NEET  UG 2026 (ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA)

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026 is the single entrance exam for admission to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BVSc & AH, B.Sc Nursing, and other allied medical courses in India. To appear for this highly competitive exam, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements set by the NTA and the National Medical Commission (NMC).

The NMC has updated the NEET Eligibility Criteria for 2026. It is advised that students thoroughly review the eligibility requirements before filling the application. To be eligible for NEET UG exam a candidate must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board, with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects. Students belonging to the General category must secure at least 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) in their qualifying exam, while OBC, SC, and ST candidates require a minimum of 40%, and candidates with disabilities (PWD) require 45%.

It’s important to note that aspirants appearing for their class 12 or equivalent exams in 2026 are also temporarily eligible, but their admission is subject to passing the qualifying examination and meeting all minimum mark criteria. The eligibility codes provided by NTA help clarify the various educational backgrounds accepted for the exam. All these rules ensure fairness and transparency in the selection process for undergraduate medical seats across India.

Key Highlights for NEET UG Eligibility Criteria

General Eligibility

Aadhaar Card: Aadhaar card is not mandatory to apply for NEET 2026 examination.

Nationality

• Candidates must be the citizen of India.
• NRIs (Non-Resident Indians), OCIs (Overseas Citizen of India), PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin) & Foreign Nationals can also apply.
• Candidates seeking for admission in UG medical courses in abroad are required to qualify NEET exam.

Age Criteria

• There is lower age limit for NEET. The applying candidate must have completed minimum 17 years of age.
• The candidates must have born on or before 31^st December 2007.
• The upper age limit has been removed by NMC.

Qualification Criteria

• Qualifying Exam: Candidates must have passed the higher/senior secondary examination or its equivalent after a period of 12 years study.

• Subjects: Candidates must have passed the above qualifying examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology along with English as mandatory subject. Candidates having Biology/biotechnology as an additional subject are also eligible to apply.

• Minimum Marks: Candidates must secure minimum 50% marks (GEN & GEN-EWS), 45% marks (GEN PH) & 40% marks (SC, ST & OBC-NCL) taken together in PCB subjects.

• Appearing Candidates: Candidates who are in 12^th standard can also apply. They must have to show the passing certificates complying with the percentage criteria at the time of first round of counselling.

• NIOS or State Open School or private candidates are eligible to apply for NEET exam as per last year High Court of Delhi order. However, the candidates eligibility depends on the final verdict of the special leave petitions filed by Medical Council of India.

Eligibility for B.Sc. Nursing

• Qualification: Candidates must have passed 12^th level exam from any recognized institutes.
• Age Limit: Minimum age limit will be 17 years.
• Marks Criteria: Students must have passed in the subject of PCB & English individually & must have obtained 45% (40% marks for SC/ ST & OBC) marks taken together in PCB & English.
• Subjects: Candidates must have physics, chemistry, biology & English subjects in their qualifying exam.

Eligibility for 15% All India Quota Seats

Nationality

• Candidate must be the citizen of India, NRIs, PIOs, OCIs & Foreign Nationals.

For J&K & Ladakh

• Candidates from UT of J&K and Ladakh are eligible for 15% All India Quota and the candidates from respective UTs can participate like other States.

For Andhra Pradesh & Telangana

• From 2018, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana state joins and contribute to the 15% All India Quota seats.
• Candidates from these states are now eligible for 15% AIQ seats without any self-declaration.

Eligibility for 85% State Quota Seats

All the states participating in the NEET 2026 will be able to fill their 85% seats of MBBS/BDS though state counselling, while the remaining 15% of the seats will be filled through All India centralized counselling. The eligibility for the 85% quota seats of the states are mentioned below:

• Candidates must have completed/appearing his/her 10^th and 12^th from the state.
• Candidate must possess a valid domicile in the state.
• Candidate should possess a residency proof of the state.

Eligibility for Seats Under The Control Of States/ Deemed Universities/Central Universities /AIIMS/JIPMER/Seats Of ESIC & AFMC Including BHU & AMU/Central Pool Quota

• Indian Nationals, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs & Foreign Nationals are eligible for admission in Medical/Dental Colleges subject to rules and regulations framed by the respective State Governments, Institution and the Government of India.
• Foreign nationals can confirm their eligibility from the concerned Medical/Dental College/State.

Eligibility for Seats in Participating Bodies

• There are many other institutes/universities that will be participating in the NEET 2026, some of them includes Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Jamia Hamdard University, University of Delhi.
• The OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) may also appear the exam subject to the rules of government of India.
• The upper age limit shall be considered as per the rules of states/ universities/ institutions for those candidates, seeking admission under the control of participating Institutions/ Universities/ States.

Click Here For NEET UG Exam Pattern

NEET UG 2026 Eligibility Criteria FAQs

Ques.1 Is there any age limit to appear for NEET UG 2026?

Ans. The candidate must have completed at least 17 years of age by December 31, 2026. There is no upper age limit for appearing in NEET UG 2026, which means candidates of any age above 17 can apply.

Ques.2 What is the minimum educational qualification required for NEET UG 2026?
Ans. To be eligible, candidates must have passed 10+2 or an equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects. General category candidates need at least 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology combined, while OBC/SC/ST candidates must have 40%, and PwD candidates 45%.

Ques.3 How many attempts are allowed for NEET UG 2026?

Ans. There is no restriction on the number of attempts. Candidates can appear for NEET as many times as they wish, provided they satisfy all other eligibility criteria each time.

Ques.4 Are students appearing for Class 12 exams in 2026 eligible for NEET UG 2026?

Ans. Yes, students appearing for their qualifying exams in 2026 are eligible to apply for NEET UG, but admission is granted only if they meet the minimum marks and other eligibility criteria after results are declared.

Ques.5 Can international students or NRIs apply for NEET 2026?

Ans. Yes, Indian Nationals, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Foreign Nationals are all eligible to apply for NEET UG 2026, provided they meet all other academic and age-related requirements.