What is State Quota in NEET and How to Apply for It?

NEET is hard, not only due to the competition, but even after clearing the exam, you are just pushed into this entire world of counselling, quotas, documents and cut-offs. It is as though nobody informed us that the exam was only part one.

And here amid all this turmoil, there is one word that keeps recurring, and that is the State Quota. People tell you, No need to worry, you will get in on the state quota, or the state quota cut-offs are lower, so there is some hope. But what is this state quota in NEET? What makes you know whether you are eligible? Most importantly, how do you apply?

What is State Quota in NEET?

Here’s the basic breakdown: 85% of the total medical seats in any state are reserved for students from that state. This is called the State Quota. At the same time, the remaining 15% goes to students across India under the AIQ. So, if you’re from, say, West Bengal, you’ll get first priority for 85% of the MBBS and BDS seats in colleges located within West Bengal.

This rule is super helpful for students who may not score sky-high ranks but still want a shot at a decent college close to home. The competition in your state is typically less intense than the all-India level, so yep, it boosts your chances.

Why State Quota Matters So Much?

State quota is a huge advantage. Why? Because you're only competing against students from your own state. The cut-off marks for state quota seats are usually lower than those under the AIQ, especially in states with a large number of medical colleges.

For Example, suppose you belong to Rajasthan or Tamil Nadu, where there is no dearth of state-run colleges. In that case, you have a high probability of securing a government seat under the state quota.

It is not only about marks and numbers. Just think what it is like to be 17 or 18 and to have your first taste of freedom in college. It would be so nice to be in a place where you can take shelter in the language, food, culture and people you are used to? That is the emotional victory of securing a place within your state quota; you get a good education without being totally disoriented.

NEET State Quota Eligibility Criteria

Okay, this is where things can get tricky. Just being born in a state doesn’t always make you eligible for that state’s quota. Each state has its own definition of who qualifies as a “domicile.” In most cases, you need to:

• Have lived in the state for a minimum number of years (usually 5–10).
• Hold a valid domicile certificate issued by that state.
• Sometimes, your parents also need to be permanent residents or government employees posted in that state.

So if you’re planning to apply under the state quota, this should be your top priority. No domicile = no seat under that 85% chunk.

Class 10 and 12 Schooling Criteria

In some states like Maharashtra or Karnataka, studying in a state school for a certain number of years (typically classes 10 and 12) is also mandatory to claim a seat under the state quota. That means even if you don’t have a domicile, but you’ve completed your education from schools in that state, you might still be eligible.

How to Apply for State Quota in NEET?

Here’s how you actually apply for state quota seats after your NEET results are out:

1. Wait for the state counselling notification.
2. Visit the official counselling portal of your state.
3. Register using your NEET Roll No. and basic details.
4. Upload required documents (as per format).
5. Pay the counselling fee.
6. Choose your preferred colleges/courses.
7. Wait for seat allotment results.
8. Confirm the seat and complete admission formalities.

NEET Counselling Fees for State Quota

Alright, let’s talk money, because whether you’re applying for AIQ or state quota seats, you gotta pay to play. Each state has its own counselling fee structure. It usually ranges from ₹500 to ₹2000 for government colleges, and can go up to ₹1 lakh (as a refundable security) if you're applying for private colleges as well.

Here's a quick idea of what different states charge:

Refund Policy and Mode of Payment

Good news? Most of the security deposit is refundable if you don’t get a seat or don’t take admission.

But there’s a catch: if you get a seat and don’t join, some states forfeit the whole amount. So don’t take counselling lightly.

You’ll typically pay online via:

• Debit/Credit Card
• UPI
• Net banking

State Quota vs All India Quota

If you’ve got a solid NEET score (say, 670+), All India Quota gives you access to some of the best colleges nationwide. But if you’re in the average scorer zone (like 550–600), the state quota is often your best bet.

Why? Because of lower cut-offs, reservation benefits, and domicile priority.

Plus, your competition pool in the state quota is smaller, often limited to a few thousand serious candidates instead of lakhs nationwide.

Fees, Bond Rules & Reservation Differences

Another major difference is the fee structure and service bonds:

• State colleges may have lower tuition fees for domiciles and even offer bonded seats where you commit to serving in rural areas after graduation.
• All India quota seats follow central norms and are generally more expensive if you get into a college in another state (as a non-domicile).

Conclusion

If you’ve stuck around this far, you now know exactly what the state quota in NEET is, how it works, and how to apply for it without messing up.

Remember, scoring in NEET is just one part of the battle. The bigger war is understanding how the system works and using it to your advantage. And that’s exactly what the state quota helps you do.

If you’re feeling confused, overwhelmed, or just want to play it smart, don't hesitate to seek help. Platforms like PrepMed are doing amazing work helping students like you every single year.

Also read:

How To Prepare For NEET - The Complete Roadmap

NEET Counselling: The Ultimate Guide to College Selection

Best Medical Colleges in India: Govt & Private Options