NEET Cutoff 2026: KMC Manipal, B.J. College Ahmedabad, AIIMS Delhi & Lady Hardinge Compared

Introduction

You have given your everything to NEET 2026. The result is out. Now comes the real question — which college will actually accept your score?

This is where most students get stuck. They compare colleges based on reputation alone, without looking at where their score actually fits. The truth is, cutoffs vary widely — not just between government and private colleges, but between quota types, categories, and even counselling rounds. A score that shuts one door can open another.

This blog breaks down the expected NEET cutoff for 2026 for four colleges students most commonly target: AIIMS Delhi, Lady Hardinge Medical College, Kasturba Medical College Manipal, and B.J. Medical College Ahmedabad — so you can plan with clarity, not panic.

Why NEET Cutoffs Vary So Much Between Colleges

Before diving into the numbers, it helps to understand why medical college admission cutoffs differ so significantly.

Government colleges like AIIMS Delhi and B.J. Medical College are centrally or state-funded, offer subsidised fees, and attract applications from across the country. That volume of competition drives cutoffs up sharply. Private deemed universities like KMC Manipal do not follow caste-based reservations and admit all students through a single All India Deemed University quota — making the process simpler but the fees considerably higher.

Then there is the quota factor. Every government college splits seats between the 15% All India Quota, managed by MCC, and the 85% State Quota, managed by respective state authorities. State quota seats are less competitive for domicile candidates, which is why the same college can show very different cutoff scores depending on which quota you are applying under. 

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AIIMS Delhi and Lady Hardinge: The Government Giants

AIIMS Delhi

This is the most sought-after medical college in India, and the NEET cutoff for 2026 is expected to reflect exactly that. General category candidates should aim for 720 or above, with an expected closing rank between 45 and 55. For reserved categories, OBC and EWS candidates need around 700 or more marks, while SC candidates should target 675–685 marks and ST candidates around 660–670 marks.

These are highly competitive numbers. Only the top fraction of NEET takers can reach this bracket consistently.

Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC), Delhi

LHMC is a central government women’s college in Delhi, making it unique in the NEET landscape. It admits female candidates only, which naturally limits the applicant pool compared to AIIMS. LHMC allocates 15% of its seats to the All India Quota managed by MCC, and the remaining 85% are reserved for the Delhi University State Quota.

The expected NEET 2026 cutoff for LHMC under the General category is likely to range between 660–680 marks under the All India Quota. OBC candidates can expect a cutoff of 630–660 marks, and SC candidates around 580–610 marks. Under the Delhi University State Quota, the open category will require approximately a score above 690.

If you are a female candidate from Delhi, LHMC via State Quota is one of the best value-for-money medical seats available anywhere in the country.

KMC Manipal and B.J. Medical College Ahmedabad: Broader Access, Different Rules

Kasturba Medical College (KMC), Manipal

KMC Manipal is one of India’s premier private medical colleges. Unlike government colleges, KMC Manipal follows a merit-based admission policy with no reservation for SC, ST, OBC, or EWS categories — all 250 MBBS seats are allocated through the All India Deemed University Quota under MCC counselling.

The expected NEET 2026 cutoff for KMC Manipal for the General category is likely to range between 600–650 marks. For the management quota, students should target a score of 635 and above to remain in a safe range. With no category-based reservations, a solid score in the 600–650 bracket puts you firmly in contention.

B.J. Medical College (BJMC), Ahmedabad

B.J. Medical College is Gujarat’s top government medical college and one of the most competitive state institutions in the country. Based on 2024 trends, candidates scoring above 670 marks can realistically expect a seat under the All India Quota. Projecting into 2026, the expected cutoff for BJMC under AIQ for the General category is around 665 marks and above. Under the Gujarat State Quota, domicile candidates will find the cutoff slightly more accessible at around 630 marks.

Side-by-Side Summary: All Four Colleges at a Glance

How Career Plan B Helps

Decoding NEET cutoffs is only the first step. 

Career Plan B offers personalised career counselling to help you match your score to the right college and quota. 

Through Psycheintel and Career Assessment tools, students gain clarity on their strengths and realistic options. 

From academic profile building to college selection and full admission guidance, Career Plan B’s career roadmapping support ensures you make informed decisions, not just hopeful ones.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the expected NEET cutoff for AIIMS Delhi in 2026? 

General category candidates should aim for 720 or above, with a closing rank expected between 45 and 55. Reserved category cutoffs are lower — around 700 for OBC/EWS and 675 for SC candidates.

Q2. Can I get into KMC Manipal with a score below 600? 

It is unlikely for the General category. Trends suggest a safe score of 600–650 is needed. Since KMC Manipal has no category-based reservation, all students compete on merit under the Deemed University quota.

Q3. Is Lady Hardinge Medical College only for girls from Delhi? 

No. LHMC admits female candidates from across India through the 15% All India Quota. Delhi domicile candidates additionally have access to the 85% State Quota seats, which are less competitive.

Q4. What is the difference between AIQ and State Quota cutoffs? 

The All India Quota is open to students from every state, making it more competitive. The State Quota is limited to domicile candidates of that particular state, so the cutoff tends to be lower and more accessible for local students.

Q5. What should I do if my NEET score falls below these cutoffs? 

All is not lost. You can explore management quota seats at private colleges, consider deemed universities with slightly lower cutoffs, check state quota options in your home state, or plan a repeat attempt with a structured strategy. Speaking with a career counsellor can help you map the right path quickly.

Conclusion

Every cutoff number in this blog represents a trend, not a wall. Colleges adjust, counselling rounds open up, and the right strategy can take you further than you expect.

The key is to know where you stand, understand your options across quotas and categories, and act quickly once counselling begins. Whether you are aiming for a seat at AIIMS Delhi or a strong private institution like KMC Manipal, preparation beyond the exam matters just as much as the score itself.

If you need help mapping your NEET score to realistic college options, book a counselling session with Career Plan B today.