NEET Ranking by State: How Your State Affects Your Chances

When you take NEET, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for medical admissions in India. Also known as NEET-UG, it's the single gateway to MBBS and BDS seats across the country. But your rank doesn’t tell the whole story. What matters more is where you stand within your state. NEET ranking by state isn’t just a number—it’s the key to whether you get into a government college, how much you pay, and even if you get a seat at all.

Each state has its own quota system. 85% of seats in state medical colleges are reserved for residents of that state. That means a rank of 15,000 in Uttar Pradesh might land you a seat, but the same rank in Tamil Nadu could leave you empty-handed. Why? Because competition varies wildly. States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Rajasthan have lakhs of candidates fighting for a few thousand seats. In contrast, smaller states like Goa or Sikkim have far fewer applicants, so your rank doesn’t need to be as high. Your state isn’t just where you live—it’s your biggest competitive advantage or hurdle.

And it’s not just about population. The cutoff scores change every year based on exam difficulty, number of applicants, and seat availability. In 2023, the general category cutoff in Delhi was around 680, while in Assam, it was under 600 for the same rank. That’s not because one state is easier—it’s because the pool of candidates is different. Your preparation should reflect this. If you’re from a high-competition state, you need to aim higher. If you’re from a lower-competition state, you still need to be sharp—because your rank still matters for AIQ (All India Quota) seats and private colleges.

State-wise rankings also affect counseling. When you fill your choices during NEET counseling, you’re not just picking colleges—you’re picking your state’s rules. Some states like Maharashtra and Karnataka have their own portals, separate from MCC (Medical Counseling Committee). You might get a seat in your home state even if your All India Rank is too low for AIQ. That’s why knowing your state’s cutoff trends, seat matrix, and reservation policies isn’t optional—it’s your roadmap.

Don’t just look at your score. Look at where you stand compared to others in your state. A rank of 50,000 might feel disappointing, but if you’re in the top 5% of your state, you’re in a strong position. Use your state’s previous year data—don’t guess. Check how many seats were filled at your rank last year. Talk to students from your district. See what cutoffs your coaching center tracks. This isn’t about luck. It’s about strategy.

And remember—your state’s performance affects your future too. States with higher NEET success rates often have better coaching infrastructure, more experienced teachers, and stronger government support for aspirants. If you’re from a state where NEET prep is taken seriously, you’re already ahead. If not, you’ll need to be even more disciplined. The system isn’t fair, but it’s predictable. And predictability is power.

Below, you’ll find real posts that break down how state rankings play out in practice—from which states have the toughest competition, to how to use your state quota to your advantage, to what top scorers from different regions are doing differently. No fluff. Just what works.