NEET UG 2025: National Eligibility cum Entrance Test(NEET) exam is only path to medical and dental education in India. More than 20 lakh students appeared for the NEET 2025 exam. The results are expected to be out on 14 June. Then, the next big challenge will be counselling, specifically choosing between All India Quota (AIQ) and State Quota.
This article provides a detailed comparison of All India Quota (AIQ) vs State Quota in NEET 2025 counselling, including pros, cons, and strategic tips to help you decide which option is better suited for you.
NEET Counselling 2025: All India Quota (AIQ)
The All India Quota (AIQ) reserves 15% of seats in all government medical and dental colleges (except for a few states and institutions like AIIMS, JIPMER, and AFMC) for students from any state in India. These seats are filled through centralised counselling conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC).
| NEET UG Counselling Guide 2025 | |
|---|---|
| State-wise MBBS/BDS Counselling Guide eBook 2025 | 📥 Download |
| MCC NEET UG Counselling Guide eBook 2025 | 📥 Download |
| AACCC AYUSH NEET Counselling Guide eBook 2025 | 📥 Download |
Key Features of AIQ:
- Open to candidates from all states and UTs
- Covers 15% of seats in government medical colleges
- Includes Deemed Universities, ESIC colleges, AIIMS, and JIPMER under MCC
- Follows a national-level merit list based on NEET score
State Quota in NEET Counselling
The State Quota reserves 85% of government medical seats in each state for domicile candidates of that state. Each state conducts its counselling based on the NEET score, but with additional rules around domicile, category, and eligibility.
Key Features of State Quota:
- Available only to students with state domicile/residency proof
- Covers 85% of government college seats
- Each state has its own eligibility rules and cutoffs
- Separate reservation policies for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD/TFW, etc.
AIQ vs State Quota: Key Details
| Category | All India Quota (AIQ) | State Quota |
| Seat Share | 15% Govt College Seats | 85% Govt College Seats |
| Eligibility | Open to all NEET qualifiers | State domicile required |
| Conducted by | MCC (Central Govt) | State counselling authorities |
| Colleges Covered | Government and Deemed Colleges. | Govt, Private, State Deemed |
| Reservations | Central Reservation Rules | State-specific quotas |
| Difficulty Level | High due to national competition | Varies from state to state |
Pros and Cons of All India Quota (AIQ)
NEET aspirants get multiple benefits under the All India Quotas (AIQ). They get the opportunity to participate in counselling for top MBBS colleges in India like AIIMS, JIPMER, AFMC, CMC, and many more.
Join NEET News 2025 AIIMS, JIPMER, and ESIC colleges (i.e. ESIC Faridabad ) offer excellent opportunities under AIQ with added benefits and better infrastructure.
Pros and Cons of State Quota
Who Should Prefer AIQ vs State Quota?
Students with higher AIR, especially from states with limited government medical colleges or high competition (like Delhi, Bihar, or Northeast states), should prefer AIQ counselling, as it offers access to top colleges across India. On the other hand, candidates with a domicile advantage and mid-range ranks may benefit more from the State Quota, where cutoffs are lower for local candidates.
💡 NEET Expert & Counsellor Tip:
Most NEET experts advise that students apply for both AIQ and their state quota to maximise their chances of getting a seat. Use AIQ to aim for top colleges and state quota as a backup, depending on your score and preferences.
AIQ Cutoff vs State-wise Cutoff Comparison (NEET 2024)
| College | AIQ Cutoff (UR) | State Quota Cutoff (UR, Domicile) |
| Maulana Azad, Delhi | 690+ | Not available for non-Domicile |
| GMC Mumbai | 680+ | 635–640 (Maharashtra Domicile) |
| GMC Jaipur | 675+ | 625–630 (Rajasthan Domicile) |
| GMC Patna | 665+ | 610–620 (Bihar Domicile) |
| AIIMS Bhopal | 690+ | Under AIQ only |
AIQ vs State Quota: Documents Required
| AIQ Counselling | State Quota Counselling |
| NEET 2025 Scorecard | NEET 2025 Scorecard |
| Aadhar Card / ID Proof | State Domicile Certificate |
| 10th & 12th Certificates | 10th/12th Board Certificate from the State |
| Caste/Category Certificate (if applicable) | Category Certificate (if applicable) |
| NRI/OCI documents (for special quota) | Income Certificate (for EWS/OBC-NCL) |
| MCC Registration Slip | Residential Proof |
Key NEET 2025 Counselling Dates (Tentative)
The date-sheet for NEET UG 2025 counselling will be released after results are declared on 14 June.
| Event | AIQ Counselling | State Quota Counselling |
| Registration Start | July 2025 | July–August 2025 |
| First Round Choice Filling | July–August | Varies by state |
| Seat Allotment Result | August 2025 | August–September 2025 |
| Joining Deadline | August 2025 | September 2025 |
Before counselling students are advised to go through NEET UG 2025 counselling guide (Registration to reporting).
AIQ vs State Quota: Which is Better?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Your choice should depend on:
- Your NEET 2025 score
- Domicile eligibility
- State’s competition level
- Preference for local vs national exposure
- Desire for top-tier colleges
If you’re scoring above 650, go aggressive on AIQ and central institutes. If you’re in the 500–600 range and have domicile, your best shot is the state quota.
Choosing between All India Quota and State Quota in NEET 2025 counselling is a strategic decision. A high NEET score opens doors across India via AIQ, while a domicile certificate gives you an edge in your home state.
By applying smartly to both, you increase your chances of securing a government medical seat. Always check updated state-wise eligibility and stay informed with MCC and state counselling updates.
