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NEET UG is the single gateway to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and nursing admissions in India. With over 24 lakh students appearing every year, understanding the eligibility rules is the first step. Any mistake in meeting eligibility can disqualify you from the most competitive medical entrance exam in the world.
Basic Eligibility for NEET 2026
Nationality
- Indian nationals, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and foreign nationals are eligible.
- NRI and foreign national candidates are considered under separate quota seats.
Educational Qualification
- Passed Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology as compulsory subjects.
- English as a subject is mandatory.
- Students appearing in Class 12 in 2026 (first attempt) are also eligible.
- Must have passed each science subject individually (not aggregate only).
Minimum Qualifying Marks
| Category | Minimum Marks in PCB |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | 50% |
| OBC / SC / ST | 40% |
| PwD (General) | 45% |
| PwD (SC/ST/OBC) | 40% |
Note
The minimum percentage is calculated on the aggregate of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology marks only. Your overall percentage including other subjects does not count.
Age Limit for NEET 2026
The minimum age to appear for NEET is 17 years as of December 31, 2026. You must have been born on or before December 31, 2009, to appear in NEET 2026.
No Upper Age Limit
The Supreme Court of India, in a 2022 ruling, upheld the removal of the upper age limit (previously 25 years for general, 30 for reserved categories) for NEET UG. There is now no maximum age restriction.
Number of Attempts
There is NO limit on the number of attempts for NEET UG. You can appear as many times as you wish, as long as you meet the age and educational criteria. This was confirmed by the Supreme Court ruling in 2018, which removed the earlier cap of 3 attempts.
Eligibility for NIOS / Open School Students
Students who have cleared Class 12 from NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are eligible for NEET, provided they meet the minimum percentage requirement. This is a frequently misunderstood rule: NIOS is a recognised board by NTA.
NEET Eligibility for Dropper Students
Dropper students who passed Class 12 in any previous year are fully eligible for NEET 2026, as long as they meet the minimum marks requirement and the age criterion. With no upper attempt limit, droppers can continue preparing without restrictions.
Key Documents Required for NEET Registration
- Class 10 marksheet/certificate (for date of birth proof)
- Class 12 marksheet or admit card (for appearing students)
- Category certificate (if applying under reserved category)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Passport-size photograph and signature as per NTA specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is there an upper age limit for NEET UG? No. The Supreme Court removed the upper age limit in a 2022 ruling, so candidates of any age who meet the educational qualification can appear.
- How many times can I attempt NEET? There is no cap on the number of attempts, as confirmed by the Supreme Court in 2018. You can appear every year as long as you meet the age and educational criteria.
- Can a Class 12 student appearing in 2026 apply for NEET 2026? Yes. Students appearing in their qualifying Class 12 exam in the same year are eligible to apply, subject to producing proof of having passed by the time of admission.
- Are NIOS (open school) students eligible for NEET? Yes, provided they have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and meet the minimum qualifying percentage. NIOS is an NTA-recognised board.
- What is the minimum percentage required in PCB for NEET? 50% for General/EWS, and 40% for OBC/SC/ST categories, calculated on the aggregate of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology marks only.
- Do NRI and foreign national candidates need to meet the same eligibility? The core educational and subject requirements are the same, but NRI and foreign national candidates are considered under separate quota seats during counselling.