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Every year, millions of medical aspirants across India gear up for one of the most competitive entrance exams—NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test). This exam is the gateway to a dream career in medicine, and the most sought-after course? MBBS. A common and crucial question that echoes in every aspirant’s mind is: how many marks are required in NEET for MBBS out of 720?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know—from category-wise cutoff marks, state and all-India quotas, private vs government colleges, to how you can strategically aim for the score that secures your MBBS seat. So, whether you're a first-time candidate or someone planning to reattempt, keep reading till the end.
Understanding the NEET Exam Pattern
Before we dive into the required marks, let’s quickly understand the NEET exam pattern.
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Total Marks: 720
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Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany & Zoology)
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Number of Questions: 180 (Each question carries 4 marks)
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Negative Marking: -1 mark for each wrong answer
So, to maximize your score, you must be accurate and quick, especially in Biology, which carries the maximum weightage.
What Is the NEET Cutoff for MBBS?
The NEET cutoff is the minimum score a candidate needs to be eligible for admission to medical colleges. However, just qualifying isn’t enough—you need to score well above the cutoff to get a government MBBS seat, especially in top colleges.
NEET Qualifying Percentile
| Category | Qualifying Percentile | Approximate Score (Varies Yearly) |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 50th percentile | 137–720 |
| OBC/SC/ST | 40th percentile | 107–136 |
| UR-PH | 45th percentile | 121–136 |
| SC/ST/OBC-PH | 40th percentile | 107–120 |
Note: These are just qualifying marks. Admission to MBBS, especially in government colleges, requires a much higher score.
So, How Many Marks Are Required in NEET for MBBS Out of 720?
Now, let’s answer the question you came here for: how many marks are required in NEET for MBBS out of 720? The answer depends on several factors:
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Type of college (government vs private)
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State quota vs All India Quota (AIQ)
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Category (General, OBC, SC/ST, EWS, etc.)
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Competition level in your state
1. For Government MBBS Colleges (All India Quota - 15%)
Here’s an approximate idea based on recent years:
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General Category: 610–640+
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OBC/EWS: 590–620+
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SC/ST: 480–520+
Top government colleges like AIIMS, MAMC (Delhi), and JIPMER may require 670–705+ marks due to high demand.
2. For Government MBBS Colleges (State Quota - 85%)
Cutoffs vary significantly from state to state. Let’s look at some examples:
Example: Uttar Pradesh
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General: 600–630+
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OBC: 580–610+
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SC: 460–490+
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ST: 430–470+
Example: Maharashtra
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General: 610–640+
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OBC: 590–620+
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SC/ST: 450–500+
Example: Tamil Nadu
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General: 590–620+
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OBC: 570–600+
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SC/ST: 420–460+
Tip: To be on the safer side, aim for 630+ if you’re from General category and 580+ for reserved categories.
Private MBBS Colleges: How Many Marks Are Enough?
Private colleges usually have lower cutoffs, but they come with higher fees. Some of them fill seats through management or NRI quota.
Approximate NEET Scores Required:
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General Category (Management Quota): 450–550+
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Reserved Categories: 400–500+
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NRI Quota: 250–400 (varies widely)
Some deemed universities also admit students with scores as low as 200–300, but these usually charge higher fees, sometimes ranging between ₹15–₹25 lakh per year.
NEET Marks vs MBBS Admission: Year-Wise Trends
Let’s take a quick glance at NEET cutoffs from the past few years for government colleges under the 15% All India Quota:
| Year | General (UR) | OBC | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 611 | 608 | 531 | 524 |
| 2022 | 615 | 612 | 537 | 530 |
| 2023 | 620 | 617 | 542 | 535 |
As you can see, the trend is upward. Due to rising competition, you need to score higher each year to secure a seat.
Safe Score Strategy: How Much Should You Aim For?
If your goal is to get an MBBS seat in a government college, here’s a general guide:
| Category | Target Score (Safe) |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 650+ |
| EWS | 640+ |
| OBC | 630+ |
| SC | 550+ |
| ST | 520+ |
If you're aiming for top-tier colleges (AIIMS, MAMC, AFMC), you should set your goal at 680–705+.
For private colleges, a score of 450+ is often sufficient, but it depends on the institution and quota.
Tips to Score High in NEET
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Master NCERT Books: Especially for Biology and Chemistry. Around 80–85% of NEET questions are directly from NCERT.
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Practice Mock Tests: Attempt full-length tests regularly to improve speed and accuracy.
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Revise Smartly: Don’t just study hard, study smart. Revise high-yield topics frequently.
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Time Management: Divide your 3 hours wisely. Prioritize Biology (90 questions), then Chemistry, then Physics.
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Stay Healthy: Mental and physical health matter. Take breaks, eat well, and sleep enough.
State-Wise Competition: Where Do You Stand?
Knowing your state's competition level helps you assess your chances better.
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States with Higher Cutoffs: Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan
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States with Relatively Lower Cutoffs: North Eastern states, Bihar, Odisha, Chhattisgarh
Each state also has domicile rules, which favor local students under the 85% state quota.
MBBS Seat Matrix in India (2024 Overview)
Here’s a rough estimate of the number of MBBS seats available in India as of 2024:
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Government Colleges: 55,000+
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Private Colleges: 45,000+
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Total MBBS Seats: 1,00,000+
With this many seats, you might think it's easy. But remember—over 20 lakh students appear for NEET every year. So, the competition is real.
Can You Get MBBS With 400 Marks in NEET?
Yes, but mostly in private medical colleges or under reserved/NRI quota. In government colleges, a 400 score is usually not sufficient unless you're in a ST/SC category in a low-competition state.
If you’re scoring between 400–500, consider:
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Deemed universities
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Private colleges in lesser-known states
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Abroad (MBBS in Russia, Ukraine, Philippines, etc.)
NEET 2025: What Should Be Your Plan?
If you're aiming for NEET 2025, start now! Here’s your action plan:
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Daily Study Time: 6–8 hours
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Mock Tests: 1 per week (increase frequency closer to exam)
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Target Score: Set 700 as your goal—overshooting is better than falling short
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Track Your Progress: Maintain a tracker for scores and subjects
Final Thoughts
So, coming back to our central question—how many marks are required in NEET for MBBS out of 720?
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For a top government MBBS college: 650+
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For any government MBBS seat: 600–630+
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For private MBBS colleges: 450–550
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For reserved categories: adjust accordingly, but aim high
Remember, your dream of becoming a doctor doesn’t just rest on numbers. It’s built on hard work, patience, and smart preparation. Let this article be your compass as you navigate your NEET journey.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I get MBBS with 500 marks in NEET?
Yes, you can get admission in private colleges and possibly in government colleges if you belong to a reserved category.
Q2: Is 650 a good score in NEET?
Absolutely. 650+ is considered excellent and can land you in top government colleges.
Q3: What is the cutoff for NEET MBBS in AIIMS?
Generally, AIIMS requires 680+ marks, especially for General category candidates.
Q4: Can I get MBBS in government college with 550 marks?
It depends on your category and state quota. SC/ST candidates may secure a seat with 550 in certain states
