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Updated By Samiksha Rautela on 05 Aug, 2025 15:13
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria is that general category students must score 50th percentile, while the SC, ST & OBC students must score 40th percentile, and the PWC students must score 45th percentile. Know details here!
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Predict My CollegeNEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria suggests that applicants need to pass higher secondary exam with at least 50% marks in aggregate. The National Testing Agency (NTA) announces the eligibility criteria for the aspirants. The standards covered under the NEET UG eligibility criteria include academics, nationality, age, and total number of attempts. The minimum age to appear for the NEET 2026 Exam is 17 years as of 31st December of the applying year. From 2024, the upper age limit has been removed, and the total number of attempts has been made unlimited.
Students must have passed the 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as compulsory subjects. The NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria is released by the NTA authorities every year, and students who do not meet the conditions will not be considered eligible to fill out the NEET Application Form 2026. The NEET UG 2026 Exam is expected to be conducted in the 1st week of May 2026. In this article, know in detail about the NEET eligibility criteria 2026, highlights, important pointers, relaxation, reservation policy, age criteria, qualifying quotes, AIQ & state Quota reservations, and so on.
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Attempt nowNTA authorities release the NEET eligibility criteria notification online in PDF format. Students can find the detailed overview of the NEET exam given below.
Parameters | NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026 |
|---|---|
Mode of Examination | Offline mode (Pen and Paper Based) |
Exam Duration | 3 Hours 20 minutes |
Minimum Qualification | Class 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects. |
| Minimum Qualification For Mathematics Students | Class 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects and Biology as an additional subject. |
Nationality | Indian Nationals, OCIs, NRIs, PIOs & Foreign Nationals aspirants are deemed eligible to apply |
NEET age limit 2026 | Candidates should have completed 17 years as of December 31, 2026 |
NEET Maximum Age Limit | There is no upper age limit for students, and anyone can apply for the medical entrance exam |
Qualifying Exam for NEET 2026 |
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Maximum Number of Attempts for NTA NEET | No restrictions |
NEET eligibility marks 2026 | NEET class 12 eligibility marks are considered aggregate marks only for PCB subjects.
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Also Read:
How to Get a Disability Certificate for NEET Registration 2026 | How to Get a Category Certificate for NEET Registration 2026 |
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From the year 2022, the upper age limit to appear for the NEET exam has been removed. As per the NEET 2026 eligibility criteria, the minimum age to appear for the entrance exam is 17 years. Applicants can refer to the pointers below to learn more about the NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria.
Minimum Age Limit: The lower age limit for candidates aspiring for NEET 2026 should be 17 years as of December 31 of the admission year, i.e., 2026. For example, candidates appearing for NEET 2026 and who are 16 years of age are eligible, as he/she will complete 17 years by December 31, 2026. The admitted year is 2026.
Maximum Age Limit: The upper age limit for candidates has been removed.
According to the NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026, the upper and lower age limits have been revised as follows -
Name of the Category | NEET Age Limit 2026 |
|---|---|
General (UnReserved) and General (EWS) | The candidate should be born on or before December 31, 2004 |
SC/ ST/ OBC-NCL/ PWD | The candidate should be born on or before December 31, 2004 |
Detailed information regarding the NEET eligibility criteria has been provided in the NEET 2026 Information Bulletin.
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has recently announced a significant relaxation in the eligibility criteria for NEET UG (Undergraduate) 2026. The decision, conveyed through a public notice on November 23, 2023, allows students who have pursued physics, chemistry, biology, or biotechnology, along with English as an additional subject after passing Class 12 from recognized boards, to be eligible to appear in the NEET-UG test.
This move aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP), which advocates for flexibility in subject study in Class 12. Importantly, this decision applies retroactively, even to students whose applications were previously rejected due to the stringent criteria set by the erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI). Check out NEET 2026 Preparation Tips here.
Starting from 2026, students completing Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, or Biotechnology, along with English as an additional subject, are now eligible for the NEET UG 2026 exam. This change, made by the National Medical Commission, aligns with the National Education Policy's flexibility. Importantly, it applies retroactively, even to previously rejected applications, as regulations require uninterrupted study in specific subjects for two years after Class 12. This rectifies past rejections and addresses legal issues regarding NEET Eligibility criteria 2026 promptly.
Candidates must meet NEET 2026 eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications, age limits, and reservation criteria, ensuring a fair application process. Requirements include passing the 12th class with Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and English. General category candidates need 50% marks, while SC/ST/OBC candidates need 40%. Eligibility criteria for NRIs, OCIs, and PIOs have been recently revised. Go through the NEET 2026 Reservation Policy to learn more details about the NEET eligibility.
