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10 May 2025

NEET UG 2025 Cutoff Trends Signal Lower Admission Thresholds

Experts predict a drop in cutoff marks for NEET UG 2025 due to exam challenges and fewer candidates.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences Patna, a prominent institution among the AIIMS group, is once again in the spotlight as students eagerly anticipate the NEET UG 2025 cutoff trends for its MBBS program. Admission to this esteemed institute is determined based on the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG ranks, and the Medical Council Committee is expected to release category-wise cutoffs in the form of opening and closing ranks. For prospective students, understanding these trends is crucial in assessing their chances of securing a seat.

Looking back at the past few years, the cutoff ranks have shown a notable fluctuation. In 2024, the admission cutoff for the general category was around 1476, a significant drop from 1944 in 2023. This trend indicates an upward movement in the cutoff, which rose from 2737 in 2022 to 1476 in 2024. Candidates who scored 700 marks in the NEET exam had a viable chance of gaining admission to AIIMS Patna, highlighting the competitive nature of the entrance process.

As the NEET UG 2025 approaches, many candidates are anxious to learn about their eligibility for this prestigious medical college. The expected cutoffs for various categories are already generating discussion. For instance, the anticipated NEET All India Rank (AIR) for the general category is 1100, with a corresponding expected score of 640 marks. Similarly, the expected AIR for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category stands at 1250 with 635 marks, while the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category is projected to have an AIR of 1600 with 632 marks. The Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) categories are expected to have AIRs of 8960 with 555 marks and 13100 with 535 marks, respectively.

This year, the NEET UG 2025 exam is anticipated to be tougher than previous years, which experts believe will lead to lower cutoff marks across all categories. A notable factor contributing to this expectation is the 20-minute reduction in exam time coupled with challenging physics problems that candidates faced. Nitin Vijay, the Founder and CEO of Motion Education, remarked that the exam was particularly difficult, especially due to the lengthy biology section and the challenging physics questions. "The paper was tough, especially with a lengthy Biology section along with Physics," he stated.

Moreover, the number of NEET aspirants has seen a decline this year, with nearly one lakh fewer candidates than in previous years. This decrease could potentially improve admission chances for those still vying for a seat. With more medical colleges and seats available, the landscape is changing, offering a glimmer of hope for anxious students.

Rohit Gupta, Chief Academic Officer at PhysicsWallah, echoed similar sentiments, predicting that the general category cutoff could fall between 540 and 560 marks. He noted the paper's heavy emphasis on concepts, stating, "Considering the overall difficulty level of NEET 2025 and trends from previous years, we expect the general category cut-off to fall between 540 and 560 marks." Gupta also highlighted that the biology section was the most accessible and aligned with NCERT standards, while chemistry featured standard and application-based questions. However, he pointed out that physics posed the most significant challenge due to the numerical and time-intensive problems presented in the exam.

Historically, cutoffs have tended to rise when papers are predictable and closely aligned with NCERT guidelines. This year, however, the increased conceptual load and the reduced exam time may adversely affect candidate performance, leading to lower cutoffs. Harish Butle, the Founder of Deeper, an NGO that conducts mock tests for competitive exams, provided insights into state-wise variations in cutoffs. He indicated that in Maharashtra, the cutoff for 85% state quota seats might be around 490 to 500 marks, while the 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats could see cutoffs ranging from 530 to 540 marks.

Dhruv Chavan, a prominent education consultant, also weighed in on the situation, stating, "This year's exam was the most difficult to date – students had told me this and I saw the physics paper." He observed that the calculations involved in the physics section were more complex and time-consuming compared to previous years, leading him to predict a cutoff range between 550 and 575 marks due to the challenging physics component.

As the NEET UG 2025 exam date approaches, students are left to navigate the uncertainties of the admissions process. With the cutoff trends indicating a potentially lower threshold for securing a seat at AIIMS Patna, candidates are left to wonder how their scores will measure up against these fluctuating benchmarks. The shifting landscape of medical admissions reflects broader trends in education and the increasing competitiveness of the medical field.

In summary, the NEET UG 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal moment for aspiring medical students. With predictions of lower cutoffs due to a tougher exam and fewer candidates, many hopefuls are left to assess their chances of admission. As the situation develops, students must stay informed and prepared, as the competition to secure a place in AIIMS Patna remains fierce.