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Candidates must ensure that they meet all NEET-UG 2026 eligibility criteria before applying for the examination. The eligibility criteria are prescribed by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the National Testing Agency (NTA). Any candidate found ineligible at any stage of the admission process – even after qualifying the exam – will be summarily disqualified, and their candidature will be cancelled.
The NEET-UG 2026 eligibility criteria cover the following parameters:
The following categories of candidates are eligible to appear for NEET-UG 2026:
Note: OCI and PIO candidates are eligible for admission under the same categories as Indian nationals, subject to the rules and regulations of the concerned universities/colleges and the Government of India.
Candidates must have completed 17 years of age as on 31st December 2026. This means candidates must be born on or before 31st December 2009 to be eligible.
There is no upper age limit for NEET-UG 2026. The previous upper age restriction of 25 years (30 years for reserved categories) was removed by the National Medical Commission (NMC) in 2018. Candidates of any age can appear for NEET provided they meet all other eligibility criteria.
Candidates must fulfil the following educational requirements to be eligible for NEET-UG 2026:
Candidates must secure the following minimum aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology taken together in the qualifying examination:
| Category | Minimum Qualifying Marks (PCB Aggregate) |
| General (UR) / GEN-EWS | 50% |
| OBC-NCL / SC / ST | 40% |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | 40% (45% for General-PwD) |
Important: Candidates must also pass in each subject individually (Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English) as per the pass criteria of their respective board.
While filling the NEET-UG 2026 application form, candidates must select the appropriate Qualifying Examination Code that corresponds to their educational background. The codes are as follows:
| Code | Description |
| CODE: 01 | Candidates appearing for Class XII board examination in 2026 and awaiting results. Such candidates are provisionally eligible subject to submission of passing certificates and qualifying marks by the prescribed deadline. |
| CODE: 02 | Higher/Senior Secondary Examination or Indian School Certificate Examination (ISCE) – 12-year study cycle, with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects, as prescribed by NCERT. |
| CODE: 03 | Intermediate / Pre-degree Examination in Science from an Indian University/Board or recognized examining body, with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as main subjects, including practical tests. |
| CODE: 04 | Pre-professional / Pre-medical Examination conducted after passing Higher Secondary/Pre-university examination, with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English, including practical tests. |
| CODE: 05 | First year of a three-year degree course from a recognized University, with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology as main subjects, including practical tests. Candidate must have passed the previous qualifying examination (10+2) with the prescribed subjects. |
| CODE: 06 | B.Sc. degree examination from a recognized Indian University, with at least two of the subjects from Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany, Zoology),/Biotechnology. Candidate must have passed the previous qualifying examination (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English. |
| CODE: 07 | Any other examination equivalent to 10+2 (comprising Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology with practical tests) recognized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) as equivalent to Intermediate Science Examination of an Indian University/Board.
Candidates who have passed the qualifying examination in a foreign country must select this code. |
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for NEET-UG. The National Medical Commission (NMC) removed the limit on attempts in 2018. Candidates can appear for NEET any number of times, provided they meet all other eligibility criteria (age, educational qualification, etc.) for that particular year.
Candidates seeking admission to B.Sc Nursing programmes through NEET scores must fulfil the following eligibility criteria:
Same as NEET-UG: Candidate must have completed 17 years of age as on 31st December 2026 (born on or before 31.12.2009). No upper age limit.
The 15% NRI Quota is a special reservation category in private medical colleges and deemed universities. Candidates seeking admission under this quota must meet the following conditions:
The 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats are allocated for admission to undergraduate medical/dental courses in government medical colleges across India (except Jammu & Kashmir – subject to specific conditions).
Additional Eligibility: Candidates who qualify NEET 2026 are also eligible for 100% seats in Deemed Universities, Central Universities, ESIC, and AFMC, subject to the rules of the respective institutions and counselling authorities.
The 85% State Quota seats are reserved for candidates who meet the domicile/residence requirements of the respective State/Union Territory. Counselling for these seats is conducted by the appropriate state authorities.
