Likhith · November 28, 2025 
Introduction
If you’ve been tracking NEET PG counselling rounds, you’ve likely noticed a fascinating trend: the cut-offs keep dropping in the final rounds. Many aspirants wonder whether this is a sign of reduced competition or something more nuanced.
The truth is, lower cut-offs in the final rounds don’t mean exams are getting easier—it’s the systemic seat reshuffling and candidate behavior that drive this drop.
This blog explores the core factors behind the falling NEET PG cut-offs in later rounds, supported by practical insights from recent counselling patterns. We’ll also discuss how you can use this trend strategically to secure a seat in a desired specialty or college through smart planning.
Understanding NEET PG Cut-Offs
Before diving into the reasons behind the decline, it’s important to clarify what a cut-off really means.
- Cut-off score: The minimum mark or rank required for admission in a specific round or course.
- Dynamic nature: Cut-offs aren’t static; they fluctuate each round based on filled seats, candidate withdrawals, and institutional updates.
- Influence factors: Availability of seats, reservation quota, previous round choices, and individual preferences all influence these movements.
For example, a general category student who missed MD Medicine in Round 1 with a rank of 8,000 may find the same seat available in Round 3 with a rank of 10,500 due to reshuffling.
Why Do Cut-Offs Drop in Final Rounds?
Let’s decode the major forces at play.
1. Seat Surrender and Upgradation
As higher-ranked candidates get upgraded to better colleges or preferred branches in subsequent rounds, they vacate previously occupied seats. These vacant seats are recycled back into the system, leading to more availability and a lower threshold for entry.
Example:
A candidate allotted MD Paediatrics in a deemed university during Round 1 may later get upgraded to a government college in Round 2. The unused private seat then opens for lower-ranked students, bringing down the cut-off.
2. Candidate Withdrawals and Dropouts
By the final rounds, several aspirants withdraw their participation due to joining deadlines, alternate career decisions, or admission in DNB or INI institutes. This results in unused seats that still need to be filled, prompting lower cut-offs to attract eligible takers.
3. Declining Interest in Remaining Seats
As the counselling progresses, only certain colleges and branches remain. Specialties like Anatomy, Microbiology, and Biochemistry face lower demand, especially among general category candidates. Consequently, the cut-off drops substantially to ensure all available seats are utilised.
4. Institutional or Stray Vacancy Rounds
Final rounds, also called stray vacancy rounds, are meant to fill leftover or cancelled seats. Because candidates must join immediately with minimal fee refunds, competition naturally reduces, resulting in sharp cut-off declines.
5. Shift of Candidates to Other Streams
A considerable group of candidates simultaneously apply for INI-CET or DNB CET. When these exams release results during NEET PG counselling, many students drop out from NEET PG rounds to take those seats—creating further downward pressure on the cut-off.
6. Revision of Merit Lists or Eligibility
Occasionally, the National Board of Examinations (NBE) or MCC updates qualifying percentiles, temporarily expanding eligibility pools. When more candidates become eligible later, it changes the competitive landscape, allowing seats to go to lower ranks.
Data Reflection: How Much Do Cut-Offs Drop?
| Round | Average Drop in Cut-Off (General Category) | Typical Example |
|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | Baseline cut-off | MD Medicine ~ Rank 8,000 |
| Round 2 | 3–7% drop | MD Medicine ~ Rank 9,000 |
| Mop-Up | 10–15% drop | MD Medicine ~ Rank 10,500 |
| Stray Vacancy | Up to 25% drop | Seat filled till Rank 12,000+ |
(Illustrative data based on common seat matrix movements)
This pattern consistently shows how competitive pressure reduces as the rounds progress, leading to substantial cut-off relaxations.
How Can Students Use This Trend Strategically?
Knowing that final-round cut-offs drop isn’t enough—the key is learning how to use this information smartly during your choice-filling and counselling strategy.
- Don’t rush to settle early: If your preferred college or branch is just out of reach in Round 1, chances improve later.
- Participate in all rounds: Many students skip mop-up and stray rounds, assuming they won’t help. In reality, this is where hidden opportunities emerge.
- Stay updated on seat matrices: Track real-time seat vacancies through official MCC or state portals to predict upcoming drops.
- Balance optimism with realism: While cut-offs drop, they rarely fall drastically for top-tier government colleges. Manage expectations accordingly.
- Leverage professional guidance: Platforms like Career Plan B specialize in personalised counselling insights, helping you interpret cut-off trends for smarter choice filling.
Does the Drop Mean Lower Competition?
Not necessarily. The NEET PG exam’s difficulty and overall competitiveness remain high. The drop reflects system corrections, not reduced merit. Final round entries often fill the seats that others left behind—it’s about logistics more than talent.
Think of it like boarding a train in its last coach; the journey is the same, just accessed at a different point due to availability dynamics.
Common Misconceptions
- “A drop means easier admission.”
False. Seats differ in quality, and relaxed cut-offs often apply to less preferred colleges or allied branches. - “Government colleges will also see large drops.”
Rarely. Government institutes maintain higher demand even in final rounds. - “I can skip early rounds and rely on stray vacancies.”
Risky. Seats are not guaranteed, and missing earlier rounds limits choice scope drastically.
How Career Plan B Can Help You
At Career Plan B, we specialize in helping aspirants unlock their hidden potential with:
- Personalized Career Counselling to align your prep with your strengths.
- Psycheintel and Career Assessment Tests to identify areas you’re overlooking.
- Admission & Academic Profile Guidance to maximize your B-school chances.
- Career Roadmapping so you’re not just exam-ready but also career-ready.
Have any doubts?
📞 Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!
FAQ
1. How many rounds of NEET PG counselling are conducted?
Typically, there are four rounds—Round 1, Round 2, Mop-up, and Stray Vacancy. Each contributes to gradual cut-off movement.
2. Are state and All India cut-offs affected equally?
No. State quotas often have different dynamics based on local reservation and candidate pools, so trends may vary.
3. Is it worth waiting till the final round?
If you’re flexible about specialization or location, yes—it can yield better options. But if you have strong preferences, early rounds are safer.
4. Do deemed universities see the biggest drops?
Yes. Their higher fees and lower demand increase flexibility in admissions, leading to significant cut-off reductions.
5. What role does percentile relaxation play?
When authorities revise qualifying percentiles (for example, reducing it from 50th to 30th), more students become eligible, causing immediate cut-off adjustments.
6. Can someone upgrade after the stray round?
No. The stray round is the final opportunity—after this, admissions close for the academic year.
Conclusion
The steady drop in NEET PG cut-offs across counselling rounds isn’t arbitrary—it’s the outcome of seat reshuffling, candidate mobility, and institutional balancing. For aspirants, the key takeaway is to stay in the process till the very end, remain adaptive, and make data-driven choices.
A smart, patient approach—backed by informed counselling—can turn even a borderline score into a successful admission.
If you’re seeking personalised advice on NEET PG counselling strategy, Career Plan B offers expert guidance to help you analyse trends, shortlist colleges, and plan your rounds strategically. Don’t let opportunity slip in the final lap—sometimes, the last round can be your best round.
