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NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026 - Age Limit, Number of Attempt & Qualification

NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026 - Age Limit, Number of Attempt & Qualification

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Deep PathakUpdated on 19 Dec 2025, 11:24 AM IST
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The National Testing Agency (NTA) will release the NEET eligibility criteria 2026 for medical aspirants in the information bulletin. The NEET 2026 eligibility criteria includes the minimum requirements a candidate must fulfil to appear in the exam. The eligibility for NEET exam includes minimum age, educational qualification in class 12, and nationality.

This Story also Contains

  1. NEET eligibility criteria 2026
  2. NEET 2026 eligibility criteria: Citizenship-wise
  3. Eligibility criteria for NEET: Attempt limit
NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026 - Age Limit, Number of Attempt & Qualification
NEET Eligibility Criteria

NEET exam is conducted for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, BSc nursing, and other medical courses. The NEET exam eligibility 2026 specifies the mandatory educational qualifications, age limits, nationality requirements, and other key factors that determine eligibility for exam. Only such candidates who fulfil the eligibility as set by the NTA can fill out the NEET application form 2026. Read the full article to know comprehensive details about the NEET eligibility criteria 2026.

NEET eligibility criteria 2026

The NTA will release the eligibility criteria in the information bulletin of NEET 2026. Aspirants who fulfil the eligibility criteria can complete the application process and are eligible to appear for the undergraduate medical entrance test. The basic eligibility criteria for appearing in the NEET UG exam are as following:

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NEET eligibility age 2026

As per the age limit, a candidate should be of minimum 17 years of age at the time of admission or by December 31, 2026 to be eligible for NEET 2026. There is no upper age limit in NEET exam. Any candidate of any age can appear for the NEET 2026, considering he/she is of minimum 17 years.

NEET eligibility marks in 12th

A candidate must have passed class 12th to be eligible for NEET 2026 exam by the date of admission. Candidates should have passed the class 12 or equivalent by securing the minimum percentage as set by the NTA with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects.

The 12th percentage required for NEET 2026 is separate for each category. The percentage required for NEET for the general category is 50%, 40% for SC/ ST/ OBC category, and 40% for PwBD candidates.

NEET 2026 eligibility criteria: Citizenship-wise

Indian citizens, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), and foreign nationals are eligible to appear in the exam. The eligibility criteria based on the citizenship of candidate is provided below.

NEET exam eligibility: NRI/Foreign students

Candidates who have completed their education from outside the country must fulfil the NEET eligibility criteria. The last examination that NRI/Foreign students should be equivalent to Class 12 qualification in their respective country. Candidates should have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology and must have passed the theory and practical test in each of these subjects as well as English in the qualifying examination.

  • Non-resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), and Foreign Nationals are eligible for admission in Medical /Dental Colleges subject to rules and regulations framed by the respective State Governments, Institutions, and the Government of India, as the case may be.

  • NRI and OCI Applicants/Candidates have to upload a certificate from the concerned Indian Diplomatic Mission in the country of their residence in support of their claim as an NRI/OCI Candidate, along with their online NEET UG 2026 application form.

  • Similarly, a foreign applicant for NEET 2026 shall also upload Documentary Proof (e.g. relevant pages of a valid passport or a Certificate from the Competent Authority in the country of his/her nationality regarding his/her citizenship status) in support of his/her Nationality, along with online NEET application form.

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Eligibility criteria for NEET: Attempt limit

With amendments in 2018 for NEET UG eligibility criteria, the restrictions on the number of attempts for NEET were removed. Therefore there is no restriction on the number of attempts for NEET 2026. So, as per the NEET 2026 eligibility criteria, candidates are allowed to appear for the entrance exam as many times as they would like to, only if they are eligible.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is there any attempt limit in NEET UG?
A:

There is no attempt limit in NEET UG exam. With amendments in 2018 for NEET eligibility criteria, the restrictions on the number of attempts for NEET were removed. 

Q: Who specifies the NEET eligibility criteria 2026?
A:

The National Testing Agency is the competent authority to specify the NEET 2026 eligibility criteria for all medical aspiring candidates.

Q: I have a gap year between Class 11 and 12. Will I be eligible for NEET 2026?
A:

Yes, candidates with a gap year is eligible for NEET 2026. Earlier, MCI made amendments to the “Regulations on Graduate Medical Education, 1997” in which it was specified that a student must undergo continuous two years of study to become eligible to take NEET. However, this amendment was removed by the Delhi High Court and candidates with gap years can appear for NEET 2026 for now. The latest information brochure of NEET also specifies the same.

Q: What is the age limit for NEET 2026?
A:

The age limit for NEET 2026 is the candidate should be 17 years old on the date of admission. There is no upper age limit for NEET 2026.

Q: How many percentage is required in NEET 2026 in 12th?
A:

Candidates from general category must secure at least 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology, while the SC/ ST/ OBC students should have scored a minimum 40% marks. For PwD candidates, the required percentage in 12th is 45%.

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On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to NEET ?
Is there is any better option rather than NEET in pcb for high paying jobs

Hello aspirant,

Indeed, aside from NEET, there are a number of lucrative job choices in PCB. Strong wage potential is available in fields including biotechnology, bioinformatics, genetic engineering, biomedical engineering, data science in healthcare, and pharmaceutical research, particularly with higher education. Promising careers include those in environmental science, food technology, clinical research, and regulatory affairs. Compared to NEET, exams like IAT, CUET, and private university admissions are less difficult but nonetheless lucrative because they provide access to reputable universities.

Thank you

Read Complete Answer
S
Sajal Trivedi
25 Dec'25
Does NL autonomous college preferred to give class XI students integrated NEET courses?

Hello,

While North Lakhimpur College (Autonomous) offers regular higher secondary and degree programs, specific details about them running integrated NEET courses require direct confirmation from the college, though autonomous colleges have the flexibility to introduce such specialized programs.

I hope it will clear your query!!

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R
Rahul Mandal
25 Dec'25
Can I cover my syllabus for both neet and 12th theory within 4 months?

Hello aspirant,

It is feasible to complete the NEET and Class 12 theory course in four months, but only with a methodical, well-thought-out approach. Focus on NCERT first because it is essential for both exams and a large portion of the syllabus overlaps. Make a rigorous daily schedule, balance theory with multiple-choice questions, review frequently, and take practice exams. The secret to success is consistency, astute planning, and concentrated study time.

Thank you

Hope it helps you

Read Complete Answer
S
Sajal Trivedi
24 Dec'25
Is it possible to prepare both neet and jee entrances exam ?

Good Morning, Aspirant,

Preparing for both NEET and JEE entrance exams at the same time would be challenging but possible. AS physics and chemistry are both subjects common to both exams. Students need to balance math and biology. A proper timetable can help you manage time and prepare for the exam without stress. You can register for the mock test for JEE students, conducted by Creers360. Giving a mock test can help you analyse your in-depth performance. The last date of registration on 8th January. The link to the mock test is attached herewith.


Read Complete Answer
S
SUANGANA ROY
24 Dec'25
Is it possible to prepare both neet and jee entrances exam ?

Hello Aspirant

Preparing for both NEET and JEE together is possible, but honestly, very tough.
The syllabus is huge. NEET needs strong Biology, and JEE needs strong Math.
Both exams have very different styles and expectations.
Only students with very strong basics and high discipline can manage both well.

If you are an average student, it’s better to choose one exam and focus fully on it. These are my honest advise to you, you can prepare for one exam and crack that exam, the future opportunities are many in JEE and NEET.

Read Complete Answer
S
SEJAL JAIN
24 Dec'25
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