What is a Safe/ Good Score in NEET 2026 for General, OBC, ST and ST Category?

NEET Safe Score for General Category Candidates 

Candidates are keen to know the NEET safe score required to get admissions for MBBS, BDS and other medical courses. What makes a NEET score good depends on the cut off marks. General category candidates appearing for NEET face the maximum competition, not only because of the highest NEET cutoff scores, but also because of the lack of reservation of seats. The NEET safe score for the General category depends on the course and college they are aspiring for. Generally, a score of 620-630 is considered a safe score for NEET, however, for MBBS course at top AIIMS institutes in India or AIIMS Delhi MBBS Seats, candidates need to obtain 650-700 scores.

Candidates looking for admission to a mid-range medical and dental college, then a NEET score in the range of 400 to 500 can be considered safe. However, there is no sure-shot formula to predict a safe score in NEET since various factors are involved in deducing the NEET cutoff marks and ranks. 

Also Read: NEET 2026 Result

NEET Safe Score for SC and ST Category Candidates

According to the NEET cutoff, the score for SC and ST category candidates ranges between 113 to 143. However, while the NEET cutoff released by NTA refers to the qualifying cutoff, it cannot be considered to be a NEET safe score for SC and ST category candidates. In terms of admission, a NEET safe score for SC or ST category candidates can be considered from 200 to 400. This also depends on the course and institute candidates choose during the NEET counselling process. 

Is 400 a Good Score in NEET 2026?

As we have analysed the previous year's scores above and found that 400 is in the low score category. However, since the highest obtained marks are 686 and the NEET 2026 cutoff is also lower than last year, 400 marks is considered to be an average NEET score. Whether a score is good or bad depends on the candidate's category. 400 is a good score for a candidate belonging to the SC/ST category. The average NEET score for the OBC category is not good for the General category.

Also Read: Scored 400 marks in NEET 2026? Check Best MBBS Colleges in India You Can Get

Is 550 a Good Score in NEET 2026?

We have already mentioned above in the table that any score above 550 is considered to be a good score. Again, the score is subject to the category of the candidate; 550 is considered a good score for the general category, but for the SC/ST it is a very good score. A candidate who has scored more than 550 and belongs to the SC/ST category has a high chance of getting a seat in a renowned Government medical college. 

Also Read: Got 500 Marks in NEET? Know Best Medical Colleges in India for MBBS Admission

Is 600 a Good Score in NEET 2026 for MBBS Government College?

Yes, 600 is a decent score, and candidates who have scored more than 600 have higher chances of getting admission to the State's Government Medical College. As per the rules and the reservation criteria based on the State quota bill, the score and the rank also differ according to the candidate category. A candidate belonging to the SC/ST category will surely get a higher rank in his category at 600 marks. 

Also Read: NEET Rank for 601 to 700 Marks; Check Expected Rank Range

Is 700 a Good Score in NEET 2026 for Top MBBS Government Medical College?

A score of 700 is definitely a great score for every category, and students who scored 700 or more have higher chances of getting MBBS seats in Government Medical colleges. This score also gives the opportunity to the candidates to get admission to prestigious institutes like AIIMS, MAMC, Lady Hardinge Medical College, etc. 

Also Read: Total Govt. MBBS Seats in India through NEET

NEET Cutoff 2026

The NEET 2026 cutoff will be announced along with the results. Though the qualifying percentile remains the same, the qualifying scores will be changed based on difficulty level and number of test takers. Till then, check below the NEET previous year cutoff marks.

Also Read: NEET Cut Off 2025 for MBBS Government Colleges

NEET Previous Years' Cutoff Scores

The NEET UG exam facilitates admissions to BDS and MBBS programmes across the country. So, to get a better idea about what is a good score in NEET, we bring to you the last five years' NEET cutoff scores. Go through the data of NEET previous years cutoff scores below-

Also Read: NEET Marks Vs Rank 2026

NEET Good Scores for Government MBBS Colleges in India

Candidates should aim to get more than 600 marks and nothing less to get into a reputed government medical college. As the NEET cutoff changes every year, candidates are advised to aim for a high NEET score to get admission in the desired college. Have a look at the deeper insights regarding the top NEET participating institutes and the requirement of NEET scores to get admissions in these: 

• One can aim for MAMC with a score of 650 or higher.

• Getting admission in the Delhi medical colleges with a score of 635 or above is quite possible.

• 610+ can help a candidate secure a seat in renowned institutions like Seth GS, BHU, IMS, GMC Chandigarh, and others.

• Through the state quota, a score of 590 or above might help in securing a spot in one of the state's best institutions. The All India Quota is the next best option.

• A 560+ NEET score will be good to seek admission into top institutions via state quota in states such as MP and UP. Other reputable medical colleges across the country will also be within reach.

• 540+ is apt for seeking admission to states such as MP

• With a 510+ score, you will easily get an in-state medical institute apart from Delhi. There is a chance that admission to the All India Quota might not be possible with this score.

• 490+ marks are adequate for admission on a state seat; however, this might not be enough to get an All India Quota seat.

• A score of 480+ is good to go through the State quota. Admission to private medical schools begins with this score for candidates.

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