The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) has been the gateway to undergraduate medical and dental courses in India since its inception, replacing the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT) in 2016. Over the past decade, the NEET cutoff trends have reflected changing dynamics in medical education-ranging from exam difficulty, number of applicants, to seat availability. Here is a comprehensive, year-wise analysis of NEET cutoff scores from 2015 to 2024.

Year-wise NEET Cutoff Scores (General Category)

Note: The cutoff marks represent the range for qualifying the exam in the General (Unreserved) category. Cutoffs for reserved categories (OBC, SC, ST, etc.) are proportionally lower and follow similar trends.

Key Observations and Trends

1. Steady Rise in Cutoff Scores

1. The NEET cutoff has generally increased over the decade, with the most significant jump in 2024, attributed to a record number of test-takers and increased competition.
2. The upper cutoff has remained at or near the maximum possible score (720) since 2020, reflecting the presence of high-scoring candidates

2. Variability in Lower Cutoff Marks

1. The lower end of the cutoff range fluctuates based on exam difficulty and number of candidates. The lowest in recent years was 117 in 2022, while 2024 saw a sharp increase to 162 before revision

3. Impact of Policy and Participation

1. The introduction of NEET in 2016 unified medical entrance exams, resulting in a higher cutoff due to a larger applicant pool
2. Years with increased seats or perceived easier papers (like 2022) saw a dip in cutoff, while years with higher participation (2024) saw a spike

4. Category-wise Cutoff Trends

1. Reserved categories (OBC, SC, ST) have seen similar trends, with their cutoffs rising in parallel to the general category, especially in high-participation years.

Factors Influencing NEET Cutoff

1. Number of Applicants: More candidates increase competition, raising the cutoff.
2. Exam Difficulty: Easier papers generally push cutoffs higher, as more students score well.
3. Seat Availability: Expansion of MBBS/BDS seats can moderate cutoff hikes.
4. Policy Changes: Revisions in qualifying criteria or Supreme Court interventions can alter cutoffs, as seen in 2024.

Category-wise Cutoff Example (Recent Years)

Closing Ranks at Top Colleges (Sample: 2019)

Conclusion

The decade-long analysis of NEET cutoffs reveals a clear trend of rising competition, with cutoffs reaching historic highs in 2024. This reflects both the growing aspiration for medical careers in India and the need for strategic preparation. Candidates should closely monitor annual trends and adjust their preparation accordingly, as even small changes in cutoff marks can significantly impact admission chances.

For the most up-to-date and category-specific cutoff details, always refer to the official NEET and NTA notifications after each exam cycle.