NEET UG 2026 Expected Qualifying Cutoff for SC and ST Category

NEET UG 2026 expected qualifying cutoff for SC and ST category is predicted to be between 120 and 130 marks out of 720, based on previous year trends — students from these categories must score at or above this threshold to be eligible for MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH counselling.

NTA is expected to announce the NEET UG 2026 result and official qualifying cutoff on July 18, 2026. For SC and ST categories, the qualifying criterion is the 40th percentile of all OBC/SC/ST students who appeared in that cycle. Using five years of historical data, students can assess whether their expected score comfortably meets the qualifying benchmark before the official numbers are out.

• NEET UG total marks: 720 (180 questions × 4 marks each)
• SC/ST/OBC qualifying percentile: 40th percentile
• Expected 2026 SC and ST qualifying cutoff: 120–130 marks out of 720
• 2024 SC/ST/OBC qualifying cutoff: 129 marks
• 2023 SC/ST/OBC qualifying cutoff: 107 marks
• Clearing the qualifying cutoff makes you eligible for counselling — it does not guarantee a seat.

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What is NEET UG Qualifying Cutoff for SC and ST?

The NEET UG qualifying cutoff is the minimum score students must achieve to be eligible for admission to MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH courses through the MCC and state counselling authorities. NTA announces the category-wise qualifying cutoff along with the NEET UG result. Scoring at or above the qualifying cutoff only establishes your eligibility for counselling — actual seat allotment depends on your rank and the available SC/ST quota seats.

For SC and ST students, the qualifying threshold is the 40th percentile of all OBC/SC/ST students who appeared in NEET UG that year. This is lower than the General category threshold of the 50th percentile, as mandated by the reservation policy. Both SC and ST categories share the same qualifying percentile and typically the same minimum qualifying marks each year.

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Previous Year NEET UG Qualifying Cutoff for SC and ST

The SC and ST qualifying cutoff in NEET UG has ranged from 93 to 129 marks over the past five years, shifting with exam difficulty and the size of the appearing cohort. This historical range helps students set a realistic preparation target.

The sharp increase from 93 marks in 2022 to 129 marks in 2024 reflects growing competition and a larger appearing cohort in recent cycles. In 2024, over 24 lakh students registered for NEET UG, pushing the 40th percentile threshold higher than in any preceding year. The 2022 cutoff was unusually low due to a tougher paper, making that year an outlier in the overall upward trend.

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NEET UG 2026 Expected Qualifying Cutoff for SC and ST

Based on the five-year trend from 2020 to 2024, the expected NEET UG 2026 qualifying cutoff for SC and ST category is predicted to be between 120 and 130 marks out of 720. This estimate assumes a moderate difficulty level comparable to 2023–2024 and a similar number of aspirants appearing this cycle.

These are expected figures based on previous year trends and have not been officially confirmed by NTA. Students from SC and ST categories who have scored 130 marks or above are likely to meet the qualifying threshold comfortably. For a competitive chance at government medical college seats under the reserved quota, aiming for 400 marks and above is advisable based on historical counselling closing ranks.

The official NEET UG 2026 qualifying cutoff will be published on neet.nta.nic.in alongside the result on July 18, 2026.

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Factors Affecting NEET UG Qualifying Cutoff for SC and ST

The qualifying cutoff is recalculated each year and is not a fixed number. Understanding what drives it helps students interpret the prediction range and plan accordingly:

• Total appearing students: More aspirants in the OBC/SC/ST pool generally push the 40th percentile score higher, as a larger sample raises the threshold mark.
• Paper difficulty level: An easier exam raises average scores across the board, lifting the 40th percentile mark. A harder paper lowers it — the 2022 cutoff of 93 is a direct example of this effect.
• NTA normalisation and correction: In cycles where grace marks are awarded or paper corrections are applied, the cutoff can shift in unexpected ways, as seen during the 2024 controversy.
• Expansion of MBBS and BDS seats: While the qualifying cutoff is percentile-driven rather than seat-driven, a larger seat pool can subtly influence aspirant confidence and participation.
• Category-wise performance distribution: The 40th percentile is computed only among OBC/SC/ST appearing students — not the entire appearing cohort — so the performance pattern within this group directly determines the qualifying mark.