Understand NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026 including age limit, educational qualification, minimum PCB marks, attempt limit, reserved category relaxation, and eligibility for NRI, OCI, and foreign candidates.
NEET eligibility 2026 clearly indicates that candidates must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology as compulsory subjects, along with English. The applicants must be at least 17 years old on or before December 31, 2026 as per the National Medical Commission (NMC) guidelines issued related to age and also there is no upper age limit.
There candidates must have scored 50% aggregate marks in senior secondary and there is relaxation to PWD candidates and SC/ST candidates. It is important to note that candidates have no restriction on the number of attempts for NEET.
The NEET examination process is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), which is responsible for releasing the notification, accepting applications, conducting the exam, and declaring results.
NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026
NEET eligibility criteria 2026 include academic qualifications, age rules, minimum marks required in class 12th exam to apply uniformly across India and are mandatory for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other medical courses.
The table below contains all the vital information regarding the NEET UFG eligibility 2026:
| Criteria | Eligibility |
| Exam Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Domicile | Indian Citizens and NRIs, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), and foreign nationals are now eligible based on the revised eligibility criteria to apply for NEET 2025 |
| Minimum Age Criteria | 17 years |
| Maximum Age Limit | Maximum Age Limit for NEET Removed by NMC |
| Minimum Qualification | The candidate must have passed 10+2 with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks, PWD-45%, and SC/ST-40% |
| Maximum Number of Attempts | There is no limit on the number of attempts within the prescribed age limit for NEET. |
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Educational Qualification Requirements for NEET 2025
Applicants should have passed Class 12 (10+2) or an equivalent examination from a recognised board, with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as compulsory subjects.
| Criteria | Description |
| Minimum Qualification | Must have passed Class 12 (10+2) or an equivalent examination from a recognised board |
| Mandatory Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English |
| Purpose of Criteria | Ensures candidates have the core science background needed for medical studies |
Minimum Required Percentage for NEET 2026
Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying percentage in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) in their class 12th and the detailed marks are added below:
| Category | Subjects Considered | Minimum Percentage Required |
| General / Unreserved (UR) | Physics, Chemistry, Biology | 50% |
| OBC / SC / ST | Physics, Chemistry, Biology | 40% |
| PwD (General) | Physics, Chemistry, Biology | 45% |
Also Read: Minimum Marks Required in NEET 2026 for MBBS
Age Limit for NEET 2025
Age is another most important criteria for NEET eligibility and the table below summarises the age criteria in detail:
| Age Limit Type | Requirement |
| Minimum Age | 17 years by 31 December 2026 |
| Maximum Age | No upper age limit |
Accepted Proof for Date of Birth (DOB):
- Class 10 mark sheet
- Aadhaar card
- Birth certificate
- Passport
Also Check: How to Improve Speed and Accuracy in NEET 2026
What Is the NEET 2026 Eligibility for Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC)?
For candidates from reserved groups including SC, ST, OBC, and PwD, NEET 2026 offers a waiver of the minimum qualifying marks. However, since the upper age limit has been eliminated, there is no age relaxation.
| Category | Minimum PCB Marks Required |
| SC / ST / OBC | 40% |
| PwD (UR) | 45% |
| PwD (SC/ST/OBC) | 40% |
NEET 2026 Attempt Limit
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for NEET. Candidates can appear for the exam any number of times as long as they satisfy age and educational criteria.
Important: Tips to Score 150+ Marks in the NEET Physics
Is Maths Required for NEET 2026?
No, NEET eligibility does not require a background in mathematics. The only subjects that are required are biology/biotechnology, chemistry, and physics.
It has no bearing on a student's eligibility for the NEET, even if they took mathematics as an extra subject in class 12.
Also Check: Is 630 a Safe Score in NEET for a government college?
Can Foreign Nationals, NRIs, or PIOs Apply for NEET 2026?
Yes, foreign nationals, NRIs, OCIs, and PIOs are eligible to apply for NEET 2026 if they meet the academic and age requirements.
NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026 for NRIs / OCI / Foreign Students
| Eligibility Criteria | NRIs | OCI / Foreign Nationals |
| Educational Qualification | 10+2 with PCB & English | 10+2 with PCB & English |
| Age Limit | Same as Indian candidates | Same as Indian candidates |
| NEET Qualification | Mandatory | Mandatory |
Also Check: How to Improve Speed and Accuracy in NEET
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Minimum 17 years old by Dec 31, 2026. -
Passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotech, English. -
General category needs 50% in PCB; reserved categories need 40%. -
Currently, there is no upper age limit for NEET.
