NEET SS Cutoff 2026: Out on 23 Jan, Group Wise Qualifying Cutoff and Scorecard Merit List

NEET SS cutoff 2026 is declared by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) along with the results. The qualifying cutoff for NEET SS 2026 is set at the 50th percentile across all 13 specialty groups. The highest cutoff was recorded for the Microbiology group at 389 marks out of 600, while the Medical group had the lowest cutoff at 225 marks.

The NEET SS January 2026 result was officially declared on January 23, 2026, with group-wise qualifying cutoffs available at natboard.edu.in.

Here are the key details about NEET SS 2026 cutoff:

• The qualifying percentile for all groups is 50th percentile, ensuring only the top half of candidates qualify for counselling.
• Microbiology group recorded the highest cutoff at 389 marks, followed by other diagnostic specialties.
• You need to score above 350 marks for a safe score in most competitive specialty groups like Cardiology and Neurosurgery.
• The Medical group offers the lowest entry barrier at 225 marks, making it accessible for more candidates.
• Top institutes like AIIMS and PGI require scores above 400-450 marks for admission in popular specialties.
• The cutoff marks increased by 5-10 marks compared to 2025 in most diagnostic and imaging-based specialties.
• Counselling for qualified candidates begins in February 2026 through the MCC (Medical Counselling Committee).

NEET SS Cutoff 2026: Important Dates

The NEET SS 2026 cutoff timeline follows a structured schedule set by NBEMS. Understanding these dates helps candidates plan their preparation and counselling strategy effectively.

• NEET SS is conducted twice a year — January and December sessions — providing multiple opportunities for candidates.
• Results are typically declared 3-4 weeks after the exam, allowing time for evaluation and verification.
• Scorecards become available 10-15 days after result declaration on the official portal.
• The counselling process starts immediately after scorecard release through MCC portal.

Factors Affecting NEET SS Cutoff

Several key factors influence the NEET SS cutoff each year. Understanding these factors helps candidates gauge the expected cutoff trends and plan their preparation accordingly.

• Number of candidates appearing: Higher candidate registration typically pushes the cutoff upward due to increased competition for the same number of seats.
• Exam difficulty level: A relatively easier paper results in higher overall scores, leading to elevated cutoff marks across all specialty groups.
• Seat availability per group: Specialty groups with fewer available seats witness higher cutoffs, especially competitive areas like Cardiology and Neurosurgery.
• Previous year trends: The cutoff generally follows an upward trajectory, with 5-10 marks annual increase observed across most groups.
• Performance distribution: The 50th percentile benchmark means the cutoff directly correlates with the median performance of all candidates.
• Specialty demand patterns: High-demand diagnostic specialties like Microbiology and Pathology consistently show higher cutoffs than clinical groups.
• Policy changes by NBEMS: Any modifications in exam pattern, marking scheme, or counselling process can impact cutoff calculations.

This year, the cutoff marks are influenced by the steady growth in super specialty aspirants, with diagnostic specialties seeing the steepest competition due to their research-oriented career prospects.

NEET SS Group-Wise Cutoff 2026

The NEET SS cutoff varies significantly across the 13 specialty groups. Each group’s cutoff reflects the demand-supply ratio and the competitive landscape for that particular super specialty area.

The Microbiology group continues to maintain the highest cutoff at 389 marks, representing the most competitive specialty in NEET SS. Diagnostic specialties like Radiodiagnosis and Pathology also command high cutoffs due to their research potential and good work-life balance prospects.

The Medical group, despite having the lowest cutoff, offers diverse super specialty options including Cardiology, Gastroenterology, and Neurology, making it an attractive choice for many candidates.

NEET SS Qualifying vs Admission Cutoff

Understanding the difference between qualifying cutoff and admission cutoff is crucial for NEET SS candidates. While the qualifying cutoff makes you eligible for counselling, the admission cutoff determines your actual seat allocation chances.

The qualifying cutoff for NEET SS 2026 is set at the 50th percentile across all groups. This means you need to score at or above this percentile to participate in counselling. However, securing admission requires much higher scores, especially for competitive colleges and popular specialties.

