MB Patil EducationLive News

Medical PG — NEET-PG

Medical PG — Cutoffs

Medical PG cutoffs: official qualifying cut-offs and college-wise closing ranks from official allotment data, each with its year and source.

Active:State: Tamil NaduClear all

3,707 closing ranks

NEET-PG 2025 · lowest rank first

Closing ranks
CollegeCourseRoundQuota · CategoryClosing rankMore
Madras Medical College, ChennaiTamil NaduM.D. (MICROBIOLOGY)Round 1 · 2025All India · Open38,840Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
22,242
Seats allotted
4
Name as printed
MADRAS MEDICAL COLLEGE, EVR PERIYAR SALAI, CHENNAI-03, Tamil Nadu, 600003
Southern Railway Head Quarter HospitalTamil Nadu(NBEMS) PATHOLOGYRound 1 · 2025DNB Quota · Open38,897Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
38,897
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
Southern Railway Head Quarter Hospital, , Ayanavaram, Tamil Nadu, 600023
MGM Health Care Private LimitedTamil Nadu(NBEMS-DIPLOMA) FAMILY MEDICINERound 1 · 2025DNB Quota · Open39,122Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
38,092
Seats allotted
4
Name as printed
MGM Health Care Private Limited, Tamil Nadu, New No 72, Old No 54, Nelson Manickam Road, Aminjikarai, Chennai – 600029 Tamilnadu State, Tamil Nadu, 600029
Divisional Railway HospitalTamil Nadu(NBEMS-DIPLOMA) OPHTHALMOLOGYRound 1 · 2025DNB Quota · EWS39,174Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
39,174
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
Divisional Railway Hospital, Tamil Nadu, Divisional Railway Hospital, Near SBI ATM, Southern Railway Colony, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu, 625016
Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute, ChennaiTamil NaduM.D. (PSYCHIATRY)Round 1 · 2025Self-Financed Merit Seat/(Paid Seat Quota) · Open39,244Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
23,836
Seats allotted
4
Name as printed
Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu, 600116
Erode Medical CentreTamil Nadu(NBEMS-DIPLOMA) ANAESTHESIOLOGYRound 1 · 2025DNB Quota · Open39,374Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
32,458
Seats allotted
2
Name as printed
Erode Medical Centre, Tamil Nadu, 374-2, 3, 5, PERUNDURAI ROAD, OPPOSITE TO RELIANCE MALL, ERODE, Tamil Nadu, 638011
Chengalpattu Medical College, ChengalpattuTamil NaduM.D. (PATHOLOGY)Round 1 · 2025All India · SC39,411Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
39,411
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
CHENGALPATTU MEDICAL COLLEGE, CHENGALPATTU, CHENGALPATTU MEDICAL COLLEGE, CHENGALPATTU, Tamil Nadu, 603001
Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute, ChennaiTamil NaduM.S. (OPHTHALMOLOGY)Round 1 · 2025Self-Financed Merit Seat/(Paid Seat Quota) · Open39,448Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
27,955
Seats allotted
5
Name as printed
Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu, 600116
Government Medical CollegeTamil NaduDIPLOMA IN ORTHOPAEDICSRound 1 · 2025All India · SC39,475Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
39,475
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
Government Medical College, Cuddalore District, Govt. Medical College and Hospital, Cuddalore District Erstwhile Rajah Muthiah Medical College, Tamil Nadu, 608002
Madurai Medical College, MaduraiTamil NaduM.D. (PATHOLOGY)Round 1 · 2025All India · SC39,601Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
39,601
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
MADURAI MEDICAL COLLEGE, MADURAI MEDICAL COLLEGE, Tamil Nadu, 625020
Government Head Quarters HospitalTamil Nadu(NBEMS-DIPLOMA) ANAESTHESIOLOGYRound 1 · 2025DNB Quota · OBC39,638Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
39,638
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
Government Head Quarters Hospital, , District Government Head Quarters Hospital and DNB Post Graduate Teaching Institute, Nellikuppam Mai, Tamil Nadu, 607001
Sudha HospitalsTamil Nadu(NBEMS-DIPLOMA) ANAESTHESIOLOGYRound 1 · 2025DNB Quota · Open39,691Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
37,725
Seats allotted
2
Name as printed
Sudha Hospitals, 162, 181, PERUNDURAI ROAD, ERODE, Tamil Nadu, 638011
Erode Medical CentreTamil Nadu(NBEMS-DIPLOMA) FAMILY MEDICINERound 1 · 2025DNB Quota · Open39,856Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
37,580
Seats allotted
2
Name as printed
Erode Medical Centre, Tamil Nadu, 374-2, 3, 5, PERUNDURAI ROAD, OPPOSITE TO RELIANCE MALL, ERODE, Tamil Nadu, 638011
