MBBS admissions are highly competitive, with cutoff scores varying by college and caste category for both government and private institutions. This year, the cutoff for government colleges reached 642 in the first merit list, a significant increase from last year's cutoff of 587. Notably, last year's initial cutoff did not include eight government colleges, which were added in the second list. If these eight colleges had been part of the first list, the cutoff might have been lower than 587.
Private colleges are also facing challenges. This year, the cutoff for the general category in the first round was 602, compared to 534 last year. For instance, at KJ Somaiya College, which uses an institutional quota for admissions, the cutoff surged from 400 marks in the first round to 573. This dramatic increase has caused considerable concern among parents.
The fees for institutional quota seats are four to five times higher than those for general seats, reflecting the desperation among students who scored well in NEET UG. In 2022, the cutoff for government colleges was 564, while for private colleges it was 505 in the open category. Many students are now forced to choose institutional quotas, leading to exorbitant fees. Last year's cutoff score of 573 would have easily secured a seat in a government college, but this year's high NEET UG scores and limited open category seats have pushed the cutoff even higher. The state government has requested approval to establish 10 new medical colleges, but only 2 have been approved, with just 50 seats available in those institutions. As a result, some students are contemplating taking a year off.
Students with even higher scores are being compelled to opt for the IQ quota and may end up paying four or five times the regular fees. Till last year, a student with 573 may have comfortably bagged a seat in a govt college. But this year, the inflated scores in NEET-UG and the reduced numbers of open category seats have largely pushed cut-offs.
Sudha Shenoy, Parents Representative
The rise in cutoffs this year can be attributed to the exceptionally high NEET UG scores and the limited number of open category seats. Reserved categories have also seen an increase in cutoffs. There has been additional controversy surrounding NEET UG marks, with 67 students achieving a perfect score of 720/720 and 1,500 students receiving compensatory marks due to time loss high cut off during the exam.
With such high cut offs many students may be forced to take a drop the year.
Jasmine Gogri. Medical Education counselor
Furthermore, the Maratha quota has added complexity to the admissions process. Although the Supreme Court suspended its implementation in 2021, the state assembly has enacted a new law granting a 10% reservation in education and government jobs to the Maratha community in response to widespread protests. This legal change adds another layer of consideration to the already complex admission landscape.
Input from various sources
(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)
