The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the gateway for students aspiring to pursue medical courses in India. It is the only entrance examination for admissions to undergraduate medical courses like MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH courses in various medical colleges across the country. One of the most common questions among NEET aspirants is, “How many marks are required in NEET for MBBS?”
Understanding the minimum qualifying marks and the score required for securing a seat in a government or private medical college is crucial. This article will provide comprehensive insights and guide you through the NEET marks you should aim for to qualify for MBBS.
NEET Passing Marks for MBBS
The NEET examination consists of 200 multiple-choice questions, divided into Physics, Chemistry, and Biology sections. The total score possible is 720. To be eligible for admission to an MBBS program, students must achieve a score that meets the minimum marks required in NEET for MBBS.
General Category
- Minimum qualifying marks: 50th percentile
- Approximate marks required: 600+ (This is based on previous years’ data; it may vary annually).
Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC)
- Minimum qualifying marks: 40th percentile
- Approximate marks required: 450+ (varies each year, depending on the difficulty level and competition).
Understanding the NEET Cutoff
The NEET cutoff varies every year, depending on factors like the difficulty level of the exam, the number of students appearing, and the number of available seats. The minimum marks required in NEET for MBBS to qualify can differ between government and private medical colleges.
NEET Cutoff Percentiles for 2024 (Example Data for Reference)
| Category | Percentile | Marks Required (Out of 720) |
| General | 50th | 720-162 |
| General – Physically Handicapped (PH) | 45th | 161-144 |
| SC/ST/OBC | 40th | 161-127 |
| SC/OBC – PH | 40th | 143-127 |
| ST – PH | 40th | 139-127 |
NEET Marks Required for Private Medical Colleges
Admission to private medical colleges generally has lower cutoffs compared to government colleges, but the competition remains tough. The NEET marks for MBBS in private colleges can vary:
- Top private colleges: 550+ marks.
- Mid-tier private colleges: 500-550 marks.
- Lower-tier private colleges: 450-500 marks.
NEET Marks for MBBS in Government Colleges
Admission to government medical colleges is highly competitive, requiring higher marks due to the limited number of seats. The minimum rank required in NEET for MBBS in government colleges can vary based on the state and the number of seats available.
- Average Marks for Government Colleges (2024 Example- General Category)
- Top-tier colleges: 650+ marks are usually needed.
- Mid-tier colleges: 580-650 marks can suffice.
- Lower-tier colleges: 500-580 marks might be adequate, depending on the state.
NEET Passing Marks and Admission Trends
Each year, the admission trends shift based on several factors, such as the increase in the number of applicants and changes in exam difficulty. The minimum marks required in NEET for MBBS can vary significantly based on these trends.
In the past years, securing a mark above 600 has generally been considered safe for admission to prestigious government medical colleges, while marks between 450-550 have been competitive for mid-tier institutions.
Factors Influencing NEET Marks for Admission
- Difficulty Level of the Exam: The higher the difficulty level, the lower the cutoff.
- Number of Candidates: A surge in the number of candidates can raise the cutoff.
- State Quotas: Some states have their own reservation policies and cutoffs.
- Seat Availability: The more seats available, the lower the minimum rank required in NEET for MBBS in government colleges.
How Much Marks Are Required to Get a Good Rank in NEET?
To achieve a rank within the top 10,000, you need to score well above 650. For ranks under 20,000, a score of approximately 600-650 is generally sufficient.
The minimum rank required in NEET for MBBS in government colleges varies across states, but generally, aiming for a score above 550 ensures a better chance of getting admission into a government college.
NEET Marks Distribution and Percentile Calculation
The percentile is calculated based on the relative performance of all candidates who appeared for the NEET exam. The minimum marks required in NEET for MBBS depend on this percentile. To understand the relationship between marks and percentile, consider the following guidelines:
- Above 650 marks: Top 5,000-10,000 ranks.
- 600-650 marks: 10,000-20,000 ranks.
- 450-550 marks: 30,000-50,000 ranks.
Important Tips to Improve NEET Scores
Now that you know how much marks required for NEET, here are some tips to help you prepare for this exam-
- Selecting the Right Institute: Choose an institute with a strong track record in NEET preparation, experienced faculty, and well-structured study materials to enhance your chances of success.
- Regular Practice: Consistently solve previous year’s question papers and mock tests.
- Time Management: Practice time management strategies to optimize performance during the exam.
- Concept Clarity: Focus on understanding the core concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Revision Strategy: Review important topics and formulas regularly to retain information.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a balanced diet, get adequate sleep, and stay hydrated to keep your mind fresh.
- Avoid Last-Minute Cramming: Plan your study schedule well in advance to avoid unnecessary stress before the exam.
Preparing for NEET 2025?
Securing a seat in an MBBS program through NEET requires thorough preparation and a focused strategy. While the passing marks in NEET out of 720 can vary annually, achieving a score above 600 is considered competitive for admission to government colleges, especially for general category candidates. Reserved category candidates have a relatively lower threshold, but competition is still fierce.
If you aim to pursue MBBS in India, focus on understanding the minimum marks required in NEET for MBBS, and align your preparation strategy to exceed those marks. The higher your score, the better your chances of securing a seat in your preferred college.
FAQs on How Many Marks are Required in NEET for MBBS
The minimum marks required in NEET for MBBS are around the 50th percentile for general candidates, typically 600+ out of 720.
The minimum marks for OBC in NEET to get government college or private college generally range between 120-160 based on past trends.
The minimum rank and marks vary every year based on exam complexity, number of students, and other factors. But based on past trends, you should aim to score above 550 to get an MBBS seat in government colleges.
Yes, for reserved category students, scoring 500 marks can be sufficient, but it depends on the year’s competition and state quota.
A score above 650 is usually required to be in the top 5,000-10,000 ranks, while 600-650 can secure ranks up to 20,000.
Also Read:
- Best Time Table for NEET Preparation 2025
- How to Score 700+ Marks in NEET 2025 Exam
- NEET UG vs NEET PG
- NEET vs JEE: Choosing the Right Path for Your Future
- Chapter Wise Weightage for NEET 2025
- Dress Code for NEET 2025
- Will NEET 2025 be tough?
- NEET Total Marks 2024
- NRI Quota in NEET 2025
