Got Just 200 Marks in NEET? You Can Still Get an MBBS Seat; Here’s How

MBBS Admission: The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the gateway for aspiring doctors in India. Scoring high is a must for government college admissions, but what happens if your score is just 200? Does that mean your dream of becoming a doctor is over? Not really.

While 150 marks may not be enough for a government seat, you can still secure an MBBS seat legally through NRI and management quota routes. This article breaks down how you can leverage these options effectively and transparently.

NEET UG and Eligibility

To study MBBS in India, you must qualify for NEET. The qualifying cut-off for NEET 2025 varies around 167 for the general category and is lower for reserved categories. With 200 marks, you are above the qualifying line, making you eligible to participate in various counselling processes, especially for private colleges.

A common misconception is that scoring low in NEET equates to disqualification from pursuing MBBS. Private medical colleges and deemed universities offer opportunities through NRI and management quotas, where admission is less about rank and more about eligibility and affordability.

Management Quota: A Legal Gateway to MBBS

Private medical colleges in India reserve up to 15% of their seats under the management quota. These seats are filled through institutional counselling, not centralised state or All India Quota (AIQ) counselling. If you meet the NEET qualifying marks, you can apply directly to colleges offering these seats.

• Eligibility: NEET-qualified, no domicile restrictions.
• Fees: Ranges from ₹8 to ₹20 lakh per year, depending on the college and state.
• Process: Register for the respective state counselling (e.g., Karnataka’s KEA, Tamil Nadu’s TN Medical Selection Committee) and opt for private/management quota seats.

Top States for Management Quota Admissions:

• Karnataka
• Tamil Nadu
• Maharashtra
• Uttar Pradesh

NRI Quota: For Students with Overseas Connections

The NRI quota is a government-recognised category in most private and deemed universities, with about 15% of the seats reserved. Indian students with NRI sponsors (parents, uncles, aunts, grandparents living abroad) can apply.

• Eligibility: NEET-qualified; proof of NRI sponsorship (valid passport, visa, relationship proof).
• Fees: Typically range from USD 25,000 to USD 50,000 per year.
• Process: Apply through the respective state counselling or directly via the deemed university’s admission portal.

Top Colleges Offering NRI Seats:

• Santosh Medical College, Ghaziabad
• Kasturba Medical College (Manipal)
• Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research
• Amrita School of Medicine (Kochi)
• JSS Medical College (Mysuru)

Deemed Universities: High Fees, High Chances

Deemed universities conduct their counselling through the MCC (Medical Counselling Committee). With only the NEET qualification as a bar, students with lower marks stand a fair chance if they can afford the higher fees.

• Eligibility: NEET-qualified, all-India eligible.
• Fees: ₹20 to ₹25 lakh annually, depending on the college.
• Process: Register on the MCC portal for Deemed University counselling.

Top Deemed Universities:

• Bharati Vidyapeeth (Pune)
• DY Patil (Pune, Navi Mumbai)
• Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (Bhubaneswar)
• SRM Medical College (Chennai)

State-wise Options with Lower Cut-Offs

Some states historically have lower cut-offs for private college seats, especially under the open or management category. These states provide opportunities for students with even 150-200 marks.

• Maharashtra: Some private colleges admit students with NEET scores just above the qualifying.
• Uttar Pradesh: With a large number of private colleges, UP often sees lower cut-offs in later counselling rounds.
• Karnataka: Transparent counselling via KEA with detailed cut-off data; good for both management and NRI quota.

Colleges Where 200 Marks May Get You an MBBS Seat

College Name	State	Last Year Mgmt Cutoff	Estimated Fees
Santosh Medical College, Ghaziabad	UP	~207 marks	₹22 L/year
Sri Lakshmi Narayana Institute, Puducherry	Puducherry	~217marks	₹20 L/year
SGT Medical College, Gurgaon	Haryana	~210 marks	₹22 L/year
Subbaiah Medical College, Shimoga	Karnataka	~220 marks	₹17 L/year
Datta Meghe Medical College, Nagpur	Maharashtra	~230 marks	₹18–20 L/year

Document Checklist and Counselling Tips

Before going into the application process, prepare your documentation and keep it ready.

Documents required are:

• NEET Admit Card and Result
• 10th & 12th Mark Sheets
• Identity Proof (Aadhaar, Passport)
• Domicile Certificate (if applicable)
• Caste Certificate (if applicable)
• NRI Sponsorship Documents (for NRI quota)

Counselling Tips:

• Don’t wait for mop-up rounds; apply early.
• Track state counselling websites and MCC regularly.
• Be ready with funds or education loan options.
• Research colleges: Infrastructure, FMGE passing rate, clinical exposure, etc.

Advise: NEET aspirants and students must consult an MBBS admission expert to get counsel on colleges, admission process, fees and donation information.

Education Loans for High-Fee MBBS

Many banks offer education loans for students admitted through management/NRI quota:

• SBI Scholar Loan Scheme
• HDFC Credila
• Axis Bank Education Loan

Find out Loans & Scholarships for Medical Education in India for NEET UG 2025 aspirants.

Collateral may be required for loans exceeding ₹7.5 lakh. Ensure timely application to avoid delays.

Avoiding Scams and Middlemen

The high demand for MBBS seats has led to an increase in fraudulent agents and unauthorised admissions. To avoid being duped:

• Always go through official counselling portals.
• Never pay cash to any individual.
• Insist on official receipts and confirmation letters.
• Cross-check the college’s NMC approval status.

Is MBBS Abroad a Better Option?

If costs in India are prohibitive, MBBS abroad is a legal, cost-effective alternative. Countries like Russia, Georgia, Bangladesh, and Kazakhstan offer NMC-approved colleges at 1/3rd the cost of Indian private colleges. But always verify FMGE passing rates and MCI recognition.

Scoring 200 in NEET is not the end of your MBBS dream. With strategic planning, financial readiness, and proper counselling, you can still legally secure an MBBS seat through management, NRI quotas, or deemed universities. Thousands of students follow this route every year and successfully become doctors. If your passion is strong, a low NEET score shouldn’t stop you. Instead, let it be the beginning of a smarter, well-informed journey toward your medical career.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Admission rules and fees are subject to change. Always consult official counselling authorities and college websites for the latest updates.