Chettinad Hospital & Research Institute, KanchipuramTamil NaduM.D. (GENERAL MEDICINE)Round 1 · 2025Self-Financed Merit Seat/(Paid Seat Quota) · Open39,912Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
32,206
Seats allotted
20
Name as printed
Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Kelambakkam, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, 603103
Madras Medical College, ChennaiTamil NaduM.D. IN TRANSFUSION MEDICINE/ IMMUNO-HAEMATOLOGY and BLOOD TRANSFUSIONRound 1 · 2025All India · SC40,076Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
40,076
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
MADRAS MEDICAL COLLEGE, EVR PERIYAR SALAI, CHENNAI-03, Tamil Nadu, 600003
Government Periyar HospitalTamil Nadu(NBEMS-DIPLOMA) ANAESTHESIOLOGYRound 1 · 2025DNB Quota · OBC40,170Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
40,170
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
Government Periyar Hospital, Tamil Nadu, GH road mayiladuthurai, Tamil Nadu, 609001
Saveetha Medical College Nd HospitalTamil NaduM.D. (GENERAL MEDICINE)Round 1 · 2025Self-Financed Merit Seat/(Paid Seat Quota) · Open40,181Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
28,035
Seats allotted
15
Name as printed
Saveetha Medical College Nd Hospital, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Tamil Nadu, 602105
Chettinad Super Speciality HospitalTamil Nadu(NBEMS-DIPLOMA) OPHTHALMOLOGYRound 1 · 2025DNB Quota · Open40,276Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
39,456
Seats allotted
2
Name as printed
Chettinad Super Speciality Hospital, Tamil Nadu, Rajiv Gandhi Salai, Kelambakkam, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, 603103
Tirunelveli Medical College, TirunelveliTamil NaduM.D. IN TRANSFUSION MEDICINE/ IMMUNO-HAEMATOLOGY and BLOOD TRANSFUSIONRound 1 · 2025All India · SC40,338Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
40,338
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
Tirunelveli Medical College, THE DEAN, TIRUNELVELI MEDICAL COLLEGE, HIGHGROUND, TIRUNELVELI-11, Tamil Nadu, 627011
K.A.P.Viswanatham Government Medical CollegeTamil NaduM.D. (FORENSIC MEDICINE)Round 1 · 2025All India · Open40,508Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
40,508
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
K.A.P.Viswanatham Government Medical College, Tiruchirapalli, PERIYAMILAGUPARAI, TIRUCHIRAPPALLI, , Tamil Nadu, 620001
Government Kilpauk Medical CollegeTamil NaduM.D. (MICROBIOLOGY)Round 1 · 2025All India · OBC40,814Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
40,814
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
Government Kilpauk Medical College, Government Kilpauk Medical College Poonthamalli main roadl, Kilpauk, Chennai 10, Tamil Nadu, 600010
Vadamalayan Hospitals Private LimitedTamil Nadu(NBEMS-DIPLOMA) ANAESTHESIOLOGYRound 1 · 2025DNB Quota · Open40,900Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
40,881
Seats allotted
2
Name as printed
VADAMALAYAN HOSPITALS PRIVATE LIMITED, Tamil Nadu, 649 A 2, Angu Nagar, Chettinaikanpatti Village Road, Dindigul., Tamil Nadu, 624004
Meenakshi Medical College Hospital and Research InstituteTamil NaduM.D. (DERM.,VENE. and LEPROSY)/(DERMATOLOGY)/(SKIN and VENEREAL DISEASES)/(VENEREOLOGY)Round 1 · 2025Self-Financed Merit Seat/(Paid Seat Quota) · Open41,162Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
41,162
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
Meenakshi Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Kanchipuram, Meenakshi Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Enathur, Karaipettai Post, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, 631552
Government Thoothukudi Medical CollegeTamil NaduM.D. (FORENSIC MEDICINE)Round 1 · 2025All India · Open41,163Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
41,163
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
GOVERNMENT THOOTHUKUDI MEDICAL COLLEGE, THOOTHUKUDI, GOVERNMENT THOOTHUKUDI MEDICAL COLLEGE, 3rd Mile, Kamaraj Nagar, Thoothukudi., Tamil Nadu, 628008
ESIC Medical College & PGIMSR, K.K Nagar, ChennaiTamil NaduM.D. (PHYSIOLOGY)Round 1 · 2025All India · Open41,239Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
41,239
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
ESIC Medical College and PGIMSR, ESIC Medical College and Hospital, KK Nagar, Chennai - 600 078, Tamil Nadu, 600078
Gunam Super Speciality HospitalTamil Nadu(NBEMS-DIPLOMA) ANAESTHESIOLOGYRound 1 · 2025DNB Quota · Open41,312Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
41,142
Seats allotted
2
Name as printed
Gunam Super Speciality Hospital, No 35, Tank Street, Opp To Govt Hospital, Denkanikottai Road, Hosur, Krishnagiri Dist., Tamil Nadu, 635109
