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Are you going to appear for NEET 2026? According to the latest updates, to be eligible for NEET 2026, candidates should have studied physics, chemistry, biology, and English in class 12, with 50% marks for the general category candidates, 45%for PwD and 40% for the OBC/SC/ST Category candidates.
- As per the NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026, the candidates should be 17 years old and above till 31st December 2026, so the candidates born on or before December 31, 2009 eligible.
- There are no restrictions on the NEET Attempts limit, which allows the candidates to reappear for the exam as many times as they want, if they meet the NEET Eligibility criteria.
- The NEET Score remains valid for 1 academic year, to get admission into MBBS, BDS and other medical courses in India.
The Aspiring Candidates should stay updated with the NEET Official website neet.nta.nic.in, for any latest updates regarding the NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026.
Also Read
Key Summary
In this Article, we have discussed about NEET Eligibility criteria 2026, including course-wise eligibility, Number of attempts, category-wise eligibility, Age limit & qualifying marks.
- The NEET Eligibility criteria 2026 are expected to be the same as the previous year.
- To be eligible for NEET, Candidates should study physics, chemistry, biology &English in class 12.
- The General Category candidates should score 50% marks, 45% for PwD candidates & 40% for OBC/SC/ST Candidates.
- The NEET Age Limit for candidates is 17 years and above till 31st December 2026.
- There are no restrictions on the total number of attempts for NEET.
- What is the NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026?
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- NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026: Category-wise
- NEET Eligibility Marks in Class 12th
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- NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit
- NEET UG Eligibility Criteria 2026 For NRIs/ OCI/Foreign Students
- NEET UG 2026 Qualifying Exam Codes
- NEET Eligibility Criteria for females
- FAQs for NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026
What is the NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026?
The NEET UG Eligibility Criteria 2026 is expected to be the same as in previous years. Candidates should have studied physics, chemistry, biology and English in 10+2, with no restriction on the NEET Attempts limit and as per the NEET Age criteria, candidates should be 17 years old till 31st December 2026. Both Indians and foreign nationals are eligible for NEET 2026.
NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026: Overview
| Factor | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 17 years by December 31, 2026 (DOB on or before Dec 31, 2009) |
| Maximum Age | No upper age limit (as per the latest NEET age limit updates) |
| Educational Qualification | Candidates should have passed/be appearing in 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English |
| Minimum Marks (PCB) |
|
| Number of Attempts | No attempt limit (unlimited NEET attempt limit allowed) |
| Nationality | Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and foreign nationals |
| Score Validity | One academic year (valid for admission in the same session) |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
NEET Course-Wise Eligibility Criteria 2026
The NEET Eligibility Criteria will differ according to the different courses selected by the candidates. The NEET Age Criteria and NEET Attempt limit remain the same; the academic requirement and the qualifying marks will differ as per the course type.
NEET Eligibility Criteria for MBBS
MBBS is the most popular course according to NEET. To be eligible for NEET MBBS, candidates should have PCB along with English in class 12 and meet the required minimum marks.
| Factor | Requirement for MBBS 2026 |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 17 years by Dec 31, 2026 |
| Maximum Age | No upper age limit |
| Qualification | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotech, and English |
| Minimum Marks (PCB) |
|
| Attempts | No attempt limit |
| Score Validity | 1 year (2026–27 admission session) |
NEET Eligibility Criteria for BDS
To get admission into Dental courses, the candidates should be eligible for NEET BDS. The NEET BDS Eligibility criteria remain the same as the NEET Eligibility for MBBS.
| Eligibility Factor | BDS Requirement 2026 |
|---|---|
| Regulating Authority | Dental Council of India |
| Minimum Marks (PCB) | Same as MBBS (Gen: 50%, OBC/SC/ST: 40%, PwD: 45%) |
| NEET Score Requirement | Lower cut-off compared to MBBS |
| Additional Condition | Biology/Biotechnology compulsory, practical exams required |
NEET Eligibility criteria for AYUSH Courses (BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS, BNYS)
To get admission in Ayush programs, candidates should clear the NEET Eligibility Criteria. The Requirement of subjects remains the same, but the state-wise criteria may differ.
| Eligibility Factor | AYUSH Requirement 2026 |
|---|---|
| Regulating Authority | Ministry of AYUSH |
| Minimum Marks (PCB) | Gen: 50%, OBC/SC/ST: 40%, PwD: 45% |
| NEET Score Requirement | Cut-off is usually lower than MBBS/BDS |
| Additional Condition | State-level domicile rules often apply for AYUSH seats |
NEET Eligibility Criteria for Veterinary Courses (BVSc & AH)
To get admission into Veterinary science programs, NEET Scores are used. The NEET Age limit and attempt limit are applied as well.
