NEET PG AIQ Cut-Off Analysis (2018–2024): Trends and Insights for All Categories

The NEET PG 2024 AIQ Counselling is still in process. AIQ Round 3 Seat matrix will be released at 26 December, 2024. For NEET PG AIQ Round 3 Choice filling & Locking timing should be 27 December to 1^st January, 2025 till 4 PM.  The NEET PG exam is among the most challenging medical entrance tests in India. It serves as the gateway for admission to various postgraduate medical courses in medical colleges across the country. The cut-off scores are established by considering elements such as the availability of seats, the number of candidates taking the exam, and the exam’s difficulty level, and they are vital in assessing the eligibility of candidates across different categories.

The All India Quota (AIQ) cut-offs vary across categories such as UR (Unreserved), EWS (Economically Weaker Section), SC (Scheduled Caste), ST (Scheduled Tribe), and OBC (Other Backward Classes).

NEET PG AIQ Cut-Off Trends (2018-2024)

The cut-off scores for NEET PG under the AIQ system vary across different categories, and they fluctuate year by year based on several factors. From 2018 to 2023, the cut-offs have witnessed both increases and decreases, depending on the level of competition, the number of candidates appearing, and changes in policies or seat availability.

 NEET PG AIQ Cut-Off Analysis: Trends for All Categories (2018–2024)

NEET PG AIQ Year-Wise Cut-Off Analysis:

2023:

• The cut-off scores for all categories remained zero for UR/EWS, UR-PH, SC, and ST. This could indicate that the exams were either more lenient or that the eligibility criteria for specific courses were relaxed. However, for OBC candidates, the cut-off stood at 50, maintaining a steady level.

2022:

• A marked reduction was seen for most categories, including OBC, which dropped from 50 in 2021 to 25. The SC and ST categories saw similar reductions, indicating a more accessible admission process due to factors like fewer candidates or adjustments in policies. The UR/EWS category also saw a drop to 25, while the UR-PH cut-off was lowered to 20.

2021:

• The cut-offs across most categories were lowered, with the UR/EWS category at 35, and OBC at 15. This was a significant reduction, reflecting changes in either the exam structure, candidate performance, or the number of available seats under AIQ. SC and ST categories also saw a reduction in their respective cut-offs, further indicating a less competitive admission process.

2020:

• In 2020, the cut-offs for most categories, including OBC, SC, and ST, were lower compared to 2019. The UR/EWS cut-off was at 30, while the OBC category had a cut-off of 20. The reduced cut-offs were likely due to factors like a larger number of candidates taking the exam, changes in seat availability, or a softer examination structure.

2019:

• The cut-off for UR/EWS was 44, which was relatively high compared to the subsequent years. The OBC cut-off was at 30, with a modest reduction of 6 points from the previous year. This year saw a competitive environment, as reflected in the higher cut-offs for UR/EWS candidates.

2018:

• The cut-off for UR/EWS candidates was 35, and the OBC category had a cut-off of 15. This was one of the earlier years in which there was a relatively stable structure for admissions, and candidates had a clear idea of the scoring criteria.

NEET PG AIQ Cut-Off Trends:

1. Number of Candidates: The number of candidates who appear for the NEET PG exam directly impacts the cut-offs. A higher number of candidates generally leads to a rise in competition, thereby pushing up the cut-off scores.
2. Difficulty Level of the Exam: The difficulty level of the NEET PG exam plays a significant role in determining the cut-offs. If the exam is perceived as harder, fewer candidates will score high marks, potentially leading to a lower cut-off.
3. Seat Availability: An increase or decrease in the number of available seats under the All India Quota (AIQ) can affect the cut-offs. More seats generally lead to a decrease in cut-off marks, while fewer seats can lead to higher cut-offs.
4. Government Policies and Reservation: Changes in government policies regarding reservations, including relaxation in qualifying marks or changes in eligibility for different categories, can influence the cut-off levels. This is particularly relevant for reserved categories like SC, ST, OBC, and UR-PH.
5. Changes in Admission Policies: Any changes to the admission criteria or policies regarding the number of available seats in AIQ institutions can impact the cut-off levels. Policy reforms, like the introduction of new reservation categories, also influence the cut-off patterns.

What to Expect for NEET PG 2024 (Expected Cut-Off Trends)

• UR/EWS: The cut-off for the UR/EWS category is expected to remain around 30-35, considering the gradual trend towards lower cut-offs.
• UR-PH: There may be a slight reduction for UR-PH candidates as well, with an expected cut-off of around 25-30.
• SC and ST: For SC and ST categories, the cut-offs are expected to remain relatively low, in line with previous years.
• OBC: The cut-off for OBC candidates is expected to be around 20 marks lower than in 2023, in line with the steady decline observed over the past few years.