Is 490 a good score in NEET 2025?

A NEET score of 490 is considered a good score, but whether it is "good enough" depends on a few key factors like your category, home state, and the type of medical college you're aiming for.

1. Government Medical Colleges (State Quota)
   For many state government medical colleges, especially under the state quota (85%), a score of 490 can give you a fair chance at securing a seat—especially if you belong to a reserved category (SC/ST/OBC) or come from a state with lower cut-off trends. In more competitive states or for general category students, this score may still fall short.
2. Top Government Medical Colleges (AIQ - 15%)
   For top government colleges through the All India Quota (AIQ), the competition is much tougher. Generally, students need 550–600+ to secure a seat in reputed government medical colleges under the general category. So, a score of 490 is usually not enough for these top institutions.
3. Private Medical Colleges
   A score of 490 is quite competitive for private medical colleges, where the cutoffs are usually lower. With this score, you may have a good chance of getting into a well-rated private MBBS college, especially if you're open to considering different states.
4. Category-Based Cutoffs
   If you belong to a reserved category (SC, ST, OBC, EWS), your chances of getting a government seat improve. The cutoff for these categories is usually lower, and in some states, 490 could even be a strong score.

In Summary:

• 490 is a decent and respectable score in NEET 2025.
• Good chance for state government colleges (depends on your category and state).
• Less likely for top government colleges through All India Quota (especially for general category).
• Strong chance for private medical colleges.
• Better prospects for candidates under reserved categories.

So, while it may not be a top score, 490 can still open doors to a medical seat depending on where and how you apply.