The NEET 2026 cutoff for UP state general category is the single most critical number every Uttar Pradesh MBBS aspirant is searching for right now. Whether you are a general category student targeting KGMU Lucknow, an OBC candidate aiming for a state quota seat, or an SC/ST aspirant trying to understand your realistic chances — this complete guide covers everything. From qualifying percentile marks to actual admission cutoffs, AIIMS benchmarks, OBC/SC/ST category differences, previous year trends, and expert strategies, this article is your one-stop resource. For step-by-step admission help, also visit Matrise’s NEET Admission 2026 guide.
Understanding NEET 2026 Cutoff for UP State General Category: Two Types You Must Know
Before diving into numbers, it is essential to understand that there are two very different types of NEET cutoffs. Mixing them up is the most common mistake students and parents make.
| Cutoff Type | What It Means | Who Sets It | For General Category (Expected 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifying Cutoff | Minimum marks to pass NEET and become eligible for counselling | NTA (National Testing Agency) | ~140–165 marks (50th percentile) |
| Admission Cutoff | Actual closing marks/rank at which MBBS seats fill up in counselling | MCC (AIQ) / DGME UP (State Quota) | ~550–620+ marks for UP Govt. Colleges |
The qualifying cutoff is the minimum marks needed to pass NEET and become eligible for counselling. The admission cutoff is the actual score at which MBBS/BDS seats close during counselling, usually much higher.
NEET 2026 Expected Qualifying Cutoff: Category-Wise Marks & Percentile
The qualifying percentile of NEET UG has already been notified by NTA. The qualifying percentile of NEET UG remains the same every year. However, the actual marks corresponding to that percentile change depending on the exam’s difficulty level.
As per the NEET 2026 paper analysis, the difficulty level of the exam was easy to moderate. Hence, the NEET cutoff 2026 may go higher this year.
| Category | Required Percentile | Expected Qualifying Marks (2026) | NEET 2025 Actual Cutoff (Reference) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | 50th Percentile | ~140–165 marks | 144–686 marks |
| OBC (NCL) | 40th Percentile | ~107–128 marks | 113–143 marks |
| SC | 40th Percentile | ~107–128 marks | 113–143 marks |
| ST | 40th Percentile | ~107–128 marks | 113–143 marks |
| UR / EWS – PwD | 45th Percentile | ~128–140 marks | 113–143 marks |
| SC / ST / OBC – PwD | 40th Percentile | ~107–128 marks | 113 marks |
The NEET cutoff 2026 percentile of 50 for the general category means that to qualify, you must score higher than exactly 50% of the total candidates who appeared for the exam that year. If 25 lakh students take the test, you must be in the top 12.5 lakh to qualify.
NEET 2026 Cutoff for UP State General Category: Government College Admission Marks
This is where the real competition begins. While qualifying is step one, securing an actual seat in a Government Medical College (GMC) is an entirely different battle. The competition is fierce, and the margin for error is razor-thin.
As per past trends, the state quota cutoff is always lower by 50–60 marks than the AIQ cutoff for the general category, as competition is only within the domicile. This is good news for UP domicile candidates — your state quota gives you a real advantage.
| Category | UP State Quota (Expected) | All India Quota (Expected) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | 550–620 marks | 615–650+ marks | Competitive |
| OBC (NCL) | 520–580 marks | 590–615 marks | Moderate |
| SC | 420–490 marks | 520–550 marks | Easier |
| ST | 380–450 marks | 490–530 marks | Easier |
| Private Colleges (Gen) | 400–500 marks | — | Lower Bar |
The expected NEET UG cutoff for the general category candidates will be 620–680+ marks and 570–620+ marks for the All India Quota and State quota, respectively, for a seat in government MBBS colleges. The OBC category candidates are expected to require 590–610 marks and 550–590 marks for the All India Quota and State quota, respectively.
For example, if the general closing mark in UP is 575, the SC closing mark is typically around 410–435 and ST around 375–400. This shows how reservation policies meaningfully ease the entry threshold for reserved categories.
To understand how UP counselling works alongside these cutoffs, read our comprehensive UP NEET UG Counselling 2026 guide.
Score Zones: Where Do You Stand for UP MBBS 2026?
