NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit & Qualification

The NEET eligibility criteria 2026 require candidates to have completed or be appearing for their Class 12 or equivalent exam with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects. The minimum age should be 17 years as of 31 December 2026, with no upper age limit. General category candidates must score 50% in PCB, while OBC/SC/ST candidates need 40% and PwD candidates require 45%. Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and foreign nationals can apply. The number of attempts is unlimited, and state domicile rules apply for certain quotas. Admission is granted based on NEET scores only.

NEET UG 2026 Eligibility Criteria Highlights

Academic Qualifications for NEET 2026

To be eligible for NEET UG 2026 candidates must meet the following academic requirements:

1. Minimum Qualification: Candidates must have passed or be appearing for Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board.

2. Compulsory Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English must be included in Class 12.

3. Minimum Marks Requirement in PCB (Aggregate):

• General Category: 50%

• OBC/SC/ST: 40%

• PwD (General/EWS): 45%

4. Open School/Private Candidates: Eligibility is subject to NMC (National Medical Commission) guidelines.

NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria Category-Wise

To appear for NEET UG 2026, candidates must fulfill specific eligibility requirements based on their category. General category students must secure a minimum of 50% in PCB, while OBC, SC, and ST candidates require 40%. Candidates with disabilities (PwD) under the General/EWS category need 45%. The minimum age is 17 years (as of December 31, 2026), and there is no upper age limit. Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and foreign nationals can apply. The number of attempts is unlimited, and domicile requirements apply for state quota seats. 

NEET Eligibility Age Requirement

The minimum age requirement for NEET 2026 is 17 years as of December 31, 2026. There is no upper age limit, meaning candidates of any age can apply. This allows all eligible students, including repeaters, to attempt the exam. The age criteria apply to all categories, including General, OBC, SC, ST, and PwD.

NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria Number of Attempts

There is no restriction on the number of attempts for NEET UG 2026. Candidates can take the exam as many times as they want, provided they meet the age and academic requirements. This allows students to improve their scores and reappear in future years without any attempt limit.

NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria for NRI & Foreign Students

Non-resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Foreign Nationals are eligible to apply for NEET UG 2026. They must have completed Class 12 or an equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English from a recognized board. The minimum PCB percentage required is 50% for General/NRI and 40% for reserved categories. NRI and foreign students must verify the equivalency of their qualifications with the Medical Council of India (MCI)/National Medical Commission (NMC). Admission to Indian medical colleges is subject to NEET qualification and eligibility for state/institutional quotas.

Validity of NEET UG Scores

• For Indian Colleges: NEET UG scores are valid only for the current academic year (2026-27). Candidates must take the exam again if they wish to apply next year.

• For Foreign Medical Colleges: NEET scores are valid for three years for students applying to medical colleges abroad.

NEET (UG) 2026 Qualifying Codes

Candidates must choose a qualifying code while filling out NEET 2026 application form based on their academic background.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Ques 1: What is the minimum academic qualification required for NEET 2026?

Ans: Candidates must have passed or be appearing for Class 12 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English from a recognized board.

Ques 2: What is the minimum and maximum age limit for NEET UG 2026?

Ans: The minimum age is 17 years as of December 31, 2026. There is no upper age limit for NEET.

Ques 3: How many times can a candidate attempt NEET-UG?

Ans: There is no limit on the number of attempts. Candidates can appear as many times as they wish provided they meet the eligibility criteria.

Ques 4: Are NRI and foreign students eligible for NEET 2026?

Ans: Yes, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and foreign nationals can apply if they have studied PCB in Class 12 and their qualification is recognized by NMC/MCI.