If you are appearing for NEET 2026, be aware of the NEET Eligibility Criteria, as it will decide if you will appear for the exam and will participate in counselling.
To be eligible for NEET 2026, you should have studied physics, chemistry, biology and English in Class 12, with 50% marks for general category candidates, 45% for PwD and 40% for OBC/SC/ST Candidates.
- From NEET 2026-27, the eligibility applies to AYUSH and Allied Health Courses.
- The NEET Age limit should be 17 years or above till 31st December, 2026 and with no upper age limit, along with multiple attempts.
- The NEET Score remains valid for 1 academic year, to get admission into MBBS, BDS and other medical courses in India.
As the NEET Eligibility Criteria is also applied during counselling and document verification, you should check the latest NEET Information Bulletin and stay updated with the NEET Official website neet.nta.nic.in, for any latest updates
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Key Summary
In this Article, we have discussed the NEET Eligibility Critieria including the Category-Wise Eligibility, Total Attempts, and Age Limit.
- The NEET Eligibility will determine if you will enter the counselling, whereas the rank, cutoff and seat-matrix will decide the admission.
- A large number of candidates get disqualified for the exam, due to invalid category certificates and PwD Documentation, not the scores.
- To be eligible for NEET, Candidates should study physics, chemistry, biology & English in class 12.
- The Qualification for NEET is common, but MBBS, AYUSH and Allied courses will apply eligibility independently during the counselling process.
- The NEET Eligibility criteria 2026 are expected to be the same as the previous year, with no restrictions on the total number of attempts for NEET.
- What is the NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026?
- NEET Eligibility Criteria: Changes for each Category
- NEET Course-Wise Eligibility Criteria 2026
- NEET Reservation Criteria: Who Gets What, and How Does It Affect Eligibility?
- NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026: Score Validity
- 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 Eligibility Criteria will verify whether a candidate satisfies the minimum academic, age, and legal requirements to appear for the NEET UG Exam andbe considered for medical admission.
- The NEET Eligibility of candidates will be checked twice: first at the application stage, and then duringcounselling and document verification.
- Meeting the NEET Eligibility Criteria will not guarantee you admission; it will make you eligible to compete as per the NEET Rank and seat availability.
- The Class 12 PCB Marks will be considered subject-wise, not as an overall percentage, as strong PCB Performance will matter more than total marks.
NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026
| 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) |
To know more about the NEET Eligibility criteria in brief, check this video by @collegeduniaexams, for NEET Age, Qualification, Marks, Attempts & Reservation.
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Ques. Does Meeting NEET Eligibility Guarantee an MBBS or BDS Seat?
Ans. If you meet the eligibility requirements for NEET, you will be allowed to participate in the admission process. It does not guarantee you an MBBS or BDS Seat, as admission will depend upon your rank, cut-off and seat availability.
NEET Eligibility Criteria vs Admission
| Factor | Role in Admission |
|---|---|
| NEET Eligibility | Allows participation in counselling |
| NEET Score & Rank | Determines merit position |
| Category & Reservation | Affects cut-off and seat access |
| Seat Availability | Limited; varies by college & state |
| Choice Filling | Impacts final allotment |
Ques. Is NEET Eligibility Checked During Application or Counselling?
Ans. The NEET Eligibility Criteria will be checked in 2 stages, but the final verification will happen during counselling.
- A lot of candidate qualifies NEET, but they will get rejected because of eligibility.
- The Errors in category, age or PCB can lead to cancellation during counselling.
- The NTA will not verify your class 12 marks at the application stage.
- The State and central counselling will apply strict eligibility criteria.
Ques. Are Class 12 Appearing Students Eligible for NEET 2026?
Ans. Yes, candidates appearing for class 12 are eligible for NEET 2026, but their eligibility is not confirmed until they submit the results of the qualifying exam during counselling.
Eligibility Status of Class 12 Appearing Candidates
| Condition | Eligibility Status |
|---|---|
| Appearing in 2026 | Eligible to apply |
| PCB subjects studied | Mandatory |
| Minimum marks achieved | Checked during counselling |
| Result not declared | Provisional eligibility |
| Failed to qualify later | Ineligible for admission |
NEET Eligibility Criteria: Changes for each Category
As the NEET Eligibility Rules are the same for all candidates, but the minimum qualifying marks and reservation benefits change as per the categories, which will directly impact the admission eligibility. By understanding the category-wise difference, you can assess the risk of eligibility, cutoff and counselling chances.