Sri Chandra Sekara HospitalTamil Nadu(NBEMS-DIPLOMA) ANAESTHESIOLOGYRound 1 · 2025DNB Quota · Open41,379Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
40,909
Seats allotted
2
Name as printed
Sri Chandra Sekara Hospital, Tamil Nadu, M-1, M-2, H-23, Avalapalli Housing Board, Bagalur Road, Hosur - 635109, Krishnagiri Dist, Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu, 635109
Syed Ammal Trust HospitalTamil Nadu(NBEMS-DIPLOMA) ANAESTHESIOLOGYRound 1 · 2025DNB Quota · Open41,656Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
41,656
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
Syed Ammal Trust Hospital, Tamil Nadu, DR E M ABDULLAH CAMPUS 127 SWAMY VIVEKANANDAR SALAI RAMANATHAPURAM, Tamil Nadu, 623501
Madras Medical College, ChennaiTamil NaduM.D. (ANAESTHESIOLOGY)Round 1 · 2025All India · ST41,752Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
41,752
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
MADRAS MEDICAL COLLEGE, EVR PERIYAR SALAI, CHENNAI-03, Tamil Nadu, 600003
K.A.P.Viswanatham Government Medical CollegeTamil NaduM.D. (PAEDIATRICS)Round 1 · 2025All India · ST41,760Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
41,760
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
K.A.P.Viswanatham Government Medical College, Tiruchirapalli, PERIYAMILAGUPARAI, TIRUCHIRAPPALLI, , Tamil Nadu, 620001
Coimbatore Medical College, CoimbatoreTamil NaduM.D. (Obst. and Gynae)/MS (Obstetrics and Gynaecology)Round 1 · 2025All India · ST41,874Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
41,874
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
COIMBATORE MEDICAL COLLEGE, COIMBATORE MEDICAL COLLEGE, CIVIL AERODROME POST, AVINASHI ROAD, PEELAMEDU, COIMBATORE-14, Tamil Nadu, 641014
Government Head Quarters HospitalTamil Nadu(NBEMS-DIPLOMA) PAEDIATRICSRound 1 · 2025DNB Quota · SC41,908Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
41,908
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
Government Head Quarters Hospital, , District Government Head Quarters Hospital and DNB Post Graduate Teaching Institute, Nellikuppam Mai, Tamil Nadu, 607001
Saveetha Medical College Nd HospitalTamil NaduM.D. (RADIO-DIAGNOSIS)Round 1 · 2025Self-Financed Merit Seat/(Paid Seat Quota) · Open41,940Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
26,717
Seats allotted
11
Name as printed
Saveetha Medical College Nd Hospital, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Tamil Nadu, 602105
Meenakshi Medical College Hospital and Research InstituteTamil NaduM.D. (RADIO-DIAGNOSIS)Round 1 · 2025Self-Financed Merit Seat/(Paid Seat Quota) · Open42,076Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
38,683
Seats allotted
2
Name as printed
Meenakshi Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Kanchipuram, Meenakshi Medical College Hospital and Research Institute, Enathur, Karaipettai Post, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, 631552
Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute, ChennaiTamil NaduM.D. (Emergency and Critical Care)/M.D. (Emergency Medicine)Round 1 · 2025Self-Financed Merit Seat/(Paid Seat Quota) · Open42,108Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
36,978
Seats allotted
3
Name as printed
Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu, 600116
Government Villupuram Medical College, VillupuramTamil NaduM.D. (PAEDIATRICS)Round 1 · 2025All India · ST42,346Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
42,346
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
GOVERNMENT VILLUPURAM MEDICAL COLLEGE, VILLUPURAM, GOVERNMENT VILLUPURAM MEDICAL COLLEGE VILLUPURAM TRICHY TRUNK ROAD MUNDIYAMPAKKAM VILLUPURAM DISTR, Tamil Nadu, 605601
Coimbatore Medical College, CoimbatoreTamil NaduM.D. (MICROBIOLOGY)Round 1 · 2025All India · Open42,637Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
35,605
Seats allotted
2
Name as printed
COIMBATORE MEDICAL COLLEGE, COIMBATORE MEDICAL COLLEGE, CIVIL AERODROME POST, AVINASHI ROAD, PEELAMEDU, COIMBATORE-14, Tamil Nadu, 641014
Madras Medical College, ChennaiTamil NaduM.D. (Radiotherapy/ Radiation Oncology)Round 1 · 2025All India · ST42,657Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
42,657
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
MADRAS MEDICAL COLLEGE, EVR PERIYAR SALAI, CHENNAI-03, Tamil Nadu, 600003
Chengalpattu Medical College, ChengalpattuTamil NaduM.D. (BIOCHEMISTRY)Round 1 · 2025All India · Open42,676Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
42,676
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
