NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Everything Aspirants Need to Know
Understanding NEET 2026 Eligibility
Understanding the eligibility criteria for NEET 2026 is crucial for every aspiring medical student. This comprehensive guide covers all the requirements you need to meet to appear for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) in 2026.
Academic Requirements
10+2 qualification with PCB subjects
Age Criteria
Minimum 17 years by December 31, 2026
Nationality
Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and Foreign Nationals
Academic Qualification
Candidates must have completed 10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board, with mandatory subjects being Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English.
Important: Each of these subjects (PCB & English) must be passed individually — the overall aggregate is not the only requirement; separate passing marks are needed in all four subjects.
Candidates appearing for their qualifying exam in 2026 are eligible to apply, but they must show their passing certificate at admission.
Mathematics marks or study are not considered in the eligibility.
Minimum Marks (Qualifying Exam)
The stated percentage is calculated for the PCB subjects only, not including English or additional subjects.
| Category | Aggregate in PCB |
|---|---|
| General | 50% |
| OBC/SC/ST | 40% |
| PWD (General) | 45% |
50% – General Category: Minimum aggregate required in PCB
40% – OBC/SC/ST: Relaxed percentage for reserved categories
45% – PwD (General): Persons with Disability requirement
Age Limit & Number of Attempts
Age Limit
Minimum age: 17 years as of December 31, 2026. Candidates must have been born on or before December 31, 2009, to be eligible for NEET UG 2026.
Maximum age: There is no upper age limit for NEET, as per the latest NMC and court directives.
Accepted Age Proof: Birth certificate, Class 10 marksheet, Aadhaar card, or passport.
- Born on or before: December 31, 2009
- Age on exam date: Minimum 17 years by December 31, 2026
- Valid documents: Birth certificate, Class 10 marksheet, Aadhaar, or Passport
Number of Attempts
Unlimited Opportunities
There is no limit on the number of attempts: candidates can appear for NEET as many times as they wish, provided they meet the eligibility criteria each year.
Nationality
Eligible candidates include:
- Indian Citizens – All Indian nationals holding valid citizenship
- Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) – Indian citizens residing abroad
- Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) – Foreign nationals of Indian origin with OCI status
- Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) – Individuals with Indian ancestry
- Foreign Nationals – Citizens of other countries
All foreign and NRI applicants must provide valid documentation, such as a certificate of status, passport, or appropriate embassies' certification at the time of application.
Eligibility for NRI/Foreign Students
1. Complete 10+2 with PCB & English
From recognized institutions in respective countries, including theory and practical exams.
2. Submit Citizenship Proof
Valid NRI/OCI/PIO certificates from Indian diplomatic missions or authorized authorities.
3. Qualify NEET UG 2026
Meet the qualifying marks to be eligible for admission in Indian medical colleges.
Candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent examinations from recognized institutions in their respective countries, with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English, in both theory and practical exams.
Proof of citizenship or NRI/OCI/PIO status is compulsory, including relevant certificates from Indian diplomatic missions or authorized foreign authorities.
They must also qualify NEET UG 2026 to be eligible for admissions in Indian colleges.
NEET UG Score Validity
One Year Only
If a candidate wishes to join in a session after 2026–27 (such as 2027–28), they must retake NEET in that respective year. The NEET UG 2026 score cannot be carried forward for future admissions.
- NEET UG 2026 Exam: Score valid only for the 2026–27 admission session
- For 2027–28 or later: Must retake NEET UG
Category-Specific Notes
Reserved Category Applicants
Reserved category applicants (SC/ST/OBC) and PwD (Persons with Disability) have relaxation in aggregate marks but must still pass all required subjects separately.
Documentation Requirements
All qualifying certificates and category proofs must be produced at the time of application and counselling.
Important: While reserved categories receive percentage relaxation, individual subject passing is mandatory for all candidates regardless of category.
Stay Updated
Always check the latest updates on official NEET and NTA websites to confirm possible changes in eligibility or documentation requirements. These detailed rules help ensure that every candidate understands the pathway to NEET UG application success.
- Official NEET Website: Check for latest notifications and updates
- NTA Portal: Verify eligibility and documentation requirements
- Regular Updates: Stay informed about any changes in criteria
Your Path to Success
Understanding and meeting all eligibility criteria is the first crucial step toward achieving your dream of becoming a medical professional.
Key Takeaways:
- Complete 10+2 with PCB & English
- Meet category-specific percentage requirements
- Be 17 years old by December 31, 2026
- Prepare valid documentation
- Stay updated with official announcements