NEET PG 2026 cut-off lowest in 6 years

The NEET PG 2026 results were declared on September 24, giving lakhs of medical graduates their ranks and scores, but one number immediately stood out: the qualifying cut-off.

For General and EWS candidates, the cut-off is now 262 marks, corresponding to the 50th percentile. It is 244 marks for General PwBD candidates and 226 for SC, ST and OBC candidates, including PwBD candidates from these categories.

That makes 2026 particularly notable when the qualifying scores are placed alongside the previous six years. This year's cutoff has been the lowest since 2021 for all categories.

Experts explain what may be driving the decline, and what does that fall actually tell us about NEET PG and the students appearing for it?

The first thing experts point out is that the qualifying percentile itself has not changed in 2026. General/EWS candidates still need



the 50th percentile, while the threshold remains 45th percentile for General PwBD and 40th percentile for SC, ST and OBC candidates.

Dr Rohan Krishnan, chief patron and co-founder of FAIMA Doctors Association, says the lower score should not automatically be seen as an easier route into postgraduate medical education.

“This year’s fall in the NEET-PG cut-off should not simply be interpreted as an easier route to postgraduate medical education,” he said.

According to him, the changing examination pattern, tougher competition and the growing number of coaching options have created a different preparation environment for medical students.

“Instead of helping students build conceptual clarity, multiple sources, conflicting strategies and excessive study material can leave them confused about what and how to prepare,” Krishnan said.