CHENGALPATTU MEDICAL COLLEGE, CHENGALPATTU, CHENGALPATTU MEDICAL COLLEGE, CHENGALPATTU, Tamil Nadu, 603001
Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute, ChennaiTamil NaduM.S. (ORTHOPAEDICS)Round 1 · 2025Self-Financed Merit Seat/(Paid Seat Quota) · Open42,805Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
27,751
Seats allotted
18
Name as printed
Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu, 600116
Govt. Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College, SalemTamil NaduM.D. (FORENSIC MEDICINE)Round 1 · 2025All India · Open43,019Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
43,019
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College, Salem, Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College, Majeera Kollappatti, Steel Plant Road, Salem., Tamil Nadu, 636030
Government Medical CollegeTamil NaduM.D. (PATHOLOGY)Round 1 · 2025All India · SC43,020Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
43,020
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
Government Medical College, Cuddalore District, Govt. Medical College and Hospital, Cuddalore District Erstwhile Rajah Muthiah Medical College, Tamil Nadu, 608002
Government Medical CollegeTamil NaduM.D. (PAEDIATRICS)Round 1 · 2025All India · ST43,054Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
43,054
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
Government Medical College, Theni, Government Medical College, Theni, Tamil Nadu, 625512
Government Medical CollegeTamil NaduDIPLOMA IN ANAESTHESIOLOGYRound 1 · 2025All India · EWS43,241Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
43,241
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
Government Medical College, Cuddalore District, Govt. Medical College and Hospital, Cuddalore District Erstwhile Rajah Muthiah Medical College, Tamil Nadu, 608002
Madurai Medical College, MaduraiTamil NaduM.D. (Obst. and Gynae)/MS (Obstetrics and Gynaecology)Round 1 · 2025All India · ST43,559Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
43,559
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
MADURAI MEDICAL COLLEGE, MADURAI MEDICAL COLLEGE, Tamil Nadu, 625020
Stanley Medical College, ChennaiTamil NaduM.D. (PATHOLOGY)Round 1 · 2025All India · EWS43,722Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
43,722
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
STANLEY MEDICAL COLLEGE, STANLEY MEDICAL COLLEGE NO.1, OLD JAIL ROAD, CHENNAI-600001, Tamil Nadu, 600001
Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute, ChennaiTamil NaduM.D. (Radiotherapy/ Radiation Oncology)Round 1 · 2025Self-Financed Merit Seat/(Paid Seat Quota) · Open43,808Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
41,272
Seats allotted
3
Name as printed
Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu, 600116
Government Kilpauk Medical CollegeTamil NaduM.D. (FORENSIC MEDICINE)Round 1 · 2025All India · SC43,887Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
43,887
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
Government Kilpauk Medical College, Government Kilpauk Medical College Poonthamalli main roadl, Kilpauk, Chennai 10, Tamil Nadu, 600010
Madurai Medical College, MaduraiTamil NaduM.D. (MICROBIOLOGY)Round 1 · 2025All India · OBC44,076Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
44,076
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
MADURAI MEDICAL COLLEGE, MADURAI MEDICAL COLLEGE, Tamil Nadu, 625020
Tirunelveli Medical College, TirunelveliTamil NaduM.D. (MICROBIOLOGY)Round 1 · 2025All India · Open44,236Closing rank
Details
Opening rank
44,236
Seats allotted
1
Name as printed
Tirunelveli Medical College, THE DEAN, TIRUNELVELI MEDICAL COLLEGE, HIGHGROUND, TIRUNELVELI-11, Tamil Nadu, 627011
Round 1, 2025 · Final Result of Round 1 for PG Counselling 2025 (opens the official site) — Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), DGHS, MoHFW, published 22 Nov 2025. Verified 17 Oct 2026.
Round 2, 2025 · Final Result for Round 2 of PG counselling 2025 (opens the official site) — Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), DGHS, MoHFW, published 17 Dec 2025. Verified 17 Oct 2026.
Round 3, 2025 · Final Result for Round-III of NEET PG Counselling 2025 (opens the official site) — Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), DGHS, MoHFW, published 6 Feb 2026. Verified 17 Oct 2026.
Stray vacancy round, 2025 · Final Result for Stray Round of PG counselling 2025 (opens the official site) — Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), DGHS, MoHFW, published 23 Feb 2026. Verified 17 Oct 2026.

