Likhith · November 28, 2025 
Introduction
Every NEET PG aspirant knows the tension that builds as the final round of counselling approaches. Cut-offs shift, ranks fluctuate, and expectations get tested. But what truly drives these category-wise changes in the final round? Why do some categories see steep drops while others remain stable?
In this blog, we’ll break down how category-wise cut-offs evolved in the final round of NEET PG 2025 counselling, the factors behind these changes, what lessons aspirants can draw, and how they can use this insight in future admission cycles.
How Cut-Offs Vary by Category
NEET PG cut-offs are not static; they depend on several variables that change with every round. Different categories—General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, and PwD—each have unique dynamics affecting their final cut-off movement.
Key factors influencing category-wise cut-offs:
- Availability of remaining seats after Round 2 and Mop-Up
- Withdrawals from earlier selections
- Upgradation choices made by candidates
- Seat conversions from one category to another
- Institutional quota and state-wise reservation impact
For example, while General category cut-offs often remain competitive due to higher demand, reserved categories can see last-minute drops when seats go vacant after upgrades.
What Happened in the Final Round: A Comparative Look
The final round of counselling brings both relief and surprise. Let’s look at how different categories shifted in the closing phase of allotment.
| Category | Round 1 Cut-off (Rank) | Final Round Cut-off (Rank) | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | ~25,000 | ~36,000 | ↓ Significant drop |
| OBC | ~28,000 | ~41,000 | ↓ Noticeable relaxation |
| EWS | ~29,500 | ~42,000 | ↓ Steady downward shift |
| SC | ~80,000 | ~1,10,000 | ↓ Large drop |
| ST | ~1,00,000 | ~1,30,000 | ↓ Major adjustment |
| PwD (UR) | ~40,000 | ~55,000 | ↓ Mild relaxation |
These figures represent approximate trends observed during the closing round, showing a common downward movement across all categories, often due to seat reallocation and resignations.
Why Final Round Cut-Offs Drop
1. Seat Vacancies After Upgradation
Many students accept higher preference seats during the first two rounds. When they vacate earlier seats, those get reoffered in the final round—often lowering the effective cut-off.
2. Reduced Competition
By the final round, a portion of high-rank candidates has already joined institutes or withdrawn from counselling, resulting in vacant seats being allotted to comparatively lower ranks.
3. Institutional Conversions
If reserved seats remain unfilled, they get converted to other categories following set rules, leading to unexpected availability and consequently lower final cut-offs.
4. Late Acceptance and State Quotas
Certain states and private medical colleges reopen their seats during the final round or stray vacancy phase, especially for OBC/EWS/SC/ST categories, which further pushes the ranks downward.
How These Changes Affect Candidates
The shifting cut-offs offer both challenges and opportunities. Understanding them can help future aspirants plan smarter strategies for counselling.
General Category Aspirants:
Competition remains stiff, so early-round seat locking is crucial to avoid dependency on uncertain final movements.
Reserved Category Candidates:
Later rounds often favor these groups, particularly SC and ST candidates, who may find better college options as seats open up through conversions.
PwD and EWS Categories:
Consistency and document readiness can make or break the chance of grabbing an upgraded seat when sudden openings occur.
Lessons for NEET PG 2026 Aspirants
The final round trends serve as a strategic learning point for next year’s candidates.
Key takeaways:
- Track year-on-year seat allotment data for your category.
- Don’t rely solely on early cut-offs—waitlists and final rounds can surprise you.
- Keep all documents verified early for quick response to final round offers.
- Use counselling analytics platforms or trusted educators like Career Plan B to analyze state-wise movement trends and predict realistic cut-off expectations.
Pro Tip: Always fill preferences exhaustively during initial registration. Even lower-rated options can convert into valuable backups during final rounds.
Do Category-Wise Trends Differ by College Type?
Yes, the type of college—Government, Deemed, or Private—significantly affects how far a cut-off may drop.
Government Seats: Generally maintain tighter ranks due to higher demand and lower fees. Minor relaxation observed in the final round.
Private Colleges: Witness larger fluctuations as students withdraw post-upgradation.
Deemed Universities: Often show the largest drop in ranks in the last round due to high fee structures and alternate admissions closing.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why do cut-offs fall more sharply in reserved categories?
Because reserved categories often retain unfilled seats after general counselling shifts, leading to relaxed allotments for eligible candidates.
2. Can General category students benefit from category conversions?
Yes, but only when seats revert to the unreserved pool after all category-specific rounds are exhausted.
3. Is the final round cut-off reliable for next year’s preparation?
It shows a realistic ceiling but not always predictive, as policy changes or seat matrix revisions can alter patterns significantly.
4. Should I wait for the final round to get a better college?
Only if you have backup options secured; otherwise, waiting too long might risk losing earlier confirmed seats.
5. How can I track real-time cut-off movement during counselling?
Monitor official MCC dashboards or educational advisory updates from Career Plan B, which provides timely and category-wise counselling insights.
Conclusion
The final round of NEET PG counselling unveils the true dynamics of the admission process—balancing hope, data, and decision-making. Category-wise cut-off changes highlight how strategic planning and informed choices can make a decisive difference.
As NEET PG 2026 approaches, use this understanding to forecast trends, prepare documentation early, and consult expert guidance from platforms like Career Plan B to stay ahead in your preparation journey.
