Third Round Cut Off NEET PG 2025-26 Counselling: Complete Guide for MD/MS Admissions
The third round of NEET PG 2025-26 counselling is now underway, offering a fresh chance for many candidates to grab MD/MS and PG Diploma seats under the All India Quota (AIQ). Managed by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), this round comes after significant revisions to the qualifying criteria, aimed at filling thousands of vacant postgraduate seats across government, private, and deemed universities.
With registrations open from January 15, 2026, to January 26, 2026, and seat allotment results expected around January 27-28, 2026, candidates must act quickly. Reporting to allotted colleges is scheduled between January 30 and February 6, 2026. This blog covers everything about the MCC NEET PG Cutoff 2025-26, the revised NEET PG Cutoff for third round, and key tips for MD/MS third round admission cutoff success.
Why the NEET PG Cutoff Was Revised for Third Round 2025-26
After two rounds of counselling, a large number of seats remained vacant — estimates suggest over 18,000 positions across various specialties. To address this, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), with approval from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, lowered the qualifying percentiles specifically for third round eligibility.
The revised NEET PG Cutoff marks (effective for Round 3 only) are:
- General/EWS: Reduced to around the 7th percentile (corresponding score approximately 90-103 marks)
- SC/ST/OBC (including PwD in these categories): Slashed to 0th percentile, with qualifying scores as low as -40 marks (accounting for negative marking)
Note: These changes apply only to eligibility for participating in third round counselling. Your original NEET PG 2025 rank (declared in August 2025) remains unchanged, and seat allotment continues to be merit-based.
This relaxation has opened doors for many candidates who missed earlier rounds or fell short of the standard 50th/40th percentile requirements.
MCC NEET PG Cutoff 2025-26: What to Expect in Third Round
The actual MD/MS third round admission cutoff will depend on:
- Number of fresh registrations
- Choices filled by candidates (including those upgrading from Round 2)
- Vacant seats after Rounds 1 & 2 (including resigned/withdrawn seats)
- Category-wise competition in high-demand branches like Radiology, Dermatology, General Medicine, Paediatrics, and Orthopaedics
In previous years, third round cutoffs dropped noticeably compared to Round 1 and 2, especially in less preferred specialties and state quota-linked AIQ seats. With the lowered qualifying bar this year, expect even more movement in closing ranks for many courses.
Key points:
- Popular branches may still close at higher ranks, but mid- and lower-tier specialties could see allotments at significantly relaxed cutoffs.
- Deemed universities and private colleges often have more seats available in Round 3.
- Candidates who didn’t register earlier can now participate directly if they meet the revised criteria.
Always refer to the official MCC seat matrix (released on mcc.nic.in) for college-wise and branch-wise vacancy details before locking choices.
How to Participate in Third Round Counselling
- Visit mcc.nic.in — Log in or register fresh using your NEET PG 2025 credentials.
- Pay fees (if applicable) and complete document verification.
- Fill & lock choices — Prioritize based on your rank, preferred specialty, and location.
- Wait for allotment — Results will be published online; download your letter if allotted.
- Report to college — Carry originals for verification within the given window.
Important: Allotment in Round 3 is final and binding. No further upgrades are allowed in stray vacancy rounds for those who accept seats here.
Tips to Maximize Your Chances in NEET PG 2025-26 Third Round
- Monitor mcc.nic.in daily for schedule updates, seat matrix PDFs, and notices.
- Use previous year third round closing ranks as a rough guide (though this year’s revised cutoff makes direct comparisons tricky).
- Consider less competitive states or branches if your rank is on the lower side.
- Prepare documents in advance to avoid last-minute issues during reporting.
- If you’re eligible under the new criteria, don’t miss this window — it’s likely the last major opportunity before stray vacancy rounds.
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The third round cutoff NEET PG 2025-26 is a game-changer for many aspirants this year. Stay updated through official sources, make informed choices, and best of luck with your MD/MS admission journey! For real-time alerts, bookmark the MCC portal and follow reliable education news channels.