Opening and closing ranks are the lowest and highest NEET (PG) All India Rank allotted or upgraded to a seat in this round, per college, course, quota and category, as listed in MCC's official allotment result. Seats kept from an earlier round, and AFMS/CW quota seats (allotted on separate merit lists), are not included.

Qualifying cut-off scores (2026)

NEET-PG 2026 minimum qualifying cut-off scoresYear: 2026 · Source[1]
NEET-PG 2026 minimum qualifying cut-off scores
CategoryMinimum qualifying criterionCut-off score (out of 720, as printed by NBEMS)
General / EWS50th percentile262
General PwBD45th percentile244
SC / ST / OBC (including PwBD of SC/ST/OBC)40th percentile226

Final merit lists for state-quota seats are generated by each State/UT as per its own criteria, guidelines and reservation policy.

Sources for qualifying cut-offs

  1. 1.Notice: Result of NEET-PG 2026 Declared (24 September 2026) (opens the official site) — National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), published 24 Sept 2026. Checked 17 Oct 2026.

Expert guidance · Free

Make your choices with a counsellor beside you

Talk through colleges, cutoffs, fees and counselling rounds with an M B Patil Education counsellor — before you lock your choices.

  • Shortlist colleges that fit your rank and budget
  • Understand quotas, rounds and documents
  • Never miss a registration or choice-filling deadline
Request a free counselling call

Share your details and an M B Patil Education counsellor will call you.

We may verify your number with a WhatsApp code. See our privacy policy.

Related reading

NEET PGTelangana NEET PG Counselling 2026: Eligibility, Fees, NRI Quota, Choice Filling & Important FAQsTelangana NEET PG Counselling 2026 (KNRUHS) explained — Competent Authority Quota registration (15–23 Oct), qualifying scores, local candidature rules, fees, CQ vs Management Quota, NRI quota (2025–26 reference), documents, reservation, service bonds and 15 important FAQs.October 2026NEET PGKarnataka NEET PG Counselling 2026: Eligibility, Fees, NRI Quota, Choice Filling & Important FAQsKarnataka NEET PG Counselling 2026 (KEA PGET) explained — registration dates, eligibility for Karnataka and non-Karnataka candidates, G/P/N/Q seat types, application fees, NRI quota, document verification, option entry, the four Round 1 choices, upgradation rules and 15 important FAQs.October 2026NEET PGMaharashtra NEET PG Counselling 2026: Eligibility, Fees, NRI Quota, Choice Filling & Important FAQsMaharashtra NEET PG Counselling 2026 explained — MCC's state counselling dates, eligibility, registration fee and security deposits (2025 reference), the amended NRI quota rules, choice filling, rounds, reporting documents and 12 important FAQs for MD/MS admissions.October 2026
Latest news from MBP Bulletin

News coverage — not official notices. Always confirm on the official portal.

Guide content last reviewed 17 Oct 2026. Admission rules change every year — always confirm on the official portal before acting.