Understanding the neet 2026 eligibility criteria is the first and most important step before starting preparation. Many students begin studying without checking eligibility properly, which later creates stress and confusion for both students and parents.
NEET eligibility decides who can appear for the exam, based on age, Class 12 subjects, and minimum marks. Even small mistakes in understanding these rules can affect registration and admission chances.
There is often confusion due to mixed information shared by coaching centres, social media videos, and unofficial websites. This makes parents worried and students unsure about their future steps.
This guide explains neet eligibility in clear and simple language, using only official notifications released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the National Medical Commission (NMC). The goal is to give students and parents accurate information so they can plan preparation with confidence and clarity.
Who Can Appear for NEET 2026? (Overview)
The neet exam eligibility rules explain who is allowed to appear for NEET UG 2026. These rules are set by medical education authorities and must be followed by every candidate, without exception.
NEET 2026 is open to students who meet the age requirement, have studied the required subjects in Class 12, and fulfil the minimum marks criteria. Both fresh Class 12 students and droppers can apply, provided they meet the eligibility conditions.
For parents, understanding eligibility early helps avoid registration mistakes and unnecessary stress later. For students, it ensures preparation is aligned with official rules and long-term goals.
Courses Covered Under NEET UG
NEET UG scores are used for admission into the following courses:
- MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
- BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
- AYUSH courses (BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS)
- BVSc & AH (Veterinary Science)
- Nursing and other allied medical courses
Eligibility rules apply equally across these courses unless officially specified otherwise.
NEET 2026 Age Limit (Minimum & Maximum)
Understanding the neet 2026 age limit is very important before filling the application form. Age-related confusion is common among students and parents, especially for droppers and repeaters.
The age criteria for NEET 2026 is based only on official rules issued by medical education authorities. Students should always check age eligibility before planning preparation or registration.
Minimum Age Requirement
As per official guidelines, the neet minimum age limit 2026 is 17 years.
Candidates must complete 17 years of age on or before 31 December 2026.
This rule applies to all categories. Students who turn 17 after this date are not eligible for NEET 2026, even if they have passed Class 12.
Parents should carefully verify the date of birth before proceeding with the application.
Is There Any Upper Age Limit?
Currently, there is no upper age limit for NEET UG. Candidates of any age can appear for the exam, provided they meet all other eligibility conditions.
This means droppers and older candidates can apply without worry. However, students should always keep an eye on official NTA notifications for any future updates and avoid believing rumours shared online.
NEET 2026 Educational Qualification Criteria
To appear for NEET UG 2026, students must meet specific educational qualification rules related to Class 12 subjects and marks. These conditions are fixed and must be fulfilled at the time of admission.
Many students and parents ask about neet eligibility marks in 12th and are unsure how many percentage required for neet. The clarity below is based on official eligibility norms.
Class 12 Subjects Requirement (PCB + English)
Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent with the following subjects:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology / Biotechnology
- English
Students appearing in Class 12 exams in 2026 are also allowed to apply, provided they meet the criteria at admission time.
Passing Marks Required (Category-Wise)
The minimum percentage required in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (combined) is shown below:
| Category | Minimum Marks Required |
| General / EWS | 50% |
| OBC-NCL | 40% |
| SC / ST | 40% |
| PwD (General) | 45% |
| PwD (Reserved) | 40% |
Parents should double-check category certificates and Class 12 marks before registration to avoid problems during counselling or admission.
Category-Wise Eligibility Criteria (Detailed)
NEET eligibility rules are slightly different for each category. Understanding these differences helps students and parents avoid mistakes during registration and counselling. Below is a clear explanation of neet 2026 eligibility criteria for obc and other categories.
General & EWS
Candidates from the General and EWS categories must score at least 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology combined in Class 12.
They must also meet the age and subject requirements. EWS candidates should ensure their income certificate is valid as per government rules.
OBC-NCL
For OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates, the minimum requirement is 40% marks in PCB subjects in Class 12.
Parents should confirm that the OBC certificate clearly mentions Non-Creamy Layer status, as incorrect documents can lead to rejection during counselling.
SC / ST / PwD
Students belonging to SC, ST, and PwD categories also need 40% marks in PCB.
