NEET-UG 2025 was notably more challenging than in previous years, prompting experts to forecast a drop in cut-off marks across all categories. Several factors have contributed to this anticipated decline, including a 20-minute reduction in exam duration and particularly tough numerical problems in the Physics section.
This year also saw a decline in the number of registered NEET aspirants—by nearly one lakh—which could improve admission prospects for candidates.
An expert from a major educational institution noted that the Biology section was lengthy and the Physics section exceptionally demanding. Under the new exam format, students had only 3 hours and 20 minutes to answer all 180 questions, with no internal choices. This added pressure is expected to push the cut-offs down. According to the expert, the projected safe scores for securing seats in government medical colleges are:
- General category: 595–605
- OBC: 595–600
- EWS: Around 580
- ST: Around 470
- SC: Around 460
Another academic expert observed that the overall paper was concept-heavy. While Biology was relatively easier and closely aligned with NCERT, Chemistry featured standard and application-based questions. Physics emerged as the most difficult section due to its time-consuming numerical problems.
He emphasized that in past years, when the paper was more NCERT-aligned and predictable, cut-offs tended to rise. However, the increased conceptual difficulty and shorter exam time in 2025 are likely to impact student performance negatively. The decrease in aspirant numbers this year may slightly improve admission chances despite the paper’s difficulty.
A total of over 20.5 lakh students registered for NEET UG 2025.
An NGO that conducts mock exams for competitive tests highlighted that cut-offs also vary significantly by state. In Maharashtra, for example, the cut-off for 85% state quota seats is expected to range between 490 and 500, while the 15% All India Quota (AIQ) cut-off could be around 530–540. The State Merit List (SML) is based on All India Ranks (AIR), with a lower AIR indicating higher merit.
One more expert remarked, “This year’s paper was the most difficult I’ve seen so far. Many students echoed the same sentiment, particularly regarding Physics, which involved more complex and time-consuming calculations than last year.” Based on the Physics section’s difficulty, he expects the overall cut-off to fall between 500 and 575 marks.