Use this quick reference to understand your admission chances in UP government medical colleges as a general category candidate:
NEET 2026 Cut Off for Government Colleges: AIQ vs UP State Quota Compared
Many students do not realise that two parallel cutoffs exist — one for All India Quota (AIQ) seats under MCC and one for state quota seats under DGME UP. Here is a clear side-by-side breakdown:
| Parameter | AIQ (15% Seats – MCC) | UP State Quota (85% Seats – DGME UP) |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Share | 15% of total seats | 85% of total seats |
| Conducted By | MCC – mcc.nic.in | DGME UP – upneet.gov.in |
| General Category Expected Cutoff | 615–650+ marks | 550–620 marks |
| OBC Expected Cutoff | 590–615 marks | 520–580 marks |
| SC Expected Cutoff | 520–550 marks | 420–490 marks |
| Eligibility for UP Domicile | Open to all India | UP Domicile Required (Govt. Seats) |
| Competition Level | Pan-India – Highest | UP candidates only – Relatively lower |
| AIIMS Included? | Yes (via AIQ/INI-CET) | No |
The All India Quota (AIQ) counselling handles 15% of seats, usually requiring a very high cutoff (620+ for General). State Quota handles 85% of seats, and cutoffs here are generally lower and vary drastically from state to state depending on local competition.
Therefore, UP domicile candidates have a significant strategic advantage in the state quota. You compete only against fellow UP residents, which lowers the effective cutoff compared to the pan-India competition for AIQ seats. Always register on both portals — mcc.nic.in and upneet.gov.in — to maximize your chances. For full registration guidance, visit our UP NEET UG Counselling 2026 complete guide.
NEET 2026 Cutoff for AIIMS General Category
AIIMS represents the pinnacle of government medical education in India. The NEET 2026 cutoff for AIIMS is in a completely different league compared to regular government colleges.
| Institute | Category | Expected Score | Expected Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| AIIMS New Delhi | General | 700–720 | Top 50–100 |
| AIIMS Lucknow | General | 680–700 | Top 200–500 |
| AIIMS Gorakhpur | General | 665–685 | Top 500–1,500 |
| Other New AIIMS | General | 650–670 | Top 1,500–4,000 |
| AIIMS (OBC) | OBC | 650–680 | — |
| AIIMS (SC) | SC | 580–630 | — |
For top AIIMS, general category candidates typically need 700+ marks. The cutoff rank for the General category is expected to be under 100 for AIIMS New Delhi, with a score ranging from 690+. For other top colleges such as MAMC, VMMC and Safdarjung, the closing cutoff rank for UR will be 50–600, with scores ranging from 670–705.
NEET 2026 Cut Off for OBC: UP Government Colleges
OBC candidates in UP benefit from reservation under the 27% OBC category. However, for General and EWS categories, the cutoff tends to be higher because of intense competition. OBC cutoffs are slightly lower, while SC and ST categories have comparatively lower thresholds due to reservation benefits. But this difference is not as wide as many assume.
- Qualifying Cutoff: ~107–128 marks (40th percentile)
- Admission Cutoff – UP Govt. Colleges: ~520–580 marks
- Safe Score Recommendation: 560+ marks for UP state quota
- AIQ Admission Cutoff: ~590–615 marks
OBC candidates need to score at the 40th percentile to qualify NEET — expected around 107–136 marks. For government MBBS seats under OBC reservation, expect to need 520–580 marks depending on the state.
The Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) enjoy a slight reservation benefit, but due to the sheer volume of applicants in these pools, the cutoff relief is marginal. A safe expected admission score for these categories will likely fall in the 610–625 marks range for All India Quota seats.
NEET 2026 Cut Off for SC Category: UP Government Colleges
SC category candidates in Uttar Pradesh benefit from 21% reservation under state quota. The SC/ST category candidates are expected to require 520–550 marks and 420–490 marks for the All India Quota and State quota, respectively.
| Quota Type | Expected Score (SC – UP) | Expected Score (ST – UP) |
|---|---|---|
| UP State Quota (Govt. Colleges) | 420–490 marks | 380–450 marks |
| All India Quota (AIQ) | 520–550 marks | 490–530 marks |
| Private Colleges (UP) | 300–400 marks | 300–400 marks |
Across major states, SC category candidates typically need approximately 150–180 marks less than General category candidates to secure a government MBBS seat under state quota. ST candidates may need 180–210 marks less.
