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NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026, Age Limit, Qualification, No. of Attempts

by PW Gulf
September 8, 2023
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NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026: The NEET exam (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is the only national-level entrance test for admission to MBBS, BDS, and other undergraduate medical courses in India. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is required for students who wish to study medicine in government or private colleges, as well as abroad.

To apply for NEET 2026, students must fulfill certain eligibility requirements, which include rules related to age limit, qualifying exam, subject combination, and minimum marks. NEET 2026 Eligibility is set by NTA to ensure that every candidate has the basic academic background.

Students should check complete details about NEET eligibility criteria 2026, NEET eligibility criteria 2026 by NTA for MBBS or BDS, qualifying marks, age limit, and more below.

NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026 Overview

NEET 2026 eligibility criteria, as expected from previous years, will likely remain consistent and will be officially announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA). These criteria define the basic requirements candidates must fulfill to apply for MBBS, BDS, BSc Nursing, and other undergraduate medical courses through the NEET exam.

NEET 2026 age limit, minimum qualifying marks in 12th, required subjects (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), and the number of attempts are key components of the eligibility framework. The same criteria are expected to apply to Indian nationals, NRIs, OCIs, foreign students, and candidates from SC/ST/OBC/PwD categories with certain relaxations.

Also Know: NEET 2026 Important Topics And Weightage

NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria by NTA

NTA sets the NEET eligibility criteria 2026 for candidates applying to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other undergraduate medical courses in India. These criteria help ensure that all aspirants meet the required academic qualifications, age limits, minimum marks, and nationality rules.

Based on previous years’ official NEET guidelines, the eligibility criteria for NEET 2026 are expected to include the following:

NEET 2026 Educational Qualifications

To appear for NEET UG 2026, candidates must meet the following education criteria:

  • Qualification: Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 board exams (or equivalent) in 2026 from a recognized board.

  • Required Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English must be core subjects in Class 12.

  • Passing Criteria: Candidates must pass all these subjects individually, including theory and practical exams.

  • Foreign Board Students: Those completing Class 12 abroad must get an equivalence certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

  • Special Cases: Students from NIOS, state open schools, or who took Biology/Biotechnology as an extra subject may be eligible, based on final approval by the Supreme Court and National Medical Commission (NMC).

These rules ensure candidates have the necessary science background to take NEET UG 2026.

Also Know: NEET Total Marks Marking Scheme

NEET 2026 Age Limit

As per the official rules, the NEET 2026 age limit is:

  • NEET 2026 minimum age limit: Students must be at least 17 years old by 31st December 2026. That means the candidate should be born on or before 31.12.2009.

  • NEET 2026 upper age limit: There is no upper age limit for NEET 2026. Students of any age can apply if they meet other eligibility requirements.

NEET 2026 Qualifying Marks

Students need to score the minimum required marks in their Class 12 (or equivalent) in the science stream. The required qualifying marks in NEET 2026 are:

NEET 2026 Qualifying Marks

Category

Minimum Marks in PCB (Aggregate)

General (UR)

50%

OBC/SC/ST

40%

PwBD (General)

45%

PwBD (OBC/SC/ST)

40%

  • Marks must be obtained in a single attempt, not through compartment exams.

  • Only Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology marks are considered for eligibility.

NEET 2026 Number of Attempts

There is no limit on the number of attempts for NEET UG 2026. Candidates can appear as many times as they wish, as long as they meet the age and education criteria.

This rule encourages students to keep improving without restriction and has been in effect since NEET 2018.

Also Know: How to Study for NEET to Achieve Best Results, Preparation Tips, Daily Routine

NEET 2026 Eligibility for NRI/OCI/Foreign Students

Rules for international and non-resident candidates:

  • Eligible Candidates: NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and foreign nationals can apply for NEET UG 2026.

  • Admission Rules: They must follow admission regulations set by the Government of India, NMC, and medical colleges.

  • Proof of Status:

    • NRI/OCI candidates must upload a certificate from the Indian Embassy during application.

    • Foreign nationals must provide a valid passport or nationality certificate.

  • Rights of OCI: OCI candidates have the same rights as Indian citizens for medical admissions, as per the Supreme Court (Feb 2023).

  • Foreign Education: Candidates with Class 12 from abroad must have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English, scored at least 50%, and have AIU equivalence approval.

  • Purpose: These rules help students from Indian families abroad or foreign nationals apply smoothly for medical colleges in India.

Also Know: NEET 5 Months Study Plan, Month Wise Preparation Tips

NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026 FAQs

Q1: What is the age limit for NEET 2026?
Ans : The NEET 2026 age limit requires candidates to be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026. There is no upper age limit, so aspirants of any age can apply.

Q2: How much percentage is required for NEET in 12th 2026?
Ans : NEET 2026 qualifying marks need a minimum of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) for General category, 45% for PwD candidates, and 40% for SC/ST/OBC categories.

Q3: What will be the cutoff for NEET in 2026?
Ans : The expected NEET 2026 cutoff is around 145-155 marks for the General category, with top medical colleges requiring scores above 670 out of 720 due to high competition.

Q4: Who can give the NEET 2026 exam?
Ans : NEET 2026 eligibility criteria allow Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and foreign nationals to apply, provided they meet the age, educational qualifications, and subject requirements for MBBS, BDS, or BSc Nursing.

Q5: Is NEET 2026 conducted in two phases?
Ans : No, NEET 2026 will be held in a single phase, as per NTA’s standard schedule, likely on May 3, 2026.

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