ST Category Marks vs Expected Rank NEET 2026
The expected safe score for ST students in NEET 2026 is estimated at 430–445+ out of 720 . This is the key benchmark many ST candidates will target for a strong chance at government MBBS seats through AIQ counselling.
ST Category Marks vs Expected Rank NEET 2026 — Key numbers
ST candidates likely need the 40th percentile to qualify, which translates to roughly 105–135 marks . Around 1.43–1.50 lakh ST students registered for NEET 2025; similar registration is expected for 2026, against a total pool of over 26 lakh .
Safe-score guidance for government MBBS seats: aim for ~420–500+ depending on state quota and competition. Private colleges in some states may accept 280–300+ .
ST Category Marks vs Expected Rank NEET 2026 — Marks vs Expected Rank
| NEET 2026 Score (out of 720) | Expected Rank (ST) |
|---|---|
| 500 - 550 | ~10,000 - 39,000 |
| 450 - 499 | ~39,000 - 70,000 |
| 400 - 449 | ~70,000 - 88,000 |
| 350 - 399 | ~88,000 - 1,10,000 |
| Below 300 | >1,27,000 |
If you score 430–450 , your chances of getting an MBBS seat via AIQ are high. Scores above 500 may still be needed for top government colleges in highly competitive states.
ST Category Marks vs Expected Rank NEET 2026 — What these scores mean for you
- 430–445+ : Considered a safe band for ST students aiming for government MBBS through All India Quota in many states. Short sentence.
- 420–500+ : Likely required for securing most government seats, depending on state quota and cutoffs. Short sentence.
- 500–550 : Expected rank roughly 10k–39k , useful for better government options in some states.
- 280–300+ : May be enough for private colleges in less competitive states, though fees and seats vary widely.
State-wise expected target marks (by competition level)
| Competition level | Example states | Expected target marks (ST) |
|---|---|---|
| High | Delhi | 480–500+ |
| High | Rajasthan | 440–490 |
| High | Haryana, Kerala | 450–480 |
| Moderate | UP, Bihar | 410–460 |
| Moderate | Maharashtra | 390–450 |
| Lower | Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand | 350–410 |
| Lower | North Eastern states | 320–380 |
State quota rules and local competition change closing ranks a lot. Paper difficulty and overall competition in 2026 will also shift these bands.
Article updated: Apr 22, 2026