NEET 2026 Cut Off for UP: Previous Year Trends (2022–2025)
Studying historical cutoff data is the most reliable way to understand where the 2026 cutoff might land. In recent years, rising competition has pushed cutoffs higher across almost all categories. That’s why it’s not enough to just clear the cutoff. The actual difference comes from how far above the cutoff you are.
| Year | General Category (Marks) | OBC/SC/ST (Marks) | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEET 2025 | 144–686 | 113–143 | Moderate to Tough |
| NEET 2024 | 164–720 | 129–163 | Easy to Moderate |
| NEET 2023 | 137–720 | 107–136 | Moderate |
| NEET 2022 | 117–720 | 93–116 | Moderate to Tough |
| NEET 2026 (Expected) | ~140–165 | ~107–128 | Easy to Moderate |
The qualifying NEET 2025 cutoff marks for General category candidates was 144. Last year it was 162. As expected, the NEET 2025 cutoff for General category candidates was lower than the previous year. The reason is that the difficulty level of NEET was tougher that year compared to the year before.
For 2026, the difficulty level of NEET 2026 was easy and hence the cutoff of NEET 2026 will be on a higher side. This means both the qualifying marks and the admission cutoff for UP government colleges are likely to edge higher compared to 2025.
What Factors Determine the NEET 2026 Cutoff for UP?
The cutoff is not arbitrary. It is driven by measurable variables. Understanding these helps you predict your admission chances more accurately:
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1
Total Number of Applicants
As per NTA’s released data, a total of 22.05 lakh students appeared for NEET UG exam this year. Although this is a decrease of 4,283 students from last year, it can influence the NEET cutoff. The more the number of students appearing for exams, the more the competition, and hence a slightly higher cutoff.
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2
Exam Difficulty Level
The difficulty level of NEET 2026 also influences the cutoff. If the exam’s difficulty level is tough, the cutoff remains on the lower side; on the other hand, an easier exam shifts the cutoff on the higher side.
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3
Total Available MBBS Seats
Additionally, there has been a significant increase in the total number of seats, with approximately 11,000 more MBBS seats in India added. More seats can partially ease admission pressure, especially in state quota rounds.
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4
Reservation Policies
Reservation policies significantly impact category-wise cutoffs. Previous year trends help set expectations for the current year’s cutoff. UP follows state government reservation norms for SC (21%), OBC (27%), ST (2%), and EWS (10%).
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5
Round of Counselling
Cutoffs shift between Round 1, Round 2, and the Mop-Up Round. Generally, later rounds see slightly lower closing marks as vacant seats are filled. Candidates who miss Round 1 should not lose hope. Always check mcc.nic.in for AIQ updates and upneet.gov.in for UP state quota updates.
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6
State-Level Competition
High competition states like Rajasthan, Delhi, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh have incredibly high state cutoffs. UP is one of India’s most competitive states for medical admissions, which makes scoring high especially important for UP domicile candidates.
NEET 2026 Cutoff for UP: Top Government Colleges — Expected Closing Marks
The admission cutoff varies not just by category but also by the prestige and location of the college. Here is what general category candidates can expect for specific top UP government colleges:
| College | Location | Gen. Category (Expected Closing Marks) | OBC (Expected) | SC (Expected) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KGMU (King George’s Medical University) | Lucknow | 615–635 | 590–610 | 460–490 |
| BHU IMS (Banaras Hindu University) | Varanasi | 600–625 | 580–600 | 450–480 |
| GSVM Medical College | Kanpur | 585–615 | 560–585 | 430–460 |
| MLN Medical College | Prayagraj | 575–605 | 550–575 | 420–455 |
| SN Medical College | Agra | 570–600 | 540–570 | 415–450 |
| LLRM Medical College | Meerut | 560–595 | 535–560 | 410–445 |
| BRD Medical College | Gorakhpur | 555–585 | 528–555 | 405–435 |
Note: These are estimated figures based on NEET 2024–2025 counselling closing data and expert projections. Actual cutoffs will be released after UP NEET counselling 2026 concludes. Always verify through official sources like National Medical Commission (NMC) and the official DGME UP portal.
Is 470 a Good NEET Score? What About 520 for OBC?
