Getting an MBBS seat at an AIIMS is a dream for many medical students. However, admission is highly competitive. The AIIMS SC Cut Off helps Scheduled Caste candidates understand the score and rank needed for admission.
The NEET UG 2026 result was declared by the National Testing Agency on 16 July 2026. Around 20 lakh students appeared for the examination. Out of them, 11.21 lakh students qualified. The Medical Counselling Committee started the counselling process in August 2026. However, the final institute-wise closing ranks are not available yet. Therefore, the 2026 marks and ranks discussed in this article are estimates. They are based on the official 2024 and 2025 MCC allotment results. Students should use them only for planning their college choices.
What Is the AIIMS SC Cut Off?
The AIIMS SC Cut Off is the last All India Rank at which an SC-category candidate gets an MBBS seat at a particular AIIMS. It is released through the seat-allotment results published by MCC.
The cut-off is different for every institute. For example, AIIMS New Delhi closes at a much better rank than newer institutes. It also changes across counselling rounds.
Students must understand that there are two types of cut-offs:
- NEET qualifying cut-off: The minimum score needed to qualify for NEET.
- AIIMS admission cut-off: The last rank at which an AIIMS MBBS seat is allotted.
Qualifying for NEET does not guarantee an AIIMS seat. A student must obtain a competitive All India Rank and take part in MCC counselling.
Official NEET 2026 Cut-Off for the SC Category
The official NEET 2026 SC cut off was the 40th percentile. The score range for SC candidates was 212–177 marks. According to NTA, 29,947 candidates qualified within this category-specific score range.
This is only a qualifying range. It is not the score needed for admission to AIIMS. The actual admission score is much higher because AIIMS seats are limited and competition is strong.
Here is the official qualifying trend:
| Year | Qualifying percentile | Official SC score range |
| 2024 | 40th percentile | 161–127 |
| 2025 | 40th percentile | 143–113 |
| 2026 | 40th percentile | 212–177 |
The table shows a sharp rise in the qualifying score during 2026. However, this does not directly tell us the AIIMS admission score. Admission depends mainly on a candidate’s rank and MCC allotment
AIIMS SC Cut Off 2026: Expected Range
The final AIIMS SC Cut Off for 2026 will be known only after MCC publishes the allotment results. Round 1 registration has started, but no final closing rank has been published as of 14 August 2026.
Still, students can form a practical idea from earlier rounds. In 2025, the Round 1 SC closing rank at AIIMS New Delhi was 644. It was 647 in 2024. Thus, a rank below 650 has remained highly competitive for this institute.
The following table gives a careful estimate for 2026:
| AIIMS group | Expected SC rank range | Broad score zone | Admission chance |
| AIIMS New Delhi | Below 600–700 | 665–680+ | Very competitive |
| Jodhpur, Bhopal and Bhubaneswar | Below 5,000–8,000 | 620–655 | Strong chance |
| Rishikesh and Nagpur | Below 8,000–11,000 | 600–635 | Good chance |
| Raipur and Patna | Below 12,000–16,000 | 580–620 | Possible |
| Other and newer AIIMS | Around 16,000–35,000 | 520–590 | Depends on institute and round |
Students can also check the expected AIIMS cut-off for NEET 2026 for a broader category-wise view of likely admission trends.
The score zones are estimates, not official admission figures. NTA issues scores and All India Ranks. MCC issues allotment results. Neither authority publishes an official marks-versus-institute table before counselling ends.
Moreover, the relationship between marks and rank changes each year. Therefore, students should give more importance to their All India Rank.
Expected AIIMS SC Cut Off Marks for Different Institutes
The expected AIIMS SC cut off marks may differ widely across institutes. A student aiming for AIIMS New Delhi needs a much stronger score than someone targeting a newer campus.
A score above 650 may keep a student competitive for several leading institutes. However, even this cannot guarantee a particular college. The result depends on the student’s All India Rank, choice order and available seats.