| Eligibility Factor | Veterinary Requirement 2026 |
|---|---|
| Regulating Authority | VCI (Veterinary Council of India) |
| Minimum Marks (PCB) | Gen: 50%, OBC/SC/ST: 40%, PwD: 45% |
| NEET Score Requirement | Admission through State Veterinary Universities & ICAR quota |
| Additional Condition | Biology/Biotechnology mandatory; separate seat distribution for ICAR quota |
NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026: Category-wise
The NEET UG Eligibility criteria will differ for each category, mainly the minimum qualifying marks in PCB Subjects will vary for each category. The NEET Age criteria is a minimum of 17 years by 31st December, 2026.
NEET Eligibility Criteria for General Category
- The Minimum marks required by general category candidates in PCB are 50%.
- For a PwD candidate, the minimum marks are 45% in PCB Subjects.
NEET Eligibility Criteria for the OBC Category
- The NEET Marks requirement for OBC Candidates is 40% aggregate marks.
- For the PwD candidates, it is the same as 40% marks.
- The NEET Age limit for OBC candidates is a minimum of 17 years with no maximum age limit.
NEET Eligibility Criteria for SC/ST Category candidates
- The NEET Marks Requirement for the SC Category candidates in PCB is also 40% aggregate marks.
- For the PwD candidates, it is expected to be 40% aggregate marks.
- The SC/ST Candidates are eligible for 15% AIQ reservation + state quota reservation.
Also Read
NEET Eligibility Marks in Class 12th
If a candidate wants to qualify for NEET 2026, they should have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology & English in Class 12.
The NEET Eligibility marks in class 12th will be different for each category.
| Category | Minimum Aggregate in PCB (Physics + Chemistry + Biology/Biotechnology) | English Requirement | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / UR | 50% | Pass in English | Must score at least 50% in PCB |
| OBC-NCL / SC / ST | 40% | Relaxation of 10% marks compared to UR | |
| PwD (General/EWS) | 45% | An additional 5% relaxation for PwD candidates | |
| PwD (SC/ST/OBC-NCL) | 40% | Same relaxation as their category | |
| Foreign Nationals / NRI / OCI | 50% | Same as UR category |
NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026: Score Validity
The NEET Score Validity will depend upon whether the candidates are from domestic MBBS/BDS Courses or if they are indian or foreign nationals.
| Usage | Validity Duration | Applicable For |
|---|---|---|
| India (MBBS/BDS Admission) | 1 year (2026-27 session) | All Indian medical colleges under NEET |
| Abroad (Foreign Medical Studies) | 3 years | For applying to foreign universities |
| Conducting Authority | NTA & Medical Council of India Guidelines |
Check: NEET Score Validity
NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit
The NEET Age limit is of 17 years for all candidates, with no upper age limit according to the NMC Rules.
With this, the candidates of the upper age limit can also appear and reappear in the exam without any restriction.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 17 years (as of Dec 31, 2026) |
| Maximum Age | No upper age limit |
| Important for | Droppers, working professionals, and late starters |
| Introduced By | NMC (National Medical Commission) |
Check: Age limit for NEET
NEET UG Eligibility Criteria 2026 For NRIs/ OCI/Foreign Students
The NEET Exam is also applicable for Foreign Nationals, NRIs and OCI Candidates, but their eligibility criteria will be different from the indian students.
They should complete the academic qualifications and provide proof of equivalency.
NEET 2026 Eligibility for NRI/OCI/Foreign Students
More than 10,000 NRI/OCI Candidates appear for the NEET Exam annually.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Must have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English in Class 12 or equivalent |
| Minimum Marks | At least 50% in PCB (same as UR category) |
| Equivalency Certificate | Must obtain from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) if the qualifying exam is from a foreign board |
| Nationality | NRI / OCI / Foreign Nationals are eligible to apply |
| Other Requirements | Passport/visa proof for NRIs and foreign students |
NEET UG 2026 Qualifying Exam Codes
During NEET Registration, candidates have to choose their Qualifying code, which is from 1 to 7, that will represent their educational background.
It will help NTA to verify whether the student will meet the required eligibility criteria.