These are among the most common score-related questions aspirants ask. Here is an honest, data-backed assessment:
| Score | Category | Government College (UP State Quota) | Private College | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 620+ | General | ✅ Strong chance (KGMU, GSVM level) | ✅ Top private | Excellent |
| 560–619 | General | ⚠️ Moderate govt. colleges | ✅ Good private | Good |
| 520 | OBC | ⚠️ Borderline; possible in later rounds | ✅ Possible | Borderline |
| 470 | General | ❌ Very unlikely for govt. MBBS | ✅ Private/deemed possible | Low for Govt. |
| 470 | OBC | ❌ Difficult; explore later rounds | ✅ Private possible | Challenging |
| 430–470 | SC / ST | ⚠️ Possible in some UP govt. colleges | ✅ Several options | Feasible (SC/ST) |
As per NEET 2025 marks vs rank official data, a NEET score of 470 is considered decent but may not be high enough for a general category government MBBS seat in most states. You can get admission in private medical colleges (MBBS), BDS, BAMS, or BHMS seats.
For those with scores below the government college threshold, consider exploring related programs. Matrise’s NEET admission 2026 guide covers MBBS alternatives across private colleges and deemed universities in UP and beyond.
Will NEET 2026 Cutoff Increase? Expert Predictions
The NEET cutoff 2026 is likely to increase due to increased competition. Here is a breakdown of expert opinions:
| Factor | Impact on Cutoff | 2026 Situation |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Difficulty | Easy exam → Higher cutoff | Easy to Moderate → Cutoff may rise |
| Number of Applicants | More students → Higher cutoff | 22.05 lakh appeared (slight decrease) |
| New MBBS Seats | More seats → Slight relief | ~11,000 new seats added nationally |
| Rank Inflation | More high scorers → Rising bar | Continuing trend upward |
| State Quota Seats UP | More UP seats → Marginal relief | New colleges in UP may add seats |
Based on current trends, NEET 2026 state quota cutoffs are expected to remain broadly similar to NEET 2025 levels. If the NEET 2026 paper is easier than 2025, cutoffs may rise by 10–20 marks as more candidates achieve high scores. However, the addition of new MBBS seats in several states is expected to partially offset this rise, keeping net changes modest.
💡 Expert Strategy: What to Do After Checking Your NEET Score
- Step 1 – Estimate Your Score: Use official and coaching institute answer keys from NTA’s official portal to get a preliminary score range.
- Step 2 – Map to Cutoff: Map your score to the NEET 2026 expected cutoff to understand whether you are in a safe, borderline, or risky range for a government MBBS seat.
- Step 3 – Shortlist Colleges Early: Based on your estimated marks, start exploring AIQ and state quota possibilities instead of waiting for results.
- Step 4 – Register on Both Portals: Register separately on upneet.gov.in (UP state quota) and mcc.nic.in (15% AIQ) as soon as registration opens.
- Step 5 – Prepare Documents Now: Get domicile certificate, category certificate, Class 10 & 12 marksheets, and NEET scorecard ready to avoid last-minute rush.
- Step 6 – Keep Backup Options Open: If your score is below the NEET cut-off 2026 for MBBS government college, consider BDS, AYUSH, or allied health courses instead of waiting without a plan.
- Step 7 – Monitor Officially: Check Ministry of Health (MoHFW) and NTA portals for any regulatory updates during the admission season.
How Matrise Helps You Navigate NEET 2026 Cutoffs & Admissions
At Matrise, we understand that cutoff numbers alone do not secure your MBBS seat — strategy, timing, and expert guidance make the real difference. Here is how Matrise supports NEET 2026 aspirants:
- 🎯 Score-to-College Mapping: We help match your NEET score to realistic government and private college options in UP and across India.
- 📋 Counselling Guidance: Step-by-step support for both UP state quota and AIQ counselling registration, choice filling, and document preparation.
- 🏥 College Shortlisting: Personalised lists of government and private medical colleges based on your rank, category, and domicile.
- 📞 Expert Counsellors: Our medical admission experts decode cutoff trends and counsel students on maximizing admission chances across all rounds.
- 📚 Resource Hub: Comprehensive blogs and guides including our UP NEET Counselling 2026 guide and NEET Admission 2026 complete resource.
NEET 2026 Cutoff: What Happens After Results?