Students scoring between 600 and 650 may have opportunities at established AIIMS campuses. Those scoring below 600 should also include newer AIIMS institutes in their preference list.
The official NTA result shows that 1,492 students scored 650 marks or more in 2026. It also shows that 10,160 students scored at least 600. These figures explain why rank-based planning is safer than relying only on marks.
Previous AIIMS SC Closing Rank Trends
The following figures were calculated from the official MCC Round 1 allotment results. They show the last SC-reserved rank allotted at selected AIIMS institutes.
| AIIMS institute | 2024 Round 1 SC rank | 2025 Round 1 SC rank | Change |
| AIIMS New Delhi | 647 | 644 | Almost unchanged |
| AIIMS Jodhpur | 4,912 | 6,920 | Closed later |
| AIIMS Bhopal | 5,850 | 7,030 | Closed later |
| AIIMS Bhubaneswar | 7,879 | 6,034 | Became more competitive |
| AIIMS Rishikesh | 8,393 | 8,240 | Slight improvement |
| AIIMS Nagpur | 10,774 | 8,326 | Became more competitive |
| AIIMS Raipur | 12,473 | 12,231 | Almost stable |
| AIIMS Patna | 15,343 | 14,209 | Became more competitive |
| AIIMS Guwahati | 27,801 | 30,794 | Closed later |
| AIIMS Madurai | 31,837 | 33,807 | Closed later |
These are Round 1 ranks. They should not be treated as final ranks for every counselling round. A later round may close at a higher rank if a seat becomes available. It may also have no SC allotment if all reserved seats are already filled.
What Do the Previous Trends Show?
The AIIMS previous year cut off data gives students several useful lessons. First, AIIMS New Delhi remained very stable. Its SC rank changed from 647 in 2024 to 644 in 2025. Thus, students targeting this institute should aim for a rank well within 650. A safer target would be below 500.
Second, the middle group changed more. AIIMS Jodhpur moved from 4,912 to 6,920. In contrast, AIIMS Bhubaneswar improved from 7,879 to 6,034. Such changes can happen because of student preferences and seat movement.
Third, newer institutes generally closed at higher ranks. AIIMS Guwahati and AIIMS Madurai crossed 30,000 in 2025. Students from Assam who are preparing for future attempts can also explore NEET coaching in Guwahati for structured preparation and exam guidance. This does not mean the colleges are easy to get. Their ranks may change sharply if more students add them to their choices.
Finally, a past rank is a guide rather than a promise. Students should keep a reasonable safety margin while selecting colleges.
Why Can the 2026 Cut-Off Change?
Several factors can change the AIIMS SC Cut Off during counselling.
1. Difficulty of the NEET paper
A difficult paper can lower average scores. However, admission still follows rank. Therefore, the rank required for an institute may remain competitive even when marks fall.
2. Number of candidates
NTA reported that 19,99,895 candidates appeared for NEET UG 2026. Among them, 3,04,115 were SC candidates. A total of 1,59,296 SC candidates qualified when all qualifying groups were counted.
A larger pool of competitive candidates can affect the final allotment.
3. Number of available seats
MCC conducts counselling for 100% of MBBS seats at AIIMS institutes. The number of category-wise seats affects the final rank. Even a small seat change can influence the cut-off.
4. College preference
Many high-ranking candidates place AIIMS New Delhi first. Other candidates may prefer an older AIIMS that is closer to home. These choices affect how quickly seats fill.
5. Counselling round
Round 1 usually attracts the strongest demand. Later rounds may show seat movement. However, students should not depend on a large drop because an SC seat may not remain vacant.
6. Reservation and eligibility
A candidate must have a valid SC certificate in the required format. If category documents are not accepted, the candidate may lose the benefit of the reserved category.
How Should SC Candidates Read Their Rank?
Students should compare their rank with more than one institute. They should not focus only on their score.
