MBBS and BDS candidates can check here the NEET 2026 qualification criteria as determined by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Under Graduation (NEET-UG) will be conducted in May 2026in an offline mode. The qualification criteria of NEET 2026 indicate the academic capabilities, age limit, residency status, number of attempts and different conditions that must be met by all candidates showing up for the entrance examination.
NEET applicants may take note of that the NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026to show up for the exam will be separate from the qualification for admissions. NEET is the single entrance test in the nation for admissions to MBBS and BDS programs and would be conducted in 11 dialects. Applicants are encouraged to check the NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria carefully before applying for the examination as they may not be permitted to show up in any event that they neglect to meet the same.
Basic NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates can check the complete NEET 2026 eligibility criteria listed below. These are the basic criteria and the detailed explanation has been provided in further sections.
For 15% Merit All India Quota Seats
- He/she must have completed the age of 17 years at the time of admission or the age on or before 31 December.
- The upper age limit is 25 years as on 31st December of the year of the entrance examination.
- Candidates from the States of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and J&K are NOT ELIGIBLE for 15% all India quota seats as these States had opted out of All India Scheme since its inception. If they claim eligibility, they must submit the online Self Declaration which will be generated and printed automatically along with confirmation page for the record and to present during counseling.
- Candidates from the States of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and J&K can appear in NEET for admission to Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune subject to the fulfillment of eligibility conditions.
Eligibility for seats under the control of participating States/Universities/Institutions/AFMC
He/she has completed the age of 17 years at the time of admission or will complete the age on or before 31st December of the year of his/her admission to the 1st year MBBS/BDS Course and is an India National.
Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) may also appear in NEET for admission in seats under the control of participating States/Universities/Institutions subject to rules and regulations of the Government of India, respective State Governments and the University/Institution concerned. OCI candidates may verify eligibility
NEET Eligibility Criteria Detailed
The upper age limit for candidates seeking admission under seats in the control of participating States/Universities/Institutions shall be as per their rules and regulations. Candidates should check the qualification before filling the NEET application form. Here, we have NEET Eligibility Criteria in detail. Qualification to show up in NEET-UG can be checked for the following 3 sections -
General Eligibility
- Number of Attempts: according to the most recent news, candidates may attempt the exam 9 times (GEN) and 14 times. (SC/ST/OBC class applicants).
- Aadhaar Card: Aadhaar card is compulsory to apply for NEET 2026 examination.
- Nationality: Candidates should have Indian citizenship.
→ NRIs (Non-Resident Indians), OCIs (Overseas Citizen of India), PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin) and Foreign Nationals can likewise apply.
Age Criteria
- Lower Age Limit: Candidates should finish 17 years at the season of admission or would finish latest by 31st December 2026.
- Upper Age Limit: Candidates upper age point limit ought to be 25 years as on date of examination.
- Relaxation: A Relaxation of 5 years would be provided for SC/ST/OBC class candidates.
- Open Category (UR): Born on or between eighth May 1993 and first January 2002
- SC/ST/OBC Category: Born on or between eighth May 1988 and first January 2002
Qualification Criteria
- Qualifying Exam: Candidates probably passed the higher/senior optional examination or ISCE which is proportionate to 10+2 examination following a time of 12 years think about.
- Subjects: Candidates must pass the above qualifying examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and Mathematics or some other elective subjects with English.
- Minimum Marks: Candidates must secure least 50% (GEN), 40% (SC/ST/OBC), 45% (GEN PH) and 40% (SC/ST/OBC-PH) taken together in PCB subjects.
- Intermediate Candidates: Candidates who are in the 12th grade can likewise apply. They would need to demonstrate the passing certificates complying with the percentage criteria at the time of first round of counseling.
Criteria for NRI / OCI / Foreign Nationals
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.
The 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 Application Form for NEET (UG) - 2025 and retain the original of such document for producing it at the time of Counselling / Admission to the Courses covered under NEET (UG).
Similarly, a foreign applicant for NEET (UG) 2025 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 Application Form.
The format of Embassy Certificate and Citizenship Certificate or any Documentary proof of Citizenship are given in Appendix – XII and Appendix - XIII of the information bulletin. Foreign nationals may confirm their eligibility from the concerned Medical/Dental/ College/State.
Eligibility of OCI cardholders for NEET (UG)
Indian Nationals, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizen of India (OCI), Persons with Indian Origin and Foreign Nationals are eligible for admission in Medical/Dental/Ayurveda/Siddha/Unani/ Homeopathy Colleges subject to the rules and regulations framed by respective State Governments, Institutions and The Government of India, as the case may be.
In compliance of the Hon’ble Supreme Court Order dated 03.02.2023 in WP No. 891 of 2021, OCI will be entitled to the rights and privileges which had been conferred on them earlier to the notification dated 04.03.2021.
Participation of UT of J&K and Ladakh in All India Quota
Students from UT of J&K and Ladakh are eligible for 15% All India Quota seats and the candidates from respective UTs can participate like other states.
Qualifications and Qualifying Examination Codes
To be eligible for NEET (UG) – 2025, candidates need to refer to the following table for qualifying examination criteria.
Code | Eligibility Description |
01 | Candidate appearing in Class 12 in 2025 (result awaited) may apply and appear in NEET (UG). Such candidates shall not be eligible for admission to MBBS or BDS if they do not pass the qualifying examination with the required percentage at the time of the first round of counselling. Candidates appearing or who have appeared in the qualifying examination with English, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as main subjects and expecting to pass with the required percentage of marks are also eligible to apply and appear. Their candidature, however, shall be considered valid only if they provide documentary evidence of passing the qualifying examination with the required subjects and percentage of marks. |
02 | The Higher/Senior Secondary Examination or the Indian School Certificate Examination (Class 12 equivalent) after 12 years of study, where the last two years of study must include Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology (with practical tests) and Mathematics or any other elective subject, with English at a level not less than a core course as prescribed by NCERT after the 10+2+3 educational structure is introduced. Candidates who have passed Class 12 from open schools or as private candidates shall not be eligible. Candidates who have studied Biology/Biotechnology as an additional subject at Class 12 level shall also not be eligible. However, as per court orders, candidates with Biology as an additional subject and those from recognized open schools shall be provisionally eligible subject to the outcome of pending appeals in the Supreme Court and High Courts. If the examination passed is from an Indian or foreign university, candidates must produce a certificate of equivalence from the concerned Indian University or the Association of Indian Universities. |
03 | The Intermediate/Pre-degree Examination in Science of an Indian University, Board, or other recognized examining body with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology (including practical tests) and English as a compulsory subject. |
04 | The Pre-professional or Pre-medical Examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English after passing either the Higher Secondary Examination or the Pre-University or an equivalent examination. The Pre-professional or Pre-medical examination must include practical tests in these subjects and English as a compulsory subject. |
05 | The first year of a three-year degree course of a recognized University with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology including practical tests in these subjects, provided the examination is a University Examination and the candidate has passed the earlier qualifying examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English at a level not less than a core course. |
06 | The B.Sc. Examination of an Indian University, provided the candidate has passed the B.Sc. Examination with not less than two subjects from Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany, Zoology) or Biotechnology and has also passed the earlier qualifying examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English. |
07 | Any other examination which in scope and standard, comprising the last two years of 10+2 study including Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology with practical tests in these subjects and English as a compulsory subject, is found to be equivalent to the Intermediate Science Examination of an Indian University or Board. |