Once NTA declares NEET 2026 results in June 2026, the following sequence begins. Understanding this timeline helps you stay prepared:
| Event | Expected Date | Key Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| NEET 2026 Result + Official Qualifying Cutoff | June 2026 | Check score on neet.nta.nic.in |
| MCC AIQ Round 1 Registration | July 2026 | Register at mcc.nic.in |
| UP State Quota Round 1 Registration | 4th Week July 2026 | Register at upneet.gov.in |
| Round 1 Seat Allotment | Early August 2026 | Check allotment; report to college |
| Round 2 & Mop-Up Rounds | August–September 2026 | Upgrade or secure seat |
| Stray Vacancy Round | October 2026 | Final chance at leftover seats |
The National Testing Agency will release the qualifying cutoff of NEET 2026, while based on the MCC and State counselling, the admission cutoff of NEET 2026 will be made available in the form of opening and closing ranks.
Final Verdict: NEET 2026 Cutoff for UP State General Category
To summarise everything in this guide clearly:
- 🎯 Qualifying Cutoff (General): ~140–165 marks out of 720 (50th percentile) — just to be eligible for counselling
- 🏥 Admission Cutoff for UP State Govt. Colleges (General): ~550–620 marks — needed to actually secure a seat
- ⭐ Safe Score for UP Govt. MBBS (General): 600+ marks; 620+ for top colleges like KGMU
- ✅ OBC Admission Cutoff UP: ~520–580 marks
- ✅ SC Admission Cutoff UP: ~420–490 marks
- 🔥 AIIMS (General): 700+ marks
- 📅 Official Cutoff Release: June 2026 alongside NEET results on neet.nta.nic.in
The road from NEET score to an MBBS seat requires more than just clearing the cutoff — it demands smart counselling decisions. Use Matrise’s expert resources, our UP NEET counselling guide, and our NEET Admission 2026 complete resource to navigate every step with confidence.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions: NEET 2026 Cutoff for UP State General Category
For UP state quota government MBBS colleges, the expected admission cutoff for the general category in NEET 2026 is approximately 550–620 marks. Top colleges like KGMU Lucknow and BHU may require 615–635 marks for general category candidates. The qualifying cutoff set by NTA is around 140–165 marks (50th percentile), but this only makes you eligible for counselling — not guaranteed admission.
For OBC NCL candidates in UP state quota, the expected admission cutoff for NEET 2026 in government MBBS colleges is approximately 520–580 marks. The qualifying cutoff for OBC is 40th percentile (~107–128 marks). OBC candidates benefit from 27% reservation in UP, but competition within the OBC pool remains high, making a score of 560+ advisable for safer options.
Yes, the NEET 2026 cutoff is expected to increase slightly compared to NEET 2025. This is because the difficulty level of NEET 2026 was reported as easy to moderate, which typically results in higher scores across candidates, pushing the cutoff upward. However, the addition of approximately 11,000 new MBBS seats nationally may partially offset the rise. Expert predictions suggest a rise of 10–20 marks compared to 2025 cutoffs.
A score of 600+ marks is generally considered good for government MBBS colleges in UP under state quota for general category candidates. A score of 620+ marks provides a stronger safety margin for top-tier institutions like KGMU Lucknow, GSVM Kanpur, and MLN Prayagraj. For AIIMS institutions, a score of 700+ is needed for general category candidates.
A score of 520 for OBC puts you in a borderline zone for government colleges in UP under state quota. You may secure a seat at lower-ranked government colleges, particularly in later counselling rounds like Round 2 or Mop-Up Round. However, a score of 550+ is safer and recommended for a more comfortable selection. With 520 marks, private medical colleges in UP remain a strong option.
The NEET 2026 cutoff for AIIMS New Delhi is expected at 700+ marks for general category candidates, with closing ranks within the top 50–100. AIIMS Lucknow may require 680–700 marks and AIIMS Gorakhpur approximately 665–685 marks. Competition for AIIMS seats is at the highest level in Indian medical admissions, and even a few marks below can push candidates out of the race for top AIIMS institutes.
Based on early analysis from students and coaching institutes, NEET 2026 was easier than NEET 2025. The difficulty level was described as easy to moderate, meaning more students are likely to score higher absolute marks. This typically results in a higher qualifying cutoff and increased competition for top government college seats, including in UP state quota.
For SC category candidates in UP state quota, the expected admission cutoff for government MBBS colleges in NEET 2026 is approximately 420–490 marks. SC candidates typically need 150–180 marks less than general category candidates to secure a government seat. The qualifying cutoff for SC remains at the 40th percentile (~107–128 marks). SC candidates with 450+ marks can target many UP government medical colleges with reasonable confidence.
