NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026 outlines the essential requirements for candidates wishing to appear for the examination. As per the official notification, candidates must have completed 17 years of age on or before 31 December 2026. Importantly, there is no upper age limit for applicants. To qualify, candidates should have passed or be appearing in Class 12 with the subjects Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English, achieving a minimum of 50% marks for General category students (40% for SC/ST/OBC and 45% for PwD candidates). This guide comprehensively details the age limit, educational qualifications, category-wise requirements, and more, helping aspirants understand their eligibility clearly. For more details, visit https://neet.nta.nic.in.
Note: All information is sourced from the official notification. Students are advised to verify all details from the official website before proceeding.
NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026: Overview Table
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 17 years as on or before 31.12.2026 |
| Maximum Age | No upper age limit |
| Educational Qualification | Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology & English |
| Minimum Marks (PCB) | 50% (General), 40% (SC/ST/OBC), 45% (PwD) |
| Number of Attempts | No Limit |
| Nationality | Indian, NRI, OCI, PIO, Foreign Nationals |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Official Website | https://neet.nta.nic.in |
NEET 2026 Age Limit (Table)
| Category | Minimum Age Requirement | Maximum Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| All Categories | 17 years as on or before 31 December 2026 | No upper age limit |
Important Note: Candidates must be born on or before 31.12.2009 to satisfy the minimum age criteria.
Category-Wise Age Relaxation (OBC, SC, ST, Girls)
There is no category-wise age relaxation in NEET 2026. The minimum age of 17 years is uniform for all categories (General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, PwD, Girls). The removal of the upper age limit (previously 25 years for General) applies to all candidates since 2019-20, and girls are subject to the same criteria without additional relaxation.
NEET Educational Qualification 2026
Candidates must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects from a recognized board. Students appearing for Class 12 in 2026 are also eligible provisionally, but they must pass the qualifying examination before the counselling process. The qualifying exam must be equivalent to the 10+2 system of Indian education. For candidates who have completed their Class 12 from abroad, the qualification must be equivalent, as certified by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). B.Sc. graduates with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology can also apply if they meet the percentage criteria. Proper documentation of educational certificates is mandatory during counselling.
NEET 2026 Eligibility: Minimum Marks Required in Class 12 (Table)
| Category | Minimum Percentage in PCB (Physics + Chemistry + Biology) |
|---|---|
| General / EWS | 50% |
| OBC / SC / ST | 40% |
| PwD (General) | 45% |
| PwD (OBC / SC / ST) | 40% |
Eligibility for NEET 2026: Number of Attempts
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for NEET 2026. Candidates can appear as many times as they wish, provided they meet the age and educational qualification criteria.
Who is Eligible for NEET 2026 Counselling?
Candidates who qualify for NEET 2026 by scoring equal to or more than the cutoff marks are eligible for counselling. This includes All India Quota (15%), State Quota (85%), Deemed Universities, Central Universities, AIIMS, JIPMER, and other participating institutes. Qualified candidates must register on the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) portal for All India seats and respective state counselling authorities for state quota seats. Document verification is mandatory.
NEET Exam Pattern 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Duration | 3 Hours 20 Minutes |
| Number of Questions | 200 (Need to attempt 180) |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect |
| Total Marks | 720 |
Important Links
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | NEET 2026 Notification |
| Official Website | https://neet.nta.nic.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How can I apply for NEET 2026?
Ans. You can apply by visiting the official website and following the steps mentioned above.
Q2. What is the last date to apply?
Ans. The last date to apply is to be notified as per the official notification.
Q3. Is there any age relaxation for SC/ST candidates?
Ans. There is no category-wise age relaxation in NEET 2026; the minimum age requirement is uniform across all categories.
Q4. Can I attempt NEET multiple times?
Ans. Yes, there is no restriction on the number of attempts for NEET 2026.
Q5. What are the subjects required for eligibility?
Ans. Candidates must have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English in Class 12.
Q6. When will the NEET counselling process start?
Ans. The dates for the counselling process will be announced after the results are declared.
Q7. Who conducts the NEET examination?
Ans. The NEET examination is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
