NEET PG 2026 qualifying scores drop across categories as total marks change

The qualifying cut-off for General and EWS candidates has fallen to 262 marks for the NEET PG 2026 exam, marking the lowest score in the last five years. This score is 14 marks lower than last year's cut-off of 276, and also below the 291 marks recorded in 2023 and 275 marks in 2022. The 2024 results specified only the qualifying percentile without mentioning the exact score. National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences declared the exam results on September 24 at the 50th percentile for General and EWS categories. The cut-off for General PwBD candidates stands at 244 marks for the 45th percentile, which is 11 marks lower than the previous session's 255. For SC, ST, and OBC candidates including PwBD, the score dropped by nine marks from 235 down to 226 at the 40th percentile. These score changes coincide with a reduction in total marks for the exam. NEET PG 2026 was held for 720 marks, unlike previous years when the exam was conducted for 800 marks. Board officials note that qualifying cut-offs fluctuate based on exam difficulty, total candidate numbers, and available seats. Following Supreme Court directions for greater transparency, the board will publish the answer key and recorded responses for the first time. Candidates can view their question IDs, correct answers, recorded responses, and scores through their applicant login on or after October 1, 2026, even though this release follows the result declaration.