PwD candidates under the General category require 45% marks.
Proper category and disability certificates issued by authorised authorities are mandatory. Verifying documents early helps avoid last-minute stress during admissions.
Number of Attempts & Nationality Rules
Many students and parents are unsure about attempt limits and nationality conditions under the neet ug 2026 eligibility criteria. These rules are simple but important and should be clearly understood before applying.
Attempt Limit (Official Rule)
There is no limit on the number of attempts for NEET UG.
Candidates can appear for the exam as many times as they want, as long as they meet the age and educational requirements.
This is helpful for droppers and repeat candidates, allowing them to improve their score without restriction.
Indian, NRI, OCI & Foreign Nationals
NEET UG is open to Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and foreign nationals.
Indian candidates can apply for both All India Quota and State Quota seats, subject to state rules.
NRIs and foreign nationals are eligible mainly for All India Quota and deemed university seats. Parents should carefully check counselling rules and document requirements for their category before registration.
Will NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria Change?
Many students and parents keep searching will neet 2026 eligibility criteria change, especially after seeing videos and posts on social media. This creates unnecessary fear and confusion during preparation.
As of now, there is no official announcement about any major change in NEET 2026 eligibility rules. The current criteria are based on guidelines issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and implemented by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
All neet 2026 eligibility criteria latest news should be checked only on official websites and public notices released by NTA or NMC. Coaching rumours, YouTube predictions, and unofficial claims should be ignored.
Parents are advised to rely only on confirmed updates from official authorities. Any change, if announced, will be clearly notified well in advance to give students enough time to plan accordingly.
NEET Eligibility vs Registration – Important Difference
Many students and parents think that being eligible automatically means the student is registered for NEET. This confusion often leads to form-filling mistakes or missed deadlines.
NEET eligibility means you meet the age, education, and nationality rules set by NTA and NMC. It only tells whether a student can appear for the exam.
NEET registration, on the other hand, is the actual online process where the form is filled, documents are uploaded, and the fee is paid within the given dates. Even an eligible student will not be allowed to appear if registration is not completed correctly.
Parents should always double-check both steps. To avoid errors, students should carefully follow the full NEET Registration Process guide before submitting the form.
Common Mistakes Students Make About Eligibility
Many students lose confidence or make wrong decisions because of small misunderstandings about NEET eligibility. Clearing these early helps avoid stress later.
Age confusion is very common. Some students think there is an upper age limit, while others believe age is counted at the time of registration. In reality, only the minimum age rule matters, and it is checked on the exam year basis.
Percentage misunderstanding is another issue. Students often calculate marks incorrectly or mix board passing rules with NEET eligibility rules. Parents should ensure marks are calculated as per official guidelines.
Category certificate errors also create problems. Using outdated or invalid certificates can cancel category benefits. Always check validity and official format before form submission.
NEET 2026 Eligibility FAQs (Student & Parent Queries)
Below are common questions students and parents ask while checking NEET 2026 eligibility. These answers are based only on official rules and past exam practices.
Q. Can Class 12 students appear in NEET 2026?
Yes. Students who are currently studying in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology can appear, provided they pass before admission.
Q. Is there any age relaxation for girls in NEET 2026?
No. There is no separate age relaxation for girls. The same age rules apply to all candidates, regardless of gender.
Q. Does board percentage affect NEET rank?
No. Board marks do not affect NEET rank. NEET rank is based only on the exam score, but minimum board marks are required for eligibility.
Q. Is eligibility same for government and private medical colleges?
Yes. NEET eligibility rules are the same for both government and private colleges across India.
Q. Can repeaters or droppers appear again in NEET 2026?
Yes. There is no limit on the number of attempts. Eligible students can appear multiple times.
Q. Are NIOS students eligible for NEET 2026?
As per recent guidelines, students with recognised boards and required subjects are eligible. Always check the latest NTA notice.
Q. Is NEET eligibility different for NRI or foreign students?
Basic education and age rules are similar, but admission rules may vary during counselling.
Q. Where should parents check final eligibility updates?
Only on official NTA and NMC websites. Avoid social media and coaching-based claims.