By Swati Singh
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Updated on 27 Jan 2026, 12:23 IST
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is one of the most important exams for students who wish to study medicine in India. It is the only entrance test for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other medical courses in both government and private colleges. Every year, lakhs of students appear for NEET with the goal of getting a seat in a good medical college.
As NEET 2026 approaches, students often want to know what marks can be called a good score or a safe score. A good score in NEET 2026 means getting enough marks to secure a seat in a top government or reputed private college. A safe score for NEET 2026 means scoring above the expected cutoff so that the chances of admission are higher and more secure.
The definition of a good or safe score is different for each category — General, OBC, SC, and ST — because the cutoff marks and seat allotment rules vary. Factors such as the difficulty of the exam, the number of students appearing, and the number of available seats also affect these scores.
Knowing the NEET 2026 safe score by category helps students set a clear target for their preparation. It allows them to plan their studies and understand how many marks they need to achieve their dream of becoming a doctor. This article explains the expected good score in NEET 2026, the safe score for each category, and how these scores affect admission chances in government and private medical colleges across India.
A good score in NEET 2026 depends on several factors such as exam difficulty, number of applicants, and total available seats. Based on previous year trends, a score of 650–710 marks is considered a very good score in NEET 2026.
A score between 500–649 marks can be called a good score. Students scoring between 430–499 marks may get admission through the state quota or in private colleges.
A good NEET score helps a student qualify easily for counselling and increases the chances of getting a seat in preferred colleges.
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Getting a good score in NEET 2026 will not be easy because of the rising competition. The number of applicants increases every year, and the exam is challenging. The Biology section usually carries more weight, while Physics and Chemistry require strong conceptual knowledge.
Students who follow a proper study plan, take regular mock tests, and revise regularly will find it easier to reach the NEET 2026 safe score.
Key reasons that affect difficulty:
To achieve a safe score for NEET 2026, students should prepare strategically and aim above the expected cutoff marks for their category.
The All India Quota (AIQ) covers 15% of seats in government medical colleges. Admission under AIQ is more competitive than under the state quota.
For NEET 2026, the following marks are expected to be a good score in NEET under AIQ:
A score above 650 marks is generally considered a safe score for NEET 2026 for AIQ government colleges.
The state quota reserves 85% of government medical college seats for students of that particular state. Cutoffs vary depending on the competition in each state.
The Good Score for Government Colleges differs from state to state. In states with high competition such as Delhi, Maharashtra, or Tamil Nadu, students may need a higher score to get admission even under the state quota.
A score of 350 marks is not a good score in NEET 2026 for the general category.
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A score of 400 marks is considered average in NEET 2026.
Thus, 400 marks may qualify for counselling but are not part of the safe score for NEET 2026 for most government colleges.
A score of 500 marks is a good score in NEET 2026 for several categories.
Therefore, 500 marks can be called a good NEET score, though not enough for top medical colleges such as AIIMS or JIPMER.
Yes. A score of 600 marks is a very good score in NEET 2026.
Thus, 600 marks is considered a safe score for NEET 2026 in most categories.
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For the General / EWS category, the competition is highest. Hence, the Safe Score for NEET 2026 General Category is also high.
In short, to get admission in top medical colleges under the general category, a student should aim for 650 or more marks.
For the OBC category, the NEET 2026 safe score is slightly lower than that of the general category due to reservation benefits.
Thus, a good score in NEET 2026 for OBC category is around 590–650 marks, and a safe score is above 600 marks for top colleges.
The NEET 2026 safe score for SC Category is lower compared to general and OBC categories.
A score above 500 marks can be considered a good NEET score for SC category students to get admission to a government medical college.
For the ST category, the safe score for NEET 2026 is lower than other categories due to reservation.
Therefore, for ST category candidates, a score between 480–550 marks can be considered a good score in NEET 2026.
The NEET 2026 safe score by category depends on the percentile system used by the National Testing Agency (NTA). While qualifying scores are low, admission-level safe scores are much higher.
Do Check: List of Documents Required for NEET 2026 Application Form
Several factors affect the safe score for NEET 2026 every year:
To achieve a good NEET score, students should follow these key points:
By following these steps, students can reach their NEET 2026 safe score and improve their chances of getting a medical seat.
If a student does not secure the safe score for NEET 2026, there are still several options:
A lower score does not end your medical career. With better preparation, it is possible to score higher in the next attempt.
These ranges are based on the previous year’s cutoffs and may vary depending on the exam difficulty and competition in NEET 2026.
A good score in NEET 2026 is the score that helps students get admission to a government or top private medical college. A safe score in NEET 2026 ensures that a student qualifies comfortably and secures a seat without much uncertainty.
For the general category, the NEET 2026 safe score should be around 650 marks or more. For the OBC category, a safe score for NEET 2026 is around 580–630 marks. For the SC and ST categories, a safe score in NEET 2026 lies between 480–600 marks.
Students should prepare well, focus on NCERT books, and take regular practice tests. With the right preparation, reaching a good score in NEET 2026 is possible.
A score between 650 and 710 marks is considered a very good score in NEET 2026. Students scoring between 500 and 649 marks can also get admission to good government or private colleges, depending on their category and state.
A safe score in NEET 2026 is the range of marks that can secure a seat in a medical college without much risk. For general category students, a safe score is around 650+ marks, while for OBC it is around 580–630 marks. For SC and ST students, a safe score lies between 480 and 600 marks.
Yes. A score of 600 marks is a good NEET score for most categories. It can help general category students get government medical colleges through the state quota and ensure high chances for OBC, SC, and ST candidates in both AIQ and state quotas.