In the academic year 2022, a noticeable change has been made to the NEET eligibility criteria. Previously, the upper age limit to appear for the entrance test was 25 years for general and 30 years for the reserved category students. This same rule will be incorporated in the NEET 2026 eligibility criteria. However, the upper age barrier has now been removed. Students can appear in the NEET examination until they get their desired scores. This indeed increases the competition every year, but it reduces the pressure on students to pass the exam. If students do not feel satisfied with their last exam performance, then they can reappear in the NEET examination as there is no attempt bar.
Students of Indian origin but appearing from overseas will have to fill up the NRI application form showcasing their NRI certificate as proof of identity. Prospective candidates residing outside India must meet the NEET eligibility criteria 2026 tailored for Non-Resident Indian (NRI) students set by NEET authorities.
Academic Requirements: International aspirants must have completed Class XII with Chemistry, English, Physics, and Biotechnology/Biology, securing at least 50%. Equivalence of qualifications will be determined by the Association of Indian Universities.
OCI Eligibility: Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) are eligible for undergraduate Medical/Ayurveda/Dental/Unani/Homeopathy courses in India, following regulations set by relevant bodies and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
GCSE/IB/AP Curriculum: Candidates completing GCSE, IB, or Advanced Placement courses are eligible under the NEET 2026 criteria.
Eligibility for Various Courses: Indian Nationals, OCI, NRIs, PIOs, and Foreign Nationals can seek admission to Dental/Medical/Siddha/Ayurveda/Unani/Homeopathy Colleges, subject to regulations by State Institutions and Governments. Foreign national aspirants can participate based on caste category/reservation.
To know about the complete process regarding application fee payment for NRI applicants, check out NEET 2026 Application Fee and Payment Methods!
During the NEET application form-filling process, candidates are required to choose the NEET 2026 qualifying code by the NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026. In these instances, aspirants must stay informed about all the NEET qualification codes for the year 2026. Interested individuals can consult the table below for further details.
Qualifying Code | Details of Qualifying Examination Codes for NEET exam 2026 |
|---|---|
Code 01 | Aspirants who are appearing for their Class 12 board exam and are waiting for the board’s result need to choose code 1. However, before the time of admission, such students must qualify for their class 12 exams to be deemed eligible for admission. |
Code 02 | Candidates studying from the senior/ higher secondary examination or Indian School Certificate Examination (ISCE), equivalent to the Class 12 examination, and which comes after 12 years of study, need to mandatorily choose code 2. Based on the National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT), students should have studied science subjects, namely Chemistry, Physics, Biology/Biotechnology, and Mathematics or any other relevant elective subjects, with English as a core subject in their last 2 years. Candidates who have qualified for the Class 12 exams in the year 2020 or before and have not pursued any other course after the completion of Class 12 should choose this code. |
Code 03 | Students who have completed their pre-degree/ Intermediate exams in Science of an Indian University/ Board or other recognized body with Biology/ Biotechnology, Chemistry, Physics, and also English as a compulsory subject, have to choose this code. Candidates whose class 12 or its equivalent qualifying examination studies have been completed from a state board can also choose this code. |
Code 04 | Candidates who have completed a pre-medical/ pre-professional examination after clearing either the Higher Secondary Examination or the Pre-University or an equivalent test with Physics, Biology/Biotechnology, Chemistry, & English should choose code 4 while applying. The Pre-professional/ Pre-medical examination will include practical tests in these subjects and also English as a mandatory subject. |
Code 05 | With Chemistry, Physics, and Biology/ Biotechnology as compulsory subjects, students wanting to pursue the three-year degree course from a recognized institute and have qualified in their first year, including practical tests in each of the stated subjects, have to choose code 5. Students should note that the qualifying exam must compulsorily be a University Examination and aspirants must have passed the earlier qualifying examination, namely 10+2 with Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and Physics, with English as a core course. |
Code 06 | Candidates must have opted for at least two of the Biology (Botany, Zoology)/Bio-technology, Physics, or Chemistry subjects while qualifying the BSc Examination from an Indian recognized University. Such students need to choose code 6 during their application form-filling process. Moreover, one must have cleared the earlier qualifying examination (10+2) with Chemistry, Physics, English, and Biology as the key subjects. |
Code 07 | Aspirants who have qualified for any other exam with a broad scope (Last two years of 10+2 Study including Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology) are found to be equivalent to the Intermediate Science Examination of an Indian Board/ University, and have to choose this code. Aspirants who have cleared the qualifying examination from a foreign country are also required to fill in code 7. |
Based on the previous year's trends, candidates gearing up to secure admission in Nursing courses will be eligible to apply for the same through NEET UG qualification. Therefore, securing the required NEET UG Score is a valid eligibility criterion for admission into BSc Nursing courses. This means that all candidates aspiring to take admission into Nursing courses must go through the NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026 for BSc Nursing Admission
Age Limit: Applicant must be equal to or more than 17 years old as of December 31, 2026.
Educational Qualification: Students applying for the NEET exam must have Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as his/her core subjects in Class 12.
