AIPGMEE  2026 ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The All India Post Graduate Medical Entrance Examination (AIPGMEE), which is now conducted as NEET-PG, follows a well-defined set of eligibility rules to ensure that only qualified medical graduates can pursue postgraduate medical courses in India. Candidates must hold a valid MBBS degree or provisional pass certificate from an MCI/NMC-recognized institution, have completed or be completing their one-year compulsory rotatory internship by 31st March 2026, and possess provisional or permanent registration with the National Medical Commission (NMC), Medical Council of India (MCI), or State Medical Council (SMC). These eligibility norms apply equally to Indian citizens, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), and Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs), though FMGs must additionally clear the FMGE screening test. With no age or attempt limits, the criteria are designed to give fair opportunity while ensuring that only professionally qualified doctors enter the postgraduate medical education system.

AIPGMEE 2026 (Now NEET-PG) Eligibility Criteria – Detailed

Educational Qualification

• Candidate must possess an MBBS degree (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) from a recognized university/institute in India.
• Provisional MBBS pass certificate issued by the Medical Council of India (MCI) or National Medical Commission (NMC)/State Medical Council is also accepted.

 Internship Requirement

• Candidates must have completed their compulsory rotatory internship of 1 year on or before 31st March 2026.
• If the internship is not completed by this date, the candidate will not be eligible to apply.

Registration Requirement

• The candidate should have permanent or provisional registration with the NMC/MCI or State Medical Council (SMC).
• This registration proof must be presented during counseling and admission.

Nationality

• Indian Citizens – Eligible to apply.
• Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) – Eligible, provided they have obtained their primary medical qualification from an MCI-recognized institution and have registration with MCI/SMC.
• Foreign Nationals – Eligible under certain conditions, but usually need to obtain temporary registration from MCI/NMC after qualifying NEET-PG for pursuing studies in India.

Number of Attempts / Age Limit

• No upper age limit is prescribed.
• No restriction on the number of attempts for appearing in the exam, as long as other eligibility criteria are fulfilled.

Special Category – Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGE Requirement)

• Candidates who have completed their MBBS from abroad must:
• Pass the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE) screening test.
• Obtain registration from MCI/NMC or State Medical Council after FMGE clearance.
• Complete the internship requirement before the cutoff date.

AIPGMEE (Now NEET-PG) Eligibility Criteria – FAQs

Q1. Who is eligible to apply for AIPGMEE/NEET-PG 2026?

Ans. Candidates with an MBBS degree/provisional pass certificate from an MCI/NMC-recognized medical college, along with valid registration, are eligible if they also complete their 1-year internship by 31st March 2026.

Q2. Can final-year MBBS students apply?

Ans. Yes, provisional MBBS graduates can apply, provided they obtain their degree and complete internship by the cutoff date (31st March 2026).

Q3. Is there any age limit for appearing in AIPGMEE/NEET-PG?

Ans. No, there is no upper age limit for appearing in the exam.

Q4. Is there any limit on the number of attempts?

Ans. No, candidates can appear in NEET-PG as many times as they wish, as long as eligibility conditions are met.

Q5. Are Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) eligible?

Ans. Yes, OCIs can apply if they have obtained their primary medical qualification from an MCI/NMC-recognized institution and hold valid registration.

Click here for AIPGMEE 2026 Exam Pattren