NEET Cutoff for MBBS in Nepal 2026-27

For Indian students wishing to study MBBS in Nepal, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) plays a crucial role. Not only is it a legal requirement by the National Medical Commission (NMC) to practice in India later, but it is also used directly by the Medical Education Commission (MEC) of Nepal for admissions.

Is NEET Mandatory for Nepal?

Yes. If you hold an Indian passport and intend to return to India to practice medicine (by appearing for the FMGE or NExT exam), you must have a "Qualified" status in NEET during the year of your admission. Furthermore, the MEC of Nepal requires foreign students to either pass their national entrance exam (NEET) or appear for the MECEE-BL.

What is the Minimum Qualifying Cutoff?

To be eligible to apply to medical colleges in Nepal, you must meet the standard NEET qualifying percentiles defined by the NTA (National Testing Agency) of India:

• General Category: 50th Percentile (Usually ranges between 135 to 165 marks out of 720, depending on the year's difficulty).
• OBC/SC/ST: 40th Percentile (Usually ranges between 105 to 130 marks).
• General-PwD: 45th Percentile.

Note: While a mere "qualifying" score makes you legally eligible, it does not guarantee a seat in top colleges.

Expected Safe Scores for Top Colleges

If you are applying to Nepal based solely on your NEET score (without taking the MECEE-BL), you are competing in a secondary merit list. Therefore, a higher NEET score significantly boosts your chances:

The MEC Matching Process

The MEC utilizes a matching process. Students who appeared for the MECEE-BL are placed in the primary merit list. Once those candidates are matched to their preferred colleges, the remaining foreign quota seats are opened to candidates applying via their national board scores (like NEET). Because Tier 1 colleges are filled by MECEE-BL toppers, NEET applicants generally find seats in Tier 2 and Tier 3 private colleges.