NEET UG 2026: The NEET UG 2025 counselling is almost over, and most of the seats have been allotted. From MCC seat allotment it is clear that low marks or low rank is not hindrance for your MBBS dream if you have NRI relatives and also has enough money to fund very high cost of MBBS seats. For example rank of 1284136 got admission in Vels Medical College & Hospital in stray vacancy round
Many students preparing for NEET UG 2026 do not realise how easy it is to get an MBBS seat through the NRI quota. Unlike the general category, where students must score 550-650 marks to, NRI students can secure a seat with scores as low as 150-300.
Low Competition Makes NRI Seats Accessible
The most important reason behind the lower cutoffs is the limited number of applicants in the NRI category. While more than 20 lakh candidates appear for NEET every year, only a small percentage apply for NRI quota seats. This reduces competition.
Because of this, students with basic preparation and low scores can still secure an MBBS seat without entering the intense race faced by general category students.
Another reason is the high fee structure associated with NRI seats. Most private and deemed medical colleges charge NRI students between ₹25 lakh and ₹45 lakh per year.
Join NEET News 2025 Since only a small section of students can afford this amount, colleges often struggle to fill all NRI seats during counselling. As a result, cutoffs drop significantly because colleges want to ensure that every seat is filled.
Scores as Low as 150-300 Have Already Secured MBBS Seats
Recent admission trends clearly show that many students with low marks have received MBBS seats under the NRI quota. In 2023, 2024, and 2025, counselling colleges admitted students with marks in the 150-300 range because seats remained vacant until the later rounds.
Even students with ranks beyond 10 lakh were offered MBBS seats in some deemed universities. This pattern repeats almost every year, especially during the round 4 or stray vacancy rounds.
More MBBS Seats Expected in 2026
The National Medical Commission (NMC) is expected to increase MBBS seats across India for the upcoming academic year.
Various private colleges and state governments have already submitted proposals for seat expansion. If approved, this could add anywhere between 2,000 and 5,000 new MBBS seats in 2026.
This increase will also expand the number of NRI seats, making it even easier for NRI candidates to secure admission with low scores.
Why NRI Students Don’t Need 500+ Scores
If your goal is to get into MBBS through the NRI quota, you do not need to chase extremely high marks. You only need a focused, selective preparation strategy that helps you reach a score of around 200-300. This range is enough for many private and deemed medical colleges.
Unlike general category students, you do not have to master every chapter of the NEET syllabus. Instead, you can score comfortably by covering high-yield topics from Biology, easy-to-moderate chapters in Chemistry, and selective scoring areas in Physics.
Students who prepare smartly with NCERT Biology, basic Organic Chemistry, simple Physical Chemistry formulas, and a few scoring Physics chapters often reach this score range without hard work.
This is why NRI quota students have a clear advantage in the NEET counselling process.
A Selective NEET Study Strategy for NRI Aspirants
Focus 1: Biology (Your Key Scoring Area)
NCERT Biology alone can give you a good chunk of marks. Concentrate on:
- Human Physiology
- Reproduction
- Ecology
- Plant Physiology
- Biomolecules
- Genetics
With these topics alone, students often score 120-160 marks.
Read Also: NEET UG 2026 Biology Strategy: Chapter-Wise Study Plan Based on NCERT+PYQ Weightage
Focus 2: Chemistry (Build Basic Strength)
Practice formula-based and NCERT-focused sections like:
- Physical Chemistry (numericals & formulae)
- Organic basics (reaction mechanisms from NCERT)
- Biomolecules
- Surface Chemistry
- Coordination Compounds
These can comfortably get you 60-80 marks.
Read Also: NEET UG 2026 Chemistry: Chapter-Wise Weightage & Study Plan Based on NCERT+PYQ
Focus 3: Physics (Choose High-Yield Topics)
Physics is tough, but selective topics can give you enough to cross 40-60 marks. Focus on:
- Modern Physics
- Semiconductors
- Ray Optics
- Work, Power & Energy
- Newton’s Laws
- Basic Electricity
A balanced approach across all three subjects will naturally bring your total score into the 150–300 range, which is sufficient for most NRI quota seats.
Read Also: NEET UG 2026 Physics Strategy: Chapter-Wise Study Plan Based on NCERT+PYQ Weightage
Expected NRI Cutoffs for NEET UG 2026
Based on previous admission cycles, NRI candidates can expect cutoffs in the range of 150-250 marks for deemed universities, 180-300 for average private medical colleges, and 280-350 for the better ones.
Only a very small number of top colleges require scores above 350, but even these are far lower compared to the general category.
Is the NRI Quota the Right Path for You?
The NRI quota is a suitable option for students who find it hard to score above 500 but still want to study MBBS in India. It is ideal for families who can afford the high fee structure and have valid NRI documentation or sponsorship.
It is also a good choice for students who prefer studying in India instead of moving abroad, but do not want to depend entirely on high NEET scores.
The NRI quota continues to be one of the easiest pathways to secure an MBBS seat in India. With limited competition, high fees, and the possibility of increased seats in 2026, students with scores between 150 and 300 have a strong chance of admission.
If you prepare selectively and meet the eligibility criteria, getting an MBBS seat through the NRI quota is much easier than most students imagine.
