NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Requirements to Apply for India’s Medical Entrance Exam
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) serves as the single entrance examination for students aiming to pursue undergraduate medical (MBBS) and dental (BDS) courses in India. NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria, Understanding the eligibility criteria for NEET 2026 is crucial for applicants to ensure they meet all necessary requirements before beginning the application process. Here, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of the eligibility standards, covering age, academic qualifications, nationality, and attempts allowed.
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
1. Nationality
NEET 2026 is open to Indian nationals, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), Non-Resident Indians (NRI), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), and foreign nationals. This inclusivity allows students from diverse backgrounds to participate in the exam and apply to recognized medical colleges within India. NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria.
2. Age Limit
Minimum Age: Candidates must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026. This is to ensure that students have a certain level of maturity and academic readiness for medical studies. NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria.
Maximum Age: While the previous age cap for general category students was 25 years (with a relaxation of 5 years for reserved categories), recent updates from the NTA have removed the upper age limit, allowing candidates of any age to apply for NEET. However, applicants should verify this in the official 2026 NEET brochure. NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria.
3. Educational Qualifications
Subject Requirements: Candidates must have completed their 10+2 education with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects. Both theoretical and practical proficiency in these subjects is essential. NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria.
Minimum Marks Required:
General Category: A minimum aggregate of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology.
Reserved Categories (SC/ST/OBC): Candidates in these categories must secure at least 40% aggregate marks.
PwD (Persons with Disabilities) Candidates: A relaxation to 45% aggregate is applicable.
Qualifying Examination: Students currently in their 12th grade or awaiting results can apply for NEET 2026, but admission will be granted only upon meeting the required marks in the final results. NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria.
4. Attempt Limit NEET 2026 has no restriction on the number of attempts, giving students the freedom to appear for the exam as many times as they need to achieve their desired scores. NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria.
5. Other Eligibility Considerations
State-Level Quotas: Some states have additional criteria for students wishing to claim seats under state quotas, such as domicile status. Candidates should consult the eligibility requirements of their respective states if they plan to apply under any state-level reservation. NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria.
Foreign Nationals: Foreign candidates must meet the eligibility criteria set by the Medical Council of India (MCI) or relevant authority to gain admission through NEET in Indian medical colleges. It’s advisable for international applicants to verify specific requirements before applying. NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria.
Key Points to Remember
Verify all details in the official NEET 2026 information bulletin, as criteria are subject to change based on NTA updates.
Candidates should ensure all documents required to prove eligibility are accurate and readily available, as discrepancies can lead to application rejection. NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria.
Keep track of official announcements by NTA to stay updated on any policy changes.
FAQs on NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
1. Can students from open schools or private schools apply for NEET 2026?
Yes, students who have completed 10+2 through recognized open schools or as private candidates are eligible for NEET, provided they have studied the required subjects and meet the aggregate score criteria.
2. Is there any restriction on the number of attempts for NEET 2026?
No, there is no restriction on the number of attempts for NEET. Candidates can take the exam as many times as they need.
3. What is the age relaxation for reserved categories?
Candidates from SC/ST/OBC categories can apply for NEET at any age above 17, as there is no upper age limit. Previously, the upper age limit was relaxed by 5 years for reserved categories, but this limit has been removed.
4. Can students with a gap year after 12th apply for NEET?
Yes, students who took a gap year after 12th grade can still apply for NEET, provided they meet the age and educational qualifications.
5. Are biology/biotechnology marks counted if I had an additional subject in 12th?
Yes, only Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology marks are considered for NEET eligibility. Marks in additional subjects do not affect eligibility.
6. Are NIOS or other distance education students eligible to apply for NEET 2026?
Yes, students who completed their 10+2 through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) or other recognized distance learning programs are eligible for NEET, provided they fulfill subject and score requirements.
7. Do foreign nationals need specific documents to apply for NEET?
Foreign nationals must provide valid ID proof (such as a passport) and ensure they meet additional requirements set by the Medical Council of India or relevant authority.
8. Is there any eligibility relaxation for PwD candidates?
Yes, PwD candidates must have at least 45% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology to qualify, which is a 5% relaxation compared to the general category.
By meeting the eligibility requirements outlined here, candidates can confidently proceed with their NEET 2026 applications, focusing on exam preparation and achieving their medical career goals.