NEET Category-Wise Eligibility Criteria
| Category | Minimum PCB Marks (Class 12) | Eligibility & Admission Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) | 50% | No reservation benefit; faces the highest cut-offs in counselling |
| EWS | 50% | Eligible for EWS quota; slightly lower cut-offs than General |
| OBC-NCL | 40% | Reservation applicable; moderate cut-off relaxation |
| SC | 40% | Reserved seats; significantly lower cut-offs compared to UR |
| ST | 40% | Maximum cut-off relaxation due to limited seat competition |
| PwD (All Categories) |
| Separate PwD quota; medical certification as per NMC norms mandatory |
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Ques. Are PCB Minimum Marks the Same for All Reserved Categories?
Ans. No, PCB Minimum Marks in Class 12 are not the same for all the categories, but most of the reserved categories have a common relaxation, which is somewhere lower than the general category.
- The NEET PCB Percentage is calculated by using the Physics + Chemistry + Biology/Biotechnology.
- They will determine the eligibility, not the cutoffs for NEET 2026.
PCB Minimum Marks Requirement
| Category | Minimum PCB Marks |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | 50% |
| EWS | 50% |
| OBC-NCL | 40% |
| SC | 40% |
| ST | 40% |
Ques. Do PwD Candidates Get Separate Eligibility Relaxation in NEET?
Ans. Yes, PwD Candidates receive a separate relaxation in PCB Minimum marks, along with a horizontal reservation, if they meet disability prescribed by NMC.
NEET PwD Eligibility Criteria
| PwD Category | Minimum PCB Marks Required |
|---|---|
| General / EWS PwD | 45% |
| SC / ST / OBC PwD | 40% |
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 |
Ques. Does Qualifying for NEET Make Me Eligible for All Medical Courses?
Ans. No, qualifying for NEET will not make you eligible for all the medical courses. The NEET is a common entrance exam, but course-based eligibility rules will be applied in the admission stage.
How NEET Qualification Works Across Courses
| Aspect | Reality |
|---|---|
| NEET qualification | Allows participation in counselling |
| Course eligibility | Depends on specific course rules |
| MBBS / BDS | NEET mandatory + PCB & age criteria |
| AYUSH / Allied courses | NEET is mandatory, but intake rules vary |
| Final admission | Based on rank, course eligibility & seats |
Check: NEET Exam Day Guidelines
Ques. Are Eligibility Rules Different for Allied Health Courses from 2026?
Ans. Yes, for 2026-27, NEET UG is mandatory for Allied and Healthcare courses, but the eligibility is similar to the previous ones.
NEET Allied Health Courses: Eligibility
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Entrance exam | NEET UG mandatory |
| Academic subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Minimum PCB marks | As per NEET category norms |
| Age requirement | Minimum 17 years |
| Upper age limit | No limit |
Ques. Do Private and Government Medical Colleges Follow the Same Eligibility Rules?
Ans. Yes, the NEET Eligibility are same for both private and government medical colleges, if the institutes are recognised with the respective regulatory authority.
NEET Eligibility Rules: Government vs Private Colleges
| Factor | Government Colleges | Private Colleges |
|---|---|---|
| NEET requirement | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| PCB & age criteria | Same | Same |
| Reservation policy | Applicable | Limited / management quota |
| Cut-offs | Higher | Comparatively lower |
| Fees | Lower | Higher |
NEET Reservation Criteria: Who Gets What, and How Does It Affect Eligibility?
The NEET Reservation criteria do not change who can appear for the exam, but they play an important role in eligibility during the counselling and seat allocation. The Reservation will determine the seat-share, cutoff relaxation and competition level, which is important for admission.
NEET Reservation Criteria for Eligibility & Admission
| Category | Reservation Percentage | Applicable For | Eligibility Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| SC | 15% | Central & participating state seats | Lower PCB eligibility (40%) and reduced cut-offs |
| ST | 7.5% | Lowest cut-offs; PCB eligibility at 40% | |
| OBC-NCL | 27% | Central seats only | PCB eligibility at 40%; NCL certificate mandatory |
| EWS | 10% | Same PCB marks as General (50%) but reserved seats | |
| PwD | 5% (horizontal) | All categories | Separate merit list; medical certification required |
| General (UR) | No reservation | Open merit seats | Highest cut-offs; PCB eligibility at 50% |
Check: NEET Scholarship
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.
Also, Read:
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+ |
Ques. Is 50 in PCB compulsory for NEET?
Ans. Yes, for NEET Eligibility, candidates need to score a minimum of 50% in PCB.
For the General Category, 50%.
- For OBC/SC/ST 40%.
- For PwD 45%.
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