Being admitted to an MBBS program with just 120 out of 720 points. This is not a dream. It is the shocking reality for NEET UG cutoffs in Maharashtra and other states this year.
If you are confused about what this means for your own MBBS admission, you are not alone. This situation has never been known before.
MOKSH Overseas Educon has analyzed this surprising turn in medical seat allocation. Here are clear facts that clear up the confusion. Let's break down what is really happening.
What Exactly Happened This Year?
This year's MBBS admission process in Maharashtra was unlike any other. The numbers from official reports reveal a shocking situation.
A Historic Cutoff Crash
- As reported by Hindustan Times, the NEET cutoff marks for government medical colleges fell sharply.
- For general category students, the score dropped by **40-50%** from last year.
- Cases of students having scores as low as **120 out of 720** were even accepted to some private colleges.
Hundreds of Empty Seats
The Times of India points to the fact that it created huge vacancies. In Maharashtra alone, **100s of MBBS places** were left vacant. This has raised great doubts about the admission process in the private colleges.
The Two Main Reasons Behind the Crash
Why did this happen? This ideal storm for MBBS admissions was caused by two key factors.
A) A Much Tougher NEET 2026 Exam
The level of difficulty in the NEET paper was **enormous** this year. As the Hindustan Times reported, this led to a major drop in student scores across the board. When the highest scores are lower, the NEET UG 2026 cutoff marks for everyone must fall. It's a simple chain reaction. This was the primary trigger for the lower cutoffs.
B) Issues with Private College Admissions
Over **387 MBBS seats** are still vacant after the third round of admissions in 2025. These college vacancies in private colleges resulted in a huge demand-supply imbalance. With seats going unfilled, the cutoffs in those colleges plummeted to single digits just to fill them, raising concerns about admission irregularities and seat filling patterns.
What This Means for Different Student Profiles
This strange situation is good for some students and risky for others. Here is what it means for you.
| Student Profile | Implication of Low Cutoffs | Action/Caution |
|---|---|---|
| High Scorers | Your NEET UG 2026 rank prediction is strong. Great chance at top government colleges. | Be careful. Medium scorers may now compete for the same seats. |
| Average Scorers | **Rare Opportunity:** MBBS admission chances just improved. You might get a seat in a better college than expected. | A low cutoff college may have high fees or other issues. Research wisely. |
| Repeaters / Droppers | Changes your dropper strategy. Do not assume cutoffs will be this low next year. | Focus on building a strong score for the future. Don't rely on this year's data. |
| Borderline Students | You now have a realistic **low score MBBS admission chance**. A potential life-changing event. | You must choose your college very wisely, prioritizing quality over speed. |
| Parents | Your role is key in counseling. Watch for transparency in the process. | Raise difficult questions on college quality and costs. Assist your child in making a **wise** decision, not a fast one. |
The Hidden Dangers: What News Articles Aren't Telling You
While low cutoffs seem like good news, there are real risks you must know.
- A Threat to Your Education: When students with extremely low scores enter, there can be a **lower quality of MBBS education**. Such students are not necessarily prepared for a demanding medical course, which may affect the learning environment.
- True Cost of a Seat: If it is a private medical college, watch out. There can be **hidden costs** and demands for large "donations". The low cutoff could be a trick to fill seats, but the fee structure might still be very high.
- Standard Reduction: This can make the MBBS degree less valuable if this is maintained. For the healthcare system, this is a major long-term issue.
Your Action Plan: Navigating the New Normal
This new situation requires a smart plan. Here is what you should do right now.
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Modify Your Strategy of CounselingDo not take old advice. This year, you need to do your MBBS counselling strategy differently. Just expect the unexpected in every stage of assigning seats.
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Pick Your College WiselyMake fair comparisons between government and private colleges of medicine. Compare the fees, the quality of the hospital and teacher ratings. A low fee college with good training is the best find.
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Watch for These Red FlagsWhen a college requests that you make cash payments, declines to provide you with official fees information, or urges you to make a hasty decision. These are warning signs.
The rules have changed. At MOKSH, we are helping students navigate this new landscape with **personalized admission guidance**. This helps you make a safe, smart choice for a medical career.
Looking Ahead: Preparing for NEET UG 2026
What does this mean for your future? Low NEET cutoffs will not recur. The test might get revised.
The preparation for NEET 2026 needs to be solid. Do not aim for a low score. You need to make yourself a **better candidate**. No matter how the exam changes.
MOKSH has the **NEET 2026 mentorship program**. It deals with such shifting trends. We pay attention to the ability to take exams. Thus, you are prepared for any difficulty.
In Short
The small decreases of this year are a **two-edged sword**. They provide a unique opportunity to a few but have actual risks. Your MBBS admission success depends on the choices you make now.
Use this information wisely. Consider long-term medical career planning and do some research.