Minimum Marks: Minimum qualifying marks as per NEET eligibility 2026 vary based on the category of the applicant. Here are the minimum qualifying marks for NEET 2026 exam-
General Category: Students must score a minimum of 45% aggregate marks.
SC/ST/OBC Category: Candidates must score a minimum of 40% aggregate marks.
Reservation Policy: PwD Candidates will be entitled for a 3% reservation in NEET 2026 exam.
Also Read: BSc Nursing Admission through NEET 2026
Students can find the details regarding NEET 2026 AIQ and State Quota eligibility criteria given below.
About 85% of the medical and dental seats are reserved for students falling under the NEET state quota. State quota candidates have to be residents of India and should have completed their Class 12 from their respective states.
About 15% of seats are reserved for All India Quota candidates in various medical and dental colleges of India. The candidate falling under this category should be an Indian Citizen, Person with Indian Origin, Non-Resident Indian, or Foreign National. Candidates from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir do not fall under 15% All India Quota Seats; however, such candidates can take admission in the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune.
Specifications | Features |
|---|---|
NEET Qualifying Exam |
|
NEET Minimum Age Requirement | Students should be at least 17 years old as of December 31, 2026. |
Maximum Age Restrictions | No upper age limit restriction. |
Maximum no. of attempts one can make for the NEET exam | No restrictions around the same. |
Nationality | Candidates who are of Indian nationals origin, PIOs, NRIs, OCIs, or Foreign |
Category Wise Minimum Qualifying Percentage Required in Class 12
Candidates can discover the essential details about Class 12 qualification for NEET 2026 through the table provided below. This data has been provided as per the NEET Eligibility Criteria for 2026-27.
Category | Required Percentage in 12th standard |
|---|---|
For General candidates | 50% |
For Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe/Other Backward Classes | 40% |
For General Physically Handicapped candidates | 45% |
For Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe/Other Backward Classes- Physically Handicapped candidates | 40% |
In the NEET 2026 exam, the highest number of seats is reserved for scheduled castes, and the least number of seats is for physically handicapped examinees. Check out the table provided below for information regarding seat reservations for different categories, as per the NEET 2026 eligibility criteria.
Category | Seat Reservation |
|---|---|
Scheduled Caste | 15% |
General-EWS | 10% |
Scheduled Tribe | 7.5% |
Other Backward Classes - non-creamy layer | 27% |
Physically Handicapped | 3% |
Also read: NEET Dress Code 2024
Want to know more about NEET
Based on the reservation system, the class 12 percentage needed for NEET 2023 exam is listed below. It is crucial that aspirants secure the mentioned percentage as it is a part of the NEET UG eligibility criteria. Those who are unable to secure this score will not be allowed to appear for the test. Here is the minimum percentile one should score in class 12 standard.
1) UR - 50%,
2) OBC/SC/ST - 40%
3) PWD - 45%
As per the recent NEET eligibility criteria 2025, there is no restriction in place on the number of attempts. Candidates can give the test for as many times as they wish only if the minimum age limit criteria of 17 years are met. The upper age limit was removed from the NEET eligibility criteria in 2025.
Yes, it is. NEET eligibility criteria takes into account the total marks a student has obtained based on both practical and theory in Chemistry, Physics, and Biology subjects. Thus, it is crucial that students focus on 10+2 studies as diligently as they invest their time in NEET exam preparations.
A unit code is assigned basis the subject it covers and what level the unit may be studied at. For reference, LAW101 is a unit where the subject is know as Law, and where the unit is defined at a 100-level. Similar logic applies to the NEET UG 2023 paper too.
The eligibility criteria of NEET 2025 are the minimum requirement a candidate must fulfill to appear for the medical entrance test. It comprises details on the qualifying exam, nationality, pass percentage required for the NEET exam, number of attempts, age limit, and more.
Yes, class 12 marks do matter for NEET 2025 exam. As per the NEET eligibility criteria 2024, students must have secured a minimum of 50% or more marks in Class 12 to be eligible for NEET.
The National Testing Agency is the official authority that releases the NEET 2025 eligibility criteria for all medical aspirants.
All students who fulfill the eligibility criteria can give the NEET exam 2025.
Yes, students with a gap year are eligible for NEET 2025 exam.
Yes, students participating in supplementary exams are eligible to take part in the NEET test. However, at the time of examination, such aspirants must produce the required documents for which the following criteria needs be fulfilled -
Must have completed class 12 with a minimum of 50% for Unreserved candidates and 40% for Reserved candidates
Must be 17 years as on December 31 and not lesser.
Nationality: OCIs, PIOs, Indian Nationals, NRIs, & Foreign Nationals.
Yes, aspirants who have opted for Biology as an additional subject are eligible for NEET 2025. Private candidates and distance learning students are also deemed qualified.
Yes. If a student is completing his/ her minimum age requirement on or before Dec 31, 2024, then they can apply for the test.
Yes, you can feel free to appear for NEET 2025 exam. The upper age limit criteria for the medical entrance test have been scrapped.
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