NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to administer the NEET UG 2026 for the purpose of admissions into MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and various other undergraduate medical programs in India. Although the official NEET 2026 information bulletin has not yet been published, candidates may refer to the eligibility standards from NEET 2025 (available at neet.nta.nic.in) as the fundamental eligibility criteria typically remain consistent each year.
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for NEET 2026 outline the qualifications necessary for candidates wishing to take the entrance examination. These requirements are essential to maintain a fair and standardized admission process across all medical institutions in India. Below is a table that summarizes the primary criteria:
| NEET Eligibility 2026 Criteria | |
|---|---|
| Criteria | Details |
| Nationality | Indian Nationals, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and Foreign Nationals are eligible to apply. |
| Age Limit | Candidates must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026. No upper age limit as per the Supreme Court’s order. |
| Educational Qualification | Must have passed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English. |
| Minimum Marks in Qualifying Exam | General category: 50%, OBC/SC/ST: 40%, PwD: 45% |
| Number of Attempts | No limit on the number of attempts. |
| Year of Passing | Candidates who are appearing for their qualifying exam in 2026 are also eligible to apply. |
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria Established by NTA The eligibility criteria for NEET 2026, as set forth by the NTA, ensure that candidates fulfill certain requirements to qualify for the examination.
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
These requirements encompass nationality, age, educational qualifications, and the number of attempts allowed. It is essential for all candidates to comprehend the NEET 2026 eligibility criteria to verify their qualifications prior to applying. These standards are designed to standardize the admission selection process for MBBS, BDS, and other undergraduate medical programs throughout India.
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026 for MBBS To enroll in an MBBS program, candidates must satisfy the following academic prerequisites: Complete 10+2 or an equivalent qualification from a recognized board with: Physics Chemistry Biology/Biotechnology English as a core subject Minimum required marks: General: 50% SC/ST/OBC: 40% PwD: 45% Candidates must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026.
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
NEET 2026 Eligibility Marks in 12th The eligibility marks in 12th grade for NEET are vital for candidates intending to take the exam. General category students must achieve a minimum of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology. For SC/ST/OBC candidates, the minimum requirement is 40%, while PwD candidates need to secure at least 45%.
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
These NEET eligibility marks in 12th grade ensure that candidates possess a solid foundational understanding of the core subjects, which is critical for excelling in the examination. NEET Class 11, 12 and Droppers Batch for NEET Exam NEET Age Limit 2026 The age limit for NEET 2026 specifies the age requirements for candidates wishing to take the exam. As per the latest directives from the NTA, the minimum age for all categories is set at 17 years, which candidates must reach by December 31, 2026. A significant update for NEET 2026 is the elimination of the maximum age limit for all categories, including General, OBC, SC, ST.
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
| NEET Age Limit 2026 | |||
| Category | NEET Minimum Age Limit 2026 | Previous Upper Age Limit in NEET | NEET Upper Age Limit 2026 (Maximum Age Limit) |
| General Category (UR) | 17 years | 25 years | No maximum age |
| OBC Category | 17 years | 30 years | No maximum age |
| SC Category | 17 years | 30 years | No maximum age |
| ST Category | 17 years | 30 years | No maximum age |
| Other Categories | 17 years | 30 years | No maximum age |
In the NEET examination, the qualifying marks represent the minimum scores that a student must attain to qualify for admission into medical programs such as MBBS and BDS. These scores are determined by the National Testing Agency (NTA) using a percentile-based system and differ across various categories including General, OBC, SC, ST, and PwD. The NTA does not provide a fixed qualifying score; rather, it releases category-specific percentile cut-offs annually.
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
These percentiles are subsequently translated into actual minimum scores based on the overall performance of the candidates.
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Achieving the qualifying marks indicates that the candidate is eligible to engage in the NEET counseling process; however, it does not ensure admission, as government institutions typically demand significantly higher scores. Additionally, the qualifying cut-offs may fluctuate each year depending on the exam’s difficulty level.
| NEET 2026 Percentile | |
| Category | NEET 2026 Cut-off Percentile |
| General | 50th |
| General-PH | 45th |
| SC/ST/OBC | 40th |
| SC/OBC-PH | 40th |
| ST-PH | 40th |
NEET Attempt Limit 2026 for Various Categories
The NEET attempt limit for 2026 does not set any limitations on the number of attempts for candidates. According to the existing policy from the National Testing Agency (NTA), students are allowed to take the NEET UG exam as many times as they wish without any restrictions. This policy is advantageous for aspirants, offering them numerous chances to enhance their scores and gain admission to MBBS, BDS, and other medical programs.
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
| NEET Attempt Limit 2026 | ||
| Category | Previous Attempt Limit | Current Attempt Limit |
| General | 3 Attempts | Unlimited |
| OBC | 3 Attempts | Unlimited |
| SC/ST | 3 Attempts | Unlimited |
NEET UG Eligibility Criteria 2026 for NRIs, OCI, and Foreign Students
The eligibility requirements for NEET in 2026 for NRIs and OCI/Foreign students are established to guarantee that applicants fulfill certain educational qualifications and age restrictions necessary for medical admissions in India. Both NRIs and OCI/Foreign students are required to have completed their 10+2 education, including subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English from a recognized board.
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
| NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026 For NRIs/ OCI/Foreign Students | ||
| Eligibility Criteria | NRIs | OCI/Foreign Students |
| Educational Qualifications | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English from a recognized board | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English |
| Age Limit | Same as Indian nationals | Same as Indian nationals |
| NEET Qualification | Mandatory to qualify for NEET exam | Mandatory to qualify for NEET exam |
NEET Qualifying Codes 2026
The NEET qualifying codes for 2026 classify the various educational qualifications of applicants. These codes assist the NTA in identifying and confirming the eligibility of candidates according to their academic histories. It is crucial to comprehend the NEET qualifying codes for 2026 to accurately complete the application form. These codes guarantee that all candidates fulfill the required educational criteria for the examination.
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
| NEET Qualifying Codes 2026 | |
|---|---|
| Code | Description |
| 01 | Currently appearing or have appeared in class 12 exams 2026 and awaiting results. Successful passing of class 12 board examinations this year is required. |
| 02 | Passed class 12 exams before 2026. |
| 03 | Passed pre-degree exam in science from an Indian University/Board with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English, including practical tests. Applicable to those who completed class 12 from a state board. |
| 04 | Passed any pre-professional/pre-medical exam after completing class 12, including practical tests. |
| 05 | Currently in the first year of a three-year degree course. |
| 06 | Completed B.Sc. with at least two subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Passed class 12 qualifying examination with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) and English as core subjects. |
| 07 | Appeared for any other exam besides class 12 (e.g., Pre-University College) with conducted practical exams. Eligible for NEET aspirants who appeared in a qualifying exam in a foreign country. |
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
In summary, fulfilling the NEET 2026 eligibility requirements is crucial for candidates to adequately prepare for the exam. It is mandatory to meet the specified age, educational qualifications, and necessary marks. Grasping these criteria enables candidates to align their preparation effectively. For support and extensive study resources, consider enrolling in PW NEET Online Courses.
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
