The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2026 is the gateway for admission into MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other medical courses in India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), NEET is the only national-level exam for undergraduate medical admissions. Before applying, candidates must carefully check the NEET 2026 eligibility criteria, including age limit, academic qualifications, admission rules, and application process.

In this blog, we provide a complete guide to NEET 2026 eligibility, important dates, and application details.

NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

1. Age Limit for NEET 2026

• Minimum Age: Candidates must be 17 years old on or before 31st December 2026.
• Maximum Age: There is no upper age limit for NEET as per the latest Supreme Court and NMC updates.

👉 Example: If your date of birth is 31st December 2009 or earlier, you are eligible.

Join the free NEET whatsapp group for latest NEET updates and other important information

2. Educational Qualification

• Must have passed Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent with:
  • Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects.
• Minimum Marks Required (in PCB subjects only):
  • General category: 50%
  • OBC/SC/ST category: 40%
  • PwD candidates: 45%

3. Number of Attempts

• There is no restriction on the number of attempts for NEET 2026.

4. Nationality

• Indian Nationals, NRI, OCI, PIO, and Foreign Nationals are eligible to apply.

NEET 2026 Admission Process

1. Application Form Release – The NEET 2026 online application will be available on the NTA official website (neet.nta.nic.in).
2. Registration & Application Filling – Enter personal details, educational qualifications, and exam center preferences.
3. Upload Documents – Passport photo, signature, left-hand thumb impression, and Class 10 certificate.
4. Application Fee Payment – Online payment through debit/credit card, UPI, or net banking.
5. Correction Window – NTA provides a correction window for editing details (if required).
6. Admit Card Download – Candidates can download the NEET 2026 admit card a few weeks before the exam.
7. NEET 2026 Exam – Offline (pen-and-paper) exam with 200 multiple-choice questions.
8. Result & Counselling – Results will be declared on NTA’s website, followed by AIQ (All India Quota) and State Quota counselling.

🔹 NEET Exam Date 2026

The NEET 2026 exam date is expected to be the first Sunday of May 2026. Candidates must regularly check the official NTA website for updates.

🔹 NEET Admit Card 2026

The NEET 2026 admit card will be released in April 2026. It contains important details like exam center, roll number, and instructions. Candidates must carry a printed admit card to the exam hall.

🔹 NEET Cut Off 2026

The NEET 2026 cut-off is the minimum score required for admission to medical colleges. It varies each year depending on difficulty level, number of candidates, and seat availability.

• General Category: 50th percentile
• OBC/SC/ST: 40th percentile
• PwD: 45th percentile

🔹 NEET Application Form 2026

The NEET application form 2026 will be available online in February 2026. Candidates need to fill personal, academic, and exam-related details carefully.

🔹 NEET Eligibility Criteria 2025 (12th Marks)

To apply for NEET 2026, candidates must have minimum 50% marks in PCB (General), 40% (OBC/SC/ST), and 45% (PwD) in their Class 12 board exams.

🔹 NEET Counselling 2026

After the results, MCC and state counselling authorities will conduct NEET 2026 counselling for MBBS/BDS admissions. Candidates can apply for All India Quota (15%) and State Quota (85%) seats.

🔹 NEET Application Correction 2026

NTA provides a correction window for candidates to rectify errors in their NEET 2026 application form. This usually opens in March 2026.

🔹 NEET Exam Pattern 2026

The NEET 2026 exam pattern will remain the same as 2025:

• Mode: Offline (Pen-and-paper)
• Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes
• Total Questions: 200 (Answer 180)
• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology
• Marking Scheme: +4 for correct, -1 for wrong answer

🔹 NEET Result 2026

The NEET 2026 result will be declared in June 2026. Students can download the scorecard using their application number and DOB.

NEET 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)

• Application Form Release: February 2026
• Last Date to Apply: March 2026
• Application Correction Window: March 2026
• Admit Card Release: April 2026
• NEET 2026 Exam Date: First Sunday of May 2026 (tentative)
• Result Declaration: June 2026
• Counselling Process: July 2026 onwards

NEET 2026 Application Details

• Mode of Application: Online only
• Application Fee (Expected):
  • General – ₹1,700
  • EWS/OBC – ₹1,600
  • SC/ST/PwD – ₹1,000

Candidates should keep multiple copies of the confirmation page, admit card, and payment receipt for future use.

Key Points to Remember

• Ensure that you meet the minimum age and educational qualifications.
• Carefully select your exam center and category while applying.
• Keep your documents ready (Aadhar, ID proof, class certificates).
• Follow the NTA NEET 2026 information bulletin for updates.

Conclusion

The NEET eligibility criteria 2026 form the foundation for your medical journey. Candidates should carefully go through the age limit, admission process, application guidelines, and important dates before applying. With proper preparation and awareness, students can secure a seat in top medical colleges across India.

If you’re planning to appear for NEET 2026, stay updated with official notifications, prepare strategically, and ensure that you fulfill all eligibility requirements.