The medical entrance exam NEET-PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate courses) has undergone a significant policy revision: the cut-off score has now been fixed at 40 marks out of a total of 800. This decision standardizes minimum eligibility, making it simpler for candidates to understand the benchmark required to qualify for postgraduate medical admissions.
Previously, the cut-off percentage for General category candidates could vary year-to-year based on exam difficulty and overall performance. The new fixed cut-off introduces predictability into the system.
What the Fixed Cut-Off Means for Aspirants
Under the updated policy:
- All NEET-PG candidates — regardless of test performance trends — must score at least 40 out of 800 to be eligible for counselling and admission processes.
- Candidates scoring below 40 will not qualify for postgraduate medical seat allocation.
This fixed minimum score applies to all categories, although separate ranks and percentile considerations may still impact final seat allocations.
Why the Change Was Introduced
Medical educators and regulators have long debated how to set fair and transparent eligibility standards for NEET-PG, one of the most competitive exams for doctors seeking MD, MS and diploma courses.
Under the old system, cut-offs were influenced by statistical analysis of performance and exam difficulty levels. This often resulted in confusion among aspirants, who found it difficult to predict qualification chances before results.
The new fixed numerical threshold is intended to:
- Simplify eligibility criteria
- Make predictions easier for future candidates
- Reduce uncertainty linked to annual variations
- Streamline the counselling process
Officials say the cut-off of 40 was chosen after analysing historical data and setting a baseline that reflects minimum competence.
Impact on Medical Students and Counselling
For students preparing for NEET-PG, the fixed cut-off has several implications:
Predictable Target
A clear numerical mark gives aspirants a firm target to aim for, potentially helping in strategic planning and study pacing.
Equalization Across Years
With a fixed score, candidates from different exam cycles can assess eligibility without needing complex percentile comparisons.
Focus on Merit Ranking
Even after crossing the minimum eligibility bar, actual seat allocation will still depend heavily on merit ranking, reservation categories and counselling choices.
Background: NEET-PG and India’s Medical Education System
NEET-PG is the standard entrance exam used across India for admission to postgraduate medical courses including MD, MS and PG diplomas. It is known for high competition due to limited seats and a large number of candidates.
In recent years, discussions around cut-off behaviours, percentile thresholds and fairness have increased, prompting regulators to explore reforms that would make eligibility criteria more transparent.
The fixed 40-mark cut-off is part of these reforms, designed to balance fairness with academic standards.
What Students Should Do Next
If you are preparing for NEET-PG:
- Focus on achieving a solid base score above 40 as a first goal
- Continue building strength in all subject areas to improve your merit ranking
- Monitor counselling updates and category-wise seat distribution after results
Summary
The NEET-PG qualifying score in India has been fixed at 40 out of 800 marks, replacing the earlier variable cut-off system. This change introduces a predictable minimum eligibility mark for all medical aspirants seeking postgraduate seats. While scoring above 40 is now mandatory, merit ranking and counselling outcomes will remain the deciding factors for actual admissions to MD, MS and diploma courses.
