NEET-MDS 2026 cut-off lowered for all categories: Check new qualifying scores

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has lowered the NEET-MDS 2026 qualifying cut-off by 20.576 percentile points across categories. Candidates who missed the earlier threshold can now check the revised criteria and updated cut-off scores.The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has lowered the NEET-MDS 2026 qualifying cut-off by 20.576 percentile points across categories.New Delhi,Oct 17, 2026 11:10 ISTThe qualifying cut-off for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Master of Dental Surgery (NEET-MDS) 2026 has been lowered, giving candidates who did not meet the earlier threshold another chance to qualify for postgraduate dental admissions.In a letter dated October 12, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reduced the qualifying percentile by 20.576 points for all three category groups for the 2026-27 academic session.The decision applies to General/Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC) and candidates with benchmark disabilities under the relevant categories.NEET-MDS 2026: CHECK THE REVISED CUT-OFFThe revised qualifying percentiles and corresponding cut-off scores are as follows:CategoryEarlier qualifying percentileRevised percentileRevised cut-off score (out of 960)General (UR/EWS)5029.424234SC/ST/OBC, including PwD candidates in these categories4019.424200Unreserved Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (UR-PwD)4524.424218 The revised scores are based on the updated criteria reported following the ministry's decision.WHAT DOES THE CUT-OFF REDUCTION MEAN?The qualifying percentile is the minimum threshold candidates must meet to qualify for the admission process. Lowering it may allow candidates who did not qualify under the earlier criteria to become eligible under the revised threshold. However, meeting the qualifying cut-off does not guarantee an MDS seat. Admission will depend on the applicable eligibility requirements, merit position, seat availability and counselling rules.WILL NEET-MDS RANKS CHANGE?No. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has clarified that the NEET-MDS 2026 ranks published with the result notification on June 2 will remain unchanged. The ministry has directed the examination authority to issue revised results in line with the lower qualifying percentiles and asked the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) to take action on a priority basis.Candidates should check the official NBEMS website and the MCC portal for revised result details and counselling updates. They must also meet the eligibility conditions specified in the NEET-MDS 2026 information bulletin.- Ends