NEET SS Previous Year Cutoff Trends

Analyzing previous year cutoff trends helps candidates understand the trajectory of competition and plan their target scores accordingly. The NEET SS cutoff has shown consistent upward movement across all specialty groups.

The most significant trend is the rapid rise in diagnostic specialties cutoffs. Microbiology group cutoff increased by 39 marks over five years, while Radiodiagnosis and Pathology witnessed increases of 25 marks each. This reflects the growing preference for laboratory-based and diagnostic specialties among super specialty aspirants.

Clinical specialties like Medical and Surgical groups show more moderate increases of 20 marks over five years. However, within these groups, competitive sub-specialties like Cardiology and Neurosurgery require much higher scores for admission to good institutes.

Based on this trend, candidates should target 15-20 marks above the current cutoff for 2027 preparation, especially for diagnostic specialties where the competition is intensifying faster.

NEET SS Cutoff for Top Colleges

Top medical institutes in India have their own effective cutoffs that are significantly higher than the qualifying cutoffs set by NBEMS. These institutional cutoffs vary based on reputation, faculty quality, and research opportunities.

AIIMS New Delhi remains the most competitive institute across all specialties, with cutoffs often exceeding 500 marks even for Medical group specialties. PGI Chandigarh follows closely, particularly for surgical specialties where it has an excellent reputation.

The newer AIIMS institutes (Bhopal, Jodhpur, Rishikesh) offer relatively lower cutoffs while maintaining good academic standards. These institutes are excellent options for candidates scoring in the 420-480 range.

NEET SS Marks vs Rank Linkage

The relationship between marks and ranks in NEET SS helps candidates estimate their position and college admission chances. This linkage varies each year based on overall candidate performance and paper difficulty.

The marks-to-rank conversion shows that even small mark differences create significant rank gaps at higher score ranges. A 10-mark difference in the 450+ range can mean 200-300 rank difference, directly impacting college and specialty choices.

Candidates scoring 400+ marks have good chances for admission in government colleges, while those below 350 marks face limited options and should consider private colleges or retaking the exam.

NEET SS Counselling Process

The NEET SS counselling process is conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for All India Quota seats and by respective state authorities for state quota seats. Understanding this process helps candidates make informed choices during seat allotment.

• Registration phase: Qualified candidates register online on the MCC portal with required documents and counselling fee payment.
• Choice filling: Candidates fill their college and course preferences in order of priority, which can be modified until the deadline.
• Seat allotment: Based on rank, category, and filled choices, seats are allotted through multiple rounds of counselling.
• Reporting and admission: Allotted candidates must report to their assigned college within the specified timeframe to confirm admission.
• Subsequent rounds: Additional rounds are conducted for vacant seats, allowing candidates to upgrade or secure fresh allotments.

The All India Quota accounts for 50% of total seats, while the remaining 50% falls under state quotas. Candidates should strategically fill choices considering both quotas for maximum admission chances.

How to Check NEET SS Cutoff

Checking the NEET SS cutoff is a straightforward process through the official NBEMS portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to access the cutoff information:

1. Visit the official website: Go to natboard.edu.in, the official portal of the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences.
2. Navigate to NEET SS section: Click on the ’Entrance Examination’ tab and select ’NEET SS’ from the dropdown menu.
3. Find result notification: Look for the latest result notification or cutoff announcement on the homepage or notifications section.
4. Download PDF: Click on the cutoff notification link to download the official PDF containing group-wise qualifying marks.
5. Verify your group: Check the cutoff for your specific specialty group and compare it with your obtained marks.
6. Check scorecard: Download your individual scorecard using login credentials for detailed performance analysis.

The cutoff PDF contains comprehensive information including group-wise qualifying marks, total candidates appeared, and qualifying candidates count. Keep this document handy for counselling reference.

Always verify cutoff information from the official NBEMS website only. Avoid relying on unofficial sources that may contain incorrect or outdated information.