Note: Admission to private medical and dental colleges through NEET is also subject to state/union territory policies and the rules of the respective institutions.
| Parameter | Requirement |
| Nationality | Indian / NRI / OCI / PIO / Foreign National |
| Age (Lower Limit) | 17 years as on 31.12.2026 (born on or before 31.12.2009) |
| Age (Upper Limit) | No upper age limit |
| Qualifying Examination | Class XII (or equivalent) from recognized board/university |
| Appearing Candidates | Appearing in 2026 are eligible (provisional admission) |
| Mandatory Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, English (with practicals) |
| Minimum Marks (PCB Aggregate) – General | 50% |
| Minimum Marks (PCB Aggregate) – OBC/SC/ST/PwD | 40% (45% for General-PwD) |
| Number of Attempts | Unlimited (no restriction) |
| NRI Quota Eligibility | Bonafide NRI/OCI/PIO status; valid passport; NEET qualified |
| Foreign Nationals | Eligible; AIU equivalence required for foreign qualifications |
| B.Sc Nursing Eligibility | 45% aggregate (General); 40% (SC/ST/OBC); 3% PwD reservation |
1. What is the age limit for NEET 2026?
Candidates must have completed 17 years of age as on 31st December 2026 (born on or before 31.12.2009). There is no upper age limit.
2. Can I appear for NEET 2026 if I am appearing for Class XII in 2026?
Yes. Candidates appearing for their Class XII examination in 2026 are eligible to apply. Such candidates will be granted provisional admission subject to submission of passing certificates and fulfilling the minimum marks criteria by the prescribed deadline.
3. What is the minimum percentage required in Class XII for NEET 2026?
General category candidates must secure at least 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology. OBC/SC/ST/PwD candidates require 40% aggregate (45% for General-PwD).
4. Is Mathematics compulsory for NEET 2026?
No. Mathematics is not a mandatory subject for NEET. Candidates must have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English.
5. How many times can I attempt NEET?
Unlimited. There is no restriction on the number of attempts for NEET-UG.
6. Are OCI/PIO candidates eligible for NEET 2026?
Yes. OCI and PIO cardholders are eligible to appear for NEET 2026 and seek admission under the same categories as Indian nationals, subject to institutional rules and Government of India regulations.
7. What is the NRI Quota in NEET?
The 15% NRI Quota is a special reservation category in private medical colleges and deemed universities. Eligible candidates include NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and children of Indian citizens working abroad. Candidates must have qualified NEET to be considered.
8. Is there any upper age limit for NEET 2026?
No. The upper age limit was removed by NMC in 2018. Candidates of any age can appear for NEET provided they meet all other eligibility criteria.
9. Can a candidate from Jammu & Kashmir apply for 15% All India Quota seats?
Yes, subject to conditions. Candidates from J&K must submit a self-declaration form along with the NEET application form, stating that they are willing to forego home state counselling and participate in AIQ counselling. Such candidates will also be eligible for seats in Deemed Universities, ESIC, AFMC, and Central Universities.
10. What are the eligibility criteria for B.Sc Nursing through NEET?
Candidates must have completed 17 years of age, passed Class XII with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English, and secured 45% aggregate (General) or 40% aggregate (SC/ST/OBC) in PCB. PwD candidates have 3% reservation.
11. Do foreign nationals need to obtain an equivalence certificate for their Class XII qualification?
Yes. Foreign Nationals must obtain an equivalence certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) certifying that their qualifying examination is equivalent to Class XII of the Indian education system.
12. I have passed Class XII from a foreign board. Am I eligible for NEET 2026?
Yes. Candidates who have passed Class XII from a foreign board are eligible, provided they have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English with the prescribed minimum aggregate marks. An AIU equivalence certificate is mandatory.
This page is for informational purposes only. ALLEN Overseas has verified the information from official government sources (nta.nic.in, nmc.org.in). However, candidates must refer to official notifications from NTA, NMC, and the Ministry of Health for final confirmation and decision-making.
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