NEET-PG & INICET Passing Marks 2026 — 150 / 300 with Zero Negative Marking

NEET-PG & INICET has the simplest passing rule among major medical exams in India: score 150 out of 300, no section-wise cut-off, no negative marking. Here is exactly how the marking works and what score you should actually target.

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Last verified: 27 April 2026 against NBEMS information bulletin. natboard.edu.in · nmc.org.in

Quick Answer

The NEET-PG & INICET passing score is 150 out of 300 marks (50%). There is no negative marking and no section-wise minimum. Both Part A (150 Qs) and Part B (150 Qs) contribute equally; only the aggregate matters. Aim for 200+ as a safety buffer.

NEET-PG & INICET Marking Scheme

OutcomeMarks
Correct answer+1
Wrong answer0 (no penalty)
Unanswered0
Maximum possible300
Passing score150 (50%)

Score Targets — Why 200+ Matters

The official cut-off is 150, but smart aspirants aim higher. Here's why and what each score range means:

< 140 marks — High risk zone

Below the cut-off. You will need to re-sit the next session.

140 – 160 marks — Borderline

You may pass, but the margin is uncomfortably thin. Any small marking change or grace mark dispute can flip the outcome.

160 – 200 marks — Comfortable pass

Safely above cut-off. Reflects solid preparation and core subject mastery.

200+ marks — Top performer

Above 200 puts you in the top decile. Useful for confidence going into NEET PG / NExT later.

How to Hit 200+ Marks

  1. Allocate study time by subject weightage — Medicine, Surgery, OBG, Pediatrics deserve 60% of your prep time. See the subject-wise breakdown.
  2. Build a 50-condition Drug-of-Choice list in Pharmacology and revise it weekly. DOC questions are the most predictable source of marks in the entire exam.
  3. Master image-based questions — they now make up 15–20% of the paper. Practise ECGs, X-rays, histopath slides, fundoscopy and dermatology images.
  4. Take 5+ full-length Grand Tests in real exam pattern. Stamina and pacing matter as much as knowledge.
  5. Never leave a blank. With zero negative marking, every guess is positive expected value.

Reality check: the gap between 145 marks (fail) and 155 marks (pass) is just 10 questions. Practising 3,000–4,000 verified PYQs is what closes this gap.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the NEET-PG & INICET passing marks in 2026?▼
The NEET-PG & INICET 2026 passing score is 150 out of 300 marks (50%). You must score at least 150 marks combined across Part A and Part B to clear the exam.
Is there a section-wise minimum cut-off in NEET-PG & INICET?▼
No. NEET-PG & INICET only requires an aggregate score of 150/300. Unlike NEET PG or other exams, you do not need to clear a separate minimum in each section or part.
Is there negative marking in NEET-PG & INICET?▼
No, there is zero negative marking. Wrong answers cost nothing extra. Always attempt every question — even an educated guess has a 25% chance of scoring.
What score should I target on NEET-PG & INICET?▼
Aim for 200+ marks. While 150 is the official passing mark, targeting 200 builds a safety buffer against scoring fluctuations on exam day. It also reflects deeper subject understanding which is useful for your medical career.
How are NEET-PG & INICET marks calculated?▼
Each correct answer = +1 mark. Wrong answer = 0. Unanswered = 0. Maximum possible = 300. Passing = 150. Both Part A (150 Qs) and Part B (150 Qs) contribute equally.
Will NEET-PG & INICET have negative marking in future?▼
There has been speculation about introducing negative marking, but no official notification has changed the rule for NEET-PG & INICET 2026. Always confirm via the official information bulletin from NBEMS.
50% pass rule
Zero negative marking
No section cut-off

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