The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2025 is one of the most competitive medical entrance exams in India. With over 20 lakh aspirants appearing for the exam each year, understanding the expected cutoff is crucial for candidates to gauge their chances of securing admission to top medical colleges.
Key Takeaways on NEET 2025 Expected Cutoff
- The overall NEET 2025 cutoff is expected to be slightly lower compared to previous years
- General category cutoff projected between 720-155 marks out of 720
- Reserved category cutoffs likely to range from 154-125 marks
- Factors like increased seats and exam difficulty may lead to lower cutoffs
- Top government colleges still expected to have very high cutoffs above 650 marks
Category-wise NEET 2025 Expected Cutoff
| Category | Qualifying Percentile | Expected Cutoff Score |
|---|---|---|
| General | 50th | 720 - 155 |
| OBC/SC/ST | 40th | 154 - 125 |
| General-PwD | 45th | 154 - 135 |
| OBC/SC/ST-PwD | 40th | 135 - 125 |
Why NEET 2025 Cutoff is Expected to be Lower
Several factors point to a potential decline in the NEET 2025 cutoff:
1. Increased Seat Availability
The number of MBBS and BDS seats has been steadily rising. NEET 2024 offered approximately 1.27 lakh seats (1,09,145 MBBS and 27,868 BDS). For 2025, an additional 5,000–10,000 seats are expected due to new colleges. More seats typically lead to lower cutoffs as competition decreases for each available spot.
2. Changes in Exam Pattern and Difficulty
The NEET 2025 exam pattern has seen some changes, including the removal of optional questions and a reduction in exam duration by 20 minutes. If the overall difficulty level increases compared to previous years, it could result in lower average scores and consequently, lower cutoffs.
3. Demographic Shifts
With over 20.8 lakh candidates expected to appear for NEET 2025 (slightly fewer than last year), any changes in the candidate pool can impact overall performance and cutoffs.
What This Means for Aspirants
While the overall cutoff might be lower, competition for top colleges will remain fierce. Here's what candidates should keep in mind:
- Aim high: For premier institutions like AIIMS Delhi, scores above 650-680 may still be necessary.
- Consider all options: With more seats available, explore a wider range of colleges and courses.
- Focus on your percentile: Your relative performance matters more than absolute marks.
- Stay updated: Keep track of official announcements and counseling procedures.
Preparing for NEET 2025
While cutoffs provide a benchmark, thorough preparation remains key to success in NEET. Here are some tips:
- Master the NCERT syllabus thoroughly
- Practice with previous year question papers and mock tests
- Focus on your weak areas and time management
- Stay healthy and manage stress effectively
- Consider joining a reputable coaching program if needed
Remember, while understanding cutoffs is important, your primary focus should be on giving your best performance on exam day. With dedicated preparation and the right strategy, you can maximize your chances of achieving your medical education goals through NEET 2025.
