The NEET MDS 2026 revised cutoff is expected to follow the recent trend where the qualifying percentile was reduced to allow more candidates to take part in counselling and fill vacant MDS seats. As per the latest pattern, the General and EWS category qualifying percentile may remain around 30.137 percentile (approx. 195–200 marks), while SC, ST, and OBC categories may stay near 20.137 percentile (approx. 165–170 marks), and the PwBD category may fall close to 25.137 percentile (approx. 180–185 marks).
NEET MDS Cutoff 2026 Dates
The NEET MDS Cutoff 2026 dates are expected to be released along with the result announcement, likely in March 2026, when the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences publishes the qualifying percentile and marks. After the result, the cutoff list will be available on the official website, allowing candidates to check their eligibility for counselling. The revised cutoff may follow the reduced percentile pattern seen in recent admissions, helping more students qualify for MDS seats.Candidates should regularly check official updates so they do not miss any important admission deadlines.
Factors Deciding NEET MDS Cutoff 2026
The cutoff mainly depends on the difficulty level of the exam, because a tougher paper may lead to lower scores overall. The number of candidates appearing in the exam also affects it, since higher competition can push the cutoff upward. Another important factor is the total number of MDS seats available in dental colleges across India. Category-wise reservation rules for general, OBC, SC, and ST candidates are also considered while deciding the final qualifying marks. All these points decide the minimum score required to take part in counselling.
NEET MDS 2026 Percentile VS Marks
Many students feel confused when comparing NEET MDS 2026 percentile vs marks. Marks are considered to the actual score a candidate gets in the exam based on correct and incorrect answers. Percentile, shows how a student performed compared to other candidates who appeared for the test. For example, a 90th percentile means the student scored better than 90 percent of the participants. Admission and eligibility for counselling are generally decided based on percentile rather than raw marks. Understanding this difference helps students clearly evaluate their result and position in the competition.
NEET MDS Cutoff Previous Years’ Trend
Looking at the trend of NEET MDS cutoff previous years helps students understand how scores change each year. The cutoff marks are released category-wise and depend on exam difficulty and number of candidates. Here is a simple list of recent years for reference:
- The “Revised” Cutoff Phenomenon: Almost every year (including 2023, 2024, and 2025), the Ministry of Health has lowered the qualifying percentile mid-counseling. This generally happens to fill vacant seats in non-clinical or private college branches.
- Difficulty vs. Marks: In years like 2023, the cutoff was notably lower (168 for General) because the paper was considered “lengthier” and more clinical-based, which naturally brought down the average scores.
- Standard Percentile Rules: Regardless of the marks, the starting qualifying criteria almost always stay at the 50th percentile for General and 40th percentile for OBC/SC/ST. The actual “score” changes only because of the paper’s difficulty.
- The Safe Zone: While the qualifying marks might be around 200, “safe” scores for a government clinical seat (like Oral Surgery or Orthodontics) have historically stayed above 450–500+.
- Steady Seat Growth: The number of applicants is rising, the increase in MDS seats in government hospitals has helped keep the cutoffs for top colleges relatively low compared to the massive spikes seen in NEET UG.
NEET MDS 2026 Reduced Cutoff
The NEET MDS 2026 reduced cutoff was announced after the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare asked NBEMS on 10 August 2025 to lower the minimum qualifying percentile to allow more students into counselling. The original 50th percentile for General category was brought down to about 30.137 percentile, which meant a passing score near 197 marks out of 960. For SC, ST, and OBC categories, the cutoff moved to about 20.137 percentile with a score near 168 marks. These changes were made after the NEET MDS 2025 result on 15 May 2025 and helped more candidates join seat allotment rounds.
Factors Affecting NEET MDS Cut-off 2026
Many elements control the NEET MDS cut-off 2026, and understanding them helps students set realistic expectations. The difficulty level of the question paper has an important role, as a tougher paper may lead to lower cutoff marks. The total number of candidates appearing for the exam also affects the final score range. Another factor is the availability of MDS seats across dental colleges in India. Reservation policies and category-wise seat distribution further impact the cutoff for different groups. All these points together decide the final qualifying marks announced after the results.
NEET MDS Cutoff 2026 General Category
The NEET MDS cutoff 2026 for the general category is expected to follow the revised criteria introduced in 2025, when authorities reduced the qualifying percentile to allow more candidates to participate in counselling. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare directed NBEMS through an official communication dated 10 August 2025 to lower the minimum qualifying percentile by 19.863 points across categories. The General (UR/EWS) cutoff was reduced from the earlier 50th percentile to 30.137 percentile, with the qualifying score revised to around 197 marks out of 960.
Category-Wise Cutoff Rank for NEET MDS 2026
When students check the category-wise cutoff rank for NEET MDS, they see the minimum scores needed to take part in counselling for dental postgraduate seats. Cutoff ranks are different for each category, such as general, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS, and are set after the results are declared based on how many students appeared and how hard the exam was. Those who meet the cutoff rank for their category in the counselling process to select colleges and specializations. Checking the official list carefully helps students understand where they stand and what options for them.
FAQs
Ans:- NEET MDS cut-off is the minimum qualifying percentile set by NBE. Generally, it is 50th percentile for General, 40th for SC/ST/OBC, and 45th for General-PWD candidates.
Ans:- The revised cut-off is calculated based on total applicants, difficulty level of the exam, number of available seats, reservation rules, and overall candidate performance in that year.
Ans:- It is not confirmed yet whether the NEET-PG 2026 cut-off will be reduced. Officials decide the cut-off based on exam difficulty, number of candidates, and seat availability.
Ans:- The NEET 2026 cutoff will depend on exam difficulty, number of candidates, and seat availability. It may be similar to recent years, subject to official announcement.
Ans:- The NEET-MDS 2025 qualifying cut-off marks were revised by lowering the minimum percentile required for all categories after a government decision. The revised cut-off scores (out of 960) are approximately 197 for the General (UR/EWS) category, 182 for General-PwBD, and 168 for SC/ST/OBC categories, based on the reduced qualifying percentiles.
Connect with Us
Start your medical educational journey with the Admission Zone! Contact us today on 9205488482/ 7599994403 or WhatsApp us to explore a world of educational possibilities in the state and secure your admission to a brighter future.
Related Posts:
Conclusion
Understanding every factor of NEET MDS 2026 cutoff, including revised cutoff, category-wise ranks, percentile rules, dates, and previous year trends, helps dental aspirants plan their admission process with clarity. Since cutoff marks can change based on exam difficulty, number of candidates, and seat availability, students should carefully check official updates after results are declared. Whether it is qualifying cutoff or admission cutoff, each detail matters during counselling. Staying informed about these points allows candidates to examine their position practically and make good decisions for postgraduate dental admission in 2026.