Gujarat is seeing a smaller pool of NEET-UG qualifiers this year, but that may not make admission to medical and dental colleges any easier. Despite the fall in the number of qualifying candidates, the competition for top medical seats is expected to remain intense because many of this year’s candidates have scored exceptionally well.
The number of NEET qualifiers in Gujarat has fallen to around 38,000 this year, compared with about 51,000 last year. The state’s merit list has also become smaller. However, officials expect the cut-offs for medical and dental admissions to remain high, particularly for government and other highly sought-after colleges.
15,651 Candidates Make the Merit List
Out of 16,430 candidates who registered for admission, 15,651 candidates have been included in Gujarat’s merit list.
The state admission process recorded 16,430 total registrations, while 609 candidates were disqualified. The category-wise distribution of candidates on the state merit list is:
General: 3,804 candidates
SEBC: 4,768 candidates
SC: 1,800 candidates
ST: 2,282 candidates
EWS: 2,997 candidates
Total on merit list: 15,651 candidates
Disqualified: 609 candidates
Total registrations: 16,430
The smaller merit pool could normally suggest lower competition. However, this year’s performance at the top end of the list is expected to keep admission cut-offs under pressure.
More High-Scoring Students This Year
One of the biggest reasons for the expected high cut-offs is the number of students securing very high marks.
In 2026, a total of 720 candidates secured a perfect NEET score of 720 in Gujarat, compared with just 16 candidates in 2025.
This sharp increase in top scorers means that students competing for the most desirable medical seats are likely to face very close competition.
Even a difference of a few marks could have a significant impact on a candidate’s position in the merit list and the college or course they can secure.
Smaller Pool Does Not Mean Easier Admission
The number of candidates qualifying for NEET in Gujarat has dropped substantially, from around 51,000 last year to approximately 38,000 this year.
However, the quality of scores among the candidates who have qualified is an important factor.
Senior education department officials expect cut-offs to remain high, especially for government medical and self-financed colleges. The competition is likely to be particularly strong for popular courses and colleges.
At the same time, colleges located in peripheral areas could see relatively lower closing marks, giving some students an opportunity to secure admission with slightly lower merit scores.
Students Can Still Make Corrections
Candidates who have concerns about their submitted details have been given an opportunity to make corrections.
Students can submit online correction forms through the state admission website until August 19.
The final admission schedule will be announced after the All India Quota (AIQ) admission process is completed. This means students will have to wait for further details before the state-level counselling and seat allocation process moves ahead.
What This Means for Students
For students hoping to secure a medical or dental seat in Gujarat, this year’s admission process could be particularly competitive.
The fall in the overall number of NEET qualifiers may appear encouraging at first, but the unusually large number of high scorers changes the picture. With 720 marks achieved by 720 candidates in the state, the race for top colleges is expected to remain extremely close.
Students therefore cannot assume that fewer candidates automatically mean lower cut-offs. Their category, NEET score, merit position, preferred college and course will all play an important role in determining their admission chances.
For students with slightly lower scores, colleges in peripheral areas may provide more opportunities as their closing marks could be comparatively lower.
The final picture will become clearer once the AIQ counselling process concludes and Gujarat announces its state admission schedule.
Also Read: 60% Rise In Kidney Transplants, Yet Gujarat Records 16 Waiting-List Deaths https://www.vibesofindia.com/gujarat-kidney-transplants-waiting-list-deaths-2021-2025/
