PGAT 2026: Is 180 Marks a Safe Score for Allahabad University PG

180 marks out of 300 in PGAT 2026 is a safe score for several popular PG courses at the University of Allahabad, but it falls short for highly competitive programs like MA Political Science and MA Economics in the General category.

PGAT 2026 carries a total of 300 marks across 150 multiple-choice questions. Scoring 180 means reaching 60% of the maximum — a solid performance that clears the bar for science, commerce, and several humanities programs, while leaving General category students in a borderline zone for the most sought-after arts programs. The University of Allahabad is expected to release merit lists in multiple rounds from late June 2026, making it useful to know where your score stands before Round 1.

• PGAT 2026 total marks: 300 (150 MCQs, +2 for correct, -0.5 for wrong)
• 180 marks = 60% of total — requires approximately 90 correct answers with no wrong attempts
• For General category: safe for MSc Physics (155+), M.Com (155+), MA Hindi (160+), and MA English (175+)
• For General category: not safe for MA Political Science (215+) and MA Economics (195+) based on 2025 trends
• OBC, EWS, SC, and ST students scoring 180 are broadly safe across most popular PG programs

---

PGAT 2026 Total Marks and Scoring Structure

The Post Graduate Admission Test (PGAT) is the common entrance for PG admissions at the University of Allahabad. PGAT is conducted in two tracks: PGAT-I for conventional PG programs (available in both CBT and offline modes) and PGAT-II for professional programs (online only). Both tracks share the same scoring framework.

Section A is common across all PG programs and tests general aptitude. Section B is tailored to your specific subject. Your combined score in both sections forms the merit rank used for seat allocation.

---

What Does 180 Marks Mean in PGAT 2026

180 out of 300 places you at 60% of the maximum. With the negative marking scheme, reaching exactly 180 requires 90 correct answers and no wrong attempts. If you attempted some questions incorrectly, you need more correct answers to offset the deductions.

180 marks sits in the mid-tier zone — solid for science and commerce programs, but potentially insufficient for the most competitive arts programs under the General category based on expected 2026 cutoff trends.

---

Expected PGAT 2026 Cutoffs for Popular PG Courses

The figures below are expected cutoffs based on 2025 admission data and competition levels. These are not confirmed figures. The University of Allahabad will release official merit lists starting late June 2026.

MA Political Science consistently records the highest competition at Allahabad University. With a large applicant pool and limited seats, the General category cutoff has remained above 210 in recent admission cycles. Students targeting MA Political Science or MA Economics in the General category should aim for 200 or above for a comfortable seat margin.

---

Is 180 Marks Safe by Category

Category relaxation at the University of Allahabad results in progressively lower cutoffs for reserved category students. Here is how 180 marks stands across categories based on expected 2026 cutoff trends.

OBC students with 180 marks should note that MA Political Science still carries an expected OBC cutoff above 195, making it competitive even with category relaxation. SC and ST students scoring 180 are comfortably placed across all major departments based on 2025 cutoff trends.

---

Courses Where 180 Is and Is Not a Safe Score (General Category)

For General category students, here is a quick reference on where 180 marks stands against expected 2026 cutoffs for each popular PG program.

Students in the General category targeting high-demand arts programs with 180 marks should keep alternative programs ready from Round 1. Since Allahabad University typically runs 4 to 6 merit list rounds, students in the borderline zone often secure a seat in later rounds as vacancies open from non-joining students.

---