A simple way to understand the expected position is:
| SC All India Rank | Suggested approach |
| Below 700 | Keep AIIMS New Delhi and all leading AIIMS choices |
| 700–5,000 | Target older and highly preferred campuses |
| 5,000–10,000 | Include Jodhpur, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Rishikesh, and Nagpur |
| 10,000–16,000 | Add Raipur, Patna, and similar options |
| 16,000–25,000 | Include all middle and newer AIIMS campuses |
| 25,000–35,000 | Give priority to newer AIIMS institutes |
| Above 35,000 | Keep AIIMS choices but also add other government colleges |
These bands are planning guides. They do not guarantee admission. The exact result depends on the choices made by all candidates.
How to Fill AIIMS Choices in MCC Counselling
The AIIMS SC Cut Off should guide the choice list, but it should not limit it. Students should fill out every AIIMS institute they are willing to join.
Follow these steps:
- Place the dream institute first: There is no harm in placing AIIMS New Delhi first, even if the rank is outside its past range.
- Arrange institutes by real preference: Consider academics, hospital exposure, location, hostel facilities and travel. Students can review the state-wise list of AIIMS colleges in India before finalising their preference order.
- Add enough options: A short list can reduce the chance of getting a seat.
- Include safer choices: Add newer AIIMS campuses and suitable government medical colleges.
- Check the seat matrix: MCC publishes the official institute-wise and category-wise seat matrix.
- Lock choices on time: Saved choices may not always be treated in the same way as locked choices. Follow the current MCC instructions carefully.
- Download all records: Keep copies of registration details, payment slips, locked choices, and allotment letters.
Marks or Rank: Which One Matters More?
Rank matters more during counselling. Marks are used to prepare the result. However, MCC allots a seat according to merit rank, category, available seats, and filled choices.
Two students with similar scores can have different ranks. This happens because many candidates may score the same or similar marks. NTA then applies its official tie-breaking rules.
Therefore, do not reject an institute only because an online marks predictor shows a slight chance. Add all preferred choices in the correct order. Let the official allotment system decide the result.
A Safe Target for SC Aspirants
A safe target depends on the AIIMS institute.
For AIIMS New Delhi, an SC rank within 500 would offer a stronger position based on the last two years. A rank below 5,000 may create opportunities at several older campuses. A rank within 10,000 can remain competitive for a wider group.
Further, candidates within 15,000 should keep many established and newer institutes. Those between 15,000 and 35,000 must build a broad choice list. They should also follow every counselling round.
No target is fully safe until MCC allots the seat. Still, a wider choice list can greatly improve the chance of admission.
Conclusion
The AIIMS SC Cut Off for 2026 cannot be declared final before MCC releases its allotment results. Official trends show that AIIMS New Delhi closed near rank 650 in both 2024 and 2025. Other institutes closed between nearly 5,000 and 34,000 in Round 1.
Students should treat all 2026 score and rank ranges as estimates. They must check official notices, arrange choices carefully and participate in each eligible round. Most importantly, they should rely on NTA and MCC rather than unofficial admission claims. Aspirants looking for additional NEET preparation resources, academic guidance and exam support can also explore SPM & Lalan’s
Students who want to visit the institute can also view SPM & Lalan’s location on Google Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is the NEET qualifying cut-off enough for AIIMS admission?
No. The qualifying cut-off only makes a student eligible for counselling. AIIMS admission needs a much stronger All India Rank. The required rank depends on the institute, category, available seats, and counselling round. Students must register with MCC and fill their preferred AIIMS choices.
Q2. What SC rank may be needed for AIIMS New Delhi in 2026?
Based on the official Round 1 ranks of 647 in 2024 and 644 in 2025, a rank below 600–700 may remain competitive. However, this is only an estimate. A rank within 500 would provide a safer position, although no rank guarantees admission.
Q3. Can the AIIMS cut-off decrease in later counselling rounds?
Yes, the closing rank can move in a later round if an SC seat becomes available. However, it may also remain unchanged when all reserved seats are filled. Candidates should participate in every eligible round and list all institutes they are genuinely willing to join.
Sources:
https://mcc.nic.in/ug-medical-counselling
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