Pune: This year’s NEET exam results have led to an increase in the cut-off scores for medical admissions in colleges affiliated with deemed universities in major cities like Pune and Mumbai.

Despite securing relatively high scores, many students are opting for deemed university medical colleges, resulting in a higher demand for these institutions and an accompanying rise in cut-off marks.

Educational experts have observed a noticeable shift as students, particularly those unable to secure seats in prestigious government medical colleges, are increasingly turning to deemed universities.

This trend is being attributed to the preference for studying in metropolitan cities and the inability to get into government colleges in more remote parts of the state.

As a result, the competition for medical seats in deemed universities has intensified, pushing up the cut-off marks compared to last year.

Deemed universities, with their strong infrastructure and location in prominent cities, have become a preferred choice for students who prioritize lifestyle and accessibility. In addition to this, the rising cut-offs reflect the growing competition for limited seats in these institutions.

The state government’s recent announcement of a 100% scholarship for female students pursuing higher education has further impacted admission trends.

Due to a lack of widespread awareness about the scholarship program, many eligible female students initially sought admission to medical courses in deemed universities.

Later, upon learning of the scholarship, a significant number of these students cancelled their admissions and shifted to regular government medical colleges, which offer similar opportunities at lower costs.

Kedar Takalkar, Founder Director of Takalkar Classes and a career-counselor, noted, “Despite securing high NEET scores, students from rural areas are increasingly opting for deemed universities over government medical colleges located in remote parts of the state.

This has led to a rise in cut-off marks for medical degree admissions in deemed universities this year.

Additionally, many female students who initially took admission in deemed universities later cancelled and opted for government colleges, further influencing the admission trends.”