Likhith · November 28, 2025 
Introduction
If you thought last year’s NEET PG competition was tough, 2025 took it to another level. With heightened competition, changing exam dynamics, and evolving demand in the medical job market, several specialties witnessed unprecedented cut-off jumps. For many aspirants, this came as a surprise—altering seat expectations and reshuffling counselling preferences.
So, what drove these sudden increases? Was it a surge in candidate interest? Reduced seat availability? Or the shifting priorities of young doctors eyeing better career prospects? In this blog, we’ll explore:
- The specialties that saw the steepest cut-off rises
- Reasons behind these jumps
- How these trends impact future aspirants
- Smart strategies to stay ahead in the next NEET PG round
Specialties With Notable Cut-off Jumps in NEET PG 2025
General Medicine – Rise Fueled by Career Versatility
General Medicine retained its supremacy but surprised many with a 4-6 percentile jump in top institutes.
Reasons:
- Preferred as a gateway to super-specialization in cardiology, nephrology, endocrinology
- Consistent high demand among government job aspirants
- Broad patient scope increasing employability in all regions
Dermatology – Primed by Lifestyle and Financial Appeal
Dermatology saw one of the highest jumps—6-7 percentile in metro cities.
Drivers:
- Expanding demand in cosmetic, laser, and aesthetic medicine
- High income potential with minimal emergency work
- Urban appeal, making it a dream branch for many
Radio-Diagnosis – Imaging Revolution Boosts Popularity
Cut-off spikes of 5-6 percentile across multiple counselling rounds.
Reasons:
- Technological growth in imaging, AI-assisted diagnostics
- Stable work hours compared to surgical branches
- Attractive private sector packages for skilled radiologists
Pediatrics – Increase Due to Focus on Specialized Child Care
Witnessed a 3-4 percentile increase, more pronounced in tier-1 medical colleges.
Reasons:
- Rising sub-specialty scope in neonatology, pediatric cardiology
- Steady public sector demand
- Social impact appeal among young doctors
Obstetrics & Gynecology – Driven by Female Aspirants and Private Demand
Cut-off jumps of 3-4 percentile particularly in south India and top-ranked medical colleges.
Reasons:
- More women choosing OBG due to patient comfort preference
- Expanding IVF and fertility service sector
- Strong private practice opportunities
Why These Cut-off Jumps Happened
Increased Candidate Interest in Lifestyle-Oriented Specialties
With burnout concerns, more doctors prefer branches allowing predictable hours, better work-life balance, and lucrative practice scope.
Seat Availability Mismatch
Some specialties faced static or reduced seat counts in key colleges, magnifying competition.
Urban Practice Advantage
Metro cities offer higher-paying opportunities in specialties like dermatology, radiology, and OBG, driving demand.
Industry Trends and Technology Adoption
AI-driven diagnostics in radiology, new equipment in dermatology, and proliferation of fertility centers have reshaped career potential.
How Will This Impact NEET PG 2026 Aspirants?
Aspirants will need:
- Data-driven choice making – Study past 3-5 years of specialty cut-off trends before locking choices.
- Flexible branching strategy – Prepare backup preferences that still fit your career vision.
- Skill-building early – Consider observing or interning in high-demand specialties to build a competitive edge.
- Awareness of location trends – Recognize regional variations in cut-off jumps and plan accordingly.
How Career Plan B Supports Every Step
- Personalized Counseling: In-depth one-on-one counseling to align specialization, college choices, and career goals.
- Timeline & Reminder Service: Never miss a deadline—receive timely reminders and updates about institute-wise counseling calendars.
- Document Checklist & Verification: Guidance to prepare all required documentation, reducing stress on D-day.
- Preference Analysis: Analysis of seat trends, cut-offs, and college quality to build a winning choice list.
- Mock Counseling & Strategy: Practice sessions to simulate real counseling—boosting your confidence, reducing errors.
- Support for Appeals/Technical Issues: Help in resolving portal issues, appeals, or queries with admission authorities.
With over 15 years of trusted experience, Career Plan B is your not-for-profit partner—focused only on your best possible outcome, not commissions or preferences.
FAQs
Q1: Which branch saw the single largest jump in top AIIMS institutions?
Dermatology, with an average 6-7 percentile rise in major metro-based AIIMS campuses.
Q2: Do cut-off jumps happen every year?
Yes, but the scale varies based on seat count, demand, and candidate profile shifts.
Q3: Is General Medicine still a safe choice for NEET PG rankers?
Safe in terms of broad career scope, but cut-off spikes suggest it’s becoming highly competitive.
Q4: Should I prepare differently if targeting high-demand specialties?
Yes—focus on rank improvement strategies and targeted revision for scoring in top percentiles.
Q5: How do private practice trends influence seat competition?
Branches with strong private sector opportunities often witness rapid cut-off growth due to financial appeal.
Conclusion
NEET PG 2025’s biggest specialty cut-off jumps tell a clear story: changing career priorities, technological shifts, and lifestyle preferences are reshaping medical education competition. The key takeaway for future aspirants is adaptability. Study trends, refine choices, and be ready to pivot with evolving market realities.
Call-to-Action:
If you’re aiming for NEET PG 2026, start tracking specialty demand now. Use Career Plan B’s specialty matrix tools and counselling resources to secure the best seat for your ranks and goals. Your ideal branch might be closer than you think—if you plan smartly from today.
