the 7.5% reserved seats, pushing the admission cutoff up.
- Exam difficulty: A tougher paper lowers raw scores and the absolute marks cutoff across all categories.
- Normalisation across shifts: NCET is held in multiple shifts. NTA normalises scores so that marks across shifts are comparable. Your shift’s difficulty directly affects your normalised score.
- Seat intake: Universities that expand ITEP intake ease admission pressure; those reducing seats raise the bar for all categories including ST.
- Programme popularity: Science stream seats see more competition, resulting in higher ST closing marks compared to Commerce or Humanities streams.
How to Check NCET 2026 Cutoff
After NTA releases the NCET 2026 result, follow these steps to check the ST category cutoff and your admission eligibility:
- Visit the official NCET portal at exams.nta.nic.in/ncet.
- Click the NCET 2026 Result or Score Card link on the homepage.
- Log in with your application number and date of birth.
- Your scorecard will show your raw marks, normalised marks, and qualifying status.
- Compare your marks against the ST category cutoff list published alongside the result.
- If you qualify, register for ITEP counselling through the link provided on the official portal.
Download and save your NCET 2026 scorecard and admit card — both are required during the counselling and document verification process.
NCET 2026 ST Category Cutoff FAQs
Ques. What is the expected NCET 2026 qualifying cutoff for ST category?
Ans. Based on 2024 norms, the expected NCET 2026 qualifying cutoff for ST category is approximately 288 marks out of 640 — around 45% of the total score. NTA will confirm the official cutoff after the result is declared.
Ques. Is the NCET ST cutoff the same at every Central University?
Ans. No. NTA sets a national qualifying cutoff, but each Central University sets its own admission closing cutoff based on available ST seats and applications received. High-demand universities like DU typically record higher ST closing marks than smaller Central Universities.
Ques. How many marks relaxation do ST students get over General category in NCET?
Ans. Based on previous year data, ST students receive approximately 28–40 marks relaxation compared to the General category qualifying cutoff. For 2026, the General qualifying cutoff is expected around 320 marks while the ST cutoff is expected around 288 marks.
Ques. What percentage of ITEP seats are reserved for ST students?
Ans. As per the Government of India’s reservation policy, 7.5% of ITEP seats at Central Universities are reserved for ST students. This applies uniformly across all participating institutions and all ITEP programme streams.
Ques. When will the official NCET 2026 cutoff be released?
Ans. NTA will release the NCET 2026 official cutoff along with the result on exams.nta.nic.in/ncet/. The result is expected a few weeks after the June 12, 2026 exam date. Individual university admission cutoffs follow during the counselling round.
Ques. What should I do if I score below the NCET ST category qualifying cutoff?
Ans. Students who score below the NTA qualifying cutoff are not eligible to participate in ITEP counselling or seat allotment. You will need to reappear in the next NCET cycle to attempt admission again.
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