Before applying for the NEET UG exam, every medical aspirant must carefully check the eligibility criteria prescribed by NTA (National Testing Agency). If a candidate does not meet these conditions, their application may be rejected at any stage of the admission process.
Table Of Content
- What is NEET?
- Overview of NEET Eligibility Criteria
- Age Limit for NEET 2026
- Age Criteria Table
- Educational Qualification
- Required Subjects in Class 12
- Minimum Qualifying Marks in Class 12
- Minimum Marks Requirement Table
- Nationality Criteria
- Nationality Eligibility Table
- Number of Attempts
- Attempts Rule Table
- Eligibility for Different Types of Candidates
- Candidates Appearing for Class 12
- Open School / Private Candidates
- NIOS Candidates
- NEET Eligibility for MBBS and BDS
- MBBS & BDS Eligibility Table
- Reservation Policy and Category Rules
- Reservation Table
- Important Points to Remember
- Conclusion
This article provides a complete explanation of NEET eligibility criteria 2026, including age limit, educational qualification, subject requirements, nationality rules, minimum marks, number of attempts, and special conditions — all in a simple and clear format.
What is NEET?
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the only national-level entrance examination for admission into:
- MBBS
- BDS
- AYUSH courses (BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS)
- BVSc & AH
- Nursing and other medical programs (as per regulations)
NEET is conducted once every year by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Overview of NEET Eligibility Criteria
The NEET eligibility criteria mainly depend on the following factors:
- Age limit
- Educational qualification
- Subjects studied in Class 12
- Minimum marks required
- Nationality
- Number of attempts
- Special categories
Age Limit for NEET 2026
Candidates must satisfy the age requirements to apply for NEET.
Age Criteria Table
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Minimum Age | 17 years as on 31st December of the admission year |
| Maximum Age | No upper age limit |
| Eligible Year of Birth | Candidates born on or before 31st December 2009 (for NEET 2026) |
✔Students below 17 years are not eligible
✔ There is no restriction on how old a candidate can be
✔ Age relaxation is not applicable because there is no upper age limit
Educational Qualification
To be eligible for NEET, a candidate must have passed or must be appearing in:
- Class 12 (10+2)
- Or equivalent examination from a recognized board
Required Subjects in Class 12
| Subject Requirement | Mandatory |
| Physics | Yes |
| Chemistry | Yes |
| Biology/Biotechnology | Yes |
| English | Yes |
| Mathematics | Not required |
Candidates who studied PCB with English are eligible even if they did not study Mathematics.
Minimum Qualifying Marks in Class 12
Candidates must secure minimum marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology combined.
Minimum Marks Requirement Table
| Category | Minimum Marks in PCB |
| General / UR | 50% |
| OBC | 40% |
| SC | 40% |
| ST | 40% |
| PwD (General) | 45% |
| PwD (Reserved) | 40% |
✔ Marks are calculated based on PCB subjects only
✔ Marks in English and other subjects are not included
✔ Candidates appearing for Class 12 can apply provisionally
Nationality Criteria
NEET is open to various categories of candidates based on nationality.
Nationality Eligibility Table
| Nationality Type | Eligible for NEET |
| Indian Citizens | Yes |
| Non-Resident Indians (NRI) | Yes |
| Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) | Yes |
| Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) | Yes |
| Foreign Nationals | Yes |
Foreign candidates must follow the rules of their respective universities and state counselling authorities.
Number of Attempts
There is no limit on the number of attempts for NEET.
Attempts Rule Table
| Criteria | Status |
| Maximum Attempts | Unlimited |
| Minimum Attempts | Not defined |
| Reappearing Allowed | Yes |
✔ Candidates can appear for NEET multiple times
✔ As long as age and education criteria are met, attempts are allowed
Eligibility for Different Types of Candidates
Candidates Appearing for Class 12
- Can apply provisionally
- Must pass Class 12 before admission
- Must meet minimum marks requirement
Open School / Private Candidates
- Eligible if they studied PCB and English
- Must pass from a recognized board
NIOS Candidates
- Eligible if they studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English
- Subjects must be individually passed
NEET Eligibility for MBBS and BDS
Eligibility for MBBS and BDS is the same as NEET eligibility.
MBBS & BDS Eligibility Table
| Requirement | Condition |
| Class 12 Subjects | PCB + English |
| Minimum Marks | As per category |
| Age | Minimum 17 years |
| NEET Qualification | Mandatory |
Admission to medical colleges is not possible without NEET qualification.
Reservation Policy and Category Rules
Reservation is applicable as per Government of India norms.
Reservation Table
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 7.5% |
| OBC-NCL | 27% |
| EWS | 10% |
| PwD | % |
Reservation benefits are applicable only for Indian citizens in government colleges.
Important Points to Remember
✔ NEET is compulsory for medical admission
✔ Mathematics is not mandatory
✔ Age must be minimum 17 years
✔ Minimum marks differ by category
✔ Foreign candidates are eligible
✔ Unlimited attempts allowed
Conclusion
Understanding the NEET eligibility criteria 2026 is the first step towards becoming a doctor. Candidates must carefully check age limit, educational qualification, subject requirements, and minimum marks before applying. Failing to meet even one condition can lead to disqualification.
To avoid problems during counselling and admission, always refer to the official NTA information bulletin and ensure that all eligibility conditions are satisfied before submitting the NEET application form.
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