NEET 2026 Qualifying Exam Codes Explained
| Code | Who Can Use It? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Code 1 | Class 12 Appearing Students | Students appearing in the Class 12 exam in 2026 and waiting for results |
| Code 2 | 12th Passed (Indian Boards) | Students who passed Class 12 with PCB & English in recognised boards |
| Code 3 | Pre-University/Intermediate Exam | Equivalent to Class 12 with PCB subjects |
| Code 4 | Pre-medical/Intermediate with PCB | Students who completed the pre-medical exam with PCB & English |
| Code 5 | 1st Year of 3-Year Degree | After passing Class 12, I completed 1st year of my degree course with PCB subjects |
| Code 6 | B.Sc. Passed with PCB | Candidates with a B.Sc. degree (at least 2 years of Physics, Chemistry, Biology) |
| Code 7 | Equivalent Foreign Qualification | Students with foreign qualifications recognised by AIU with PCB & English |
NEET Eligibility Criteria for females
There are no restrictions in the NEET Exam based on gender; female candidates have the same eligibility rules as male candidates.
- The age limit is the same, 17 years as of 31st December 2026.
- Should have studied PCB in class 12 with English as a compulsory subject.
- For General category candidates minimum of 50% is required, for SC/ST/OBC 40% is required, and 45% for PwD.
- Candidates should be Indian, NRI, OCI and foreign citizens.
- More than 56% of the applicants are females each year in NEET Exams, and 50% of the seats are filled by women.
FAQs for NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026
Ques. 75% criteria required for NEET 2026?
Ans. There is no rule of 75% criteria that is applied in NEET 2026; it was applied in JEE Main earlier. NEET eligibility depends only on PCB scores, not overall percentage.
| Criteria | NEET Requirement 2026 | JEE Main Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| % in Class 12 | Only PCB marks are considered | 75% in Class 12 mandatory (for JEE) |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English | PCM |
| Impact | No 75% rule in NEET | 75% applies in JEE |
Ques. Is Class 12 Pass Required for NEET?
Ans. Yes, it is necessary for NEET Candidates to pass Class 12 with PCB and English.
| Requirement | NEET 2026 Rule |
|---|---|
| Qualification | Must pass Class 12 (10+2) |
| Subjects | PCB + English mandatory |
| Appearing Candidates | Eligible (provisional) |
Ques. Can a PCM Student Give NEET?
Ans. No, a PCM student is not eligible for the NEET Exam, biology is a mandatory subject to be studied in class 12.
- Without biology the admission is not possible in NEET.
- The PCB or PCMB Stream is required.
- According to NMC, biology is an important subject.
Ques. Are Class 12 Marks Important for NEET?
Ans. Yes, to be eligible for NEET 2026, class 12th marks are important. Only the NEET score matters in the merit list, not 12th marks.
| Factor | Role in NEET |
|---|---|
| Class 12 Marks | Required for eligibility (PCB% %) |
| NEET Score | Decides All India Rank & admission |
| Weightage | Class 12 marks have no role in ranking |
Ques. Can I Give NEET at the Age of 40?
Ans. Yes, the upper age limit has been removed from the NEET Exam.
- The Minimum age limit is 17 years and above by 31st December 2026.
- As per the SC & NMC rules, there is no maximum age limit.
Ques. How Many Marks Are Required in NEET for MBBS?
Ans. The Marks Required in NEET vary according to the category & college type (Govt/Private).
| Category | Govt MBBS (Min) | Private MBBS (Min) |
|---|---|---|
| General | 610–650+ | 450–500+ |
| OBC | 590–620+ | 420–480+ |
| SC | 480–520+ | 350–400+ |
| ST | 460–500+ | 320–380+ |
Check NEET Previous Year Cutoff (2025 - 2023)
| College | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
48 | 47 | 57 | |
103 | 151 | 1012 | |
132 | 141 | 1556 | |
215 | 16404 | 2191 | |
258 | 87672 | 10667 | |
392 | 374 | 534 | |
531 | 510 | 621 | |
559 | 73045 | 3256 | |
685 | 731 | 931 | |
690 | 778 | 635 | |
695 | 2048 | 1585 | |
706 | 655 | 603 | |
862 | 953 | 1264 | |
868 | 1010 | 1962 | |
889 | 676 | 2353 |
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
Comments
Found 3 Comments
Yes, the candidates should have passed their 12th with Physics, Chemistry and Biology and must have completed 17 years of age.
Yes, students who have passed their Class XII examination from NIOS are eligible to register and take NEET. They must have passed the examination with PCB subjects and a minimum 50% marks in aggregate.
If you have passed Class XII examination from a recognized board taking PCB subjects and score at least 50% marks in aggregate, you are eligible to register and take NEET. The registration process for NEET 2023 is expected to start in the month of April 2023.