The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially started the application process for the NEET UG 2026 exam on February 8, 2026. The candidates can fill out the application form online at neet.nta.nic.in till March 8, 2026. But still, many candidates are confused and do not know the eligibility criteria for the examination. The applicants can find all the requirements below.
NEET 2026 Eligibility Requirements Overview
The NEET 2026 eligibility criteria outline all the essential requirements that candidates must fulfil before registering for the exam. These include the minimum age limit, Class 12 subject combination, required marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology, the number of permitted attempts, and category-wise relaxations.
Knowing the NEET 2026 eligibility rules helps you understand whether you’re qualified to take the exam and ensures that only eligible students pursue medical education in India or abroad.
The table below gives a quick and clear summary of the NEET 2026 eligibility criteria:
| Criteria | Details |
| Qualification | Should have completed Class 12 or its equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology. |
| Minimum Age Limit | Must be at least 17 years old by 31 December 2026. |
| Maximum Age Limit | No upper age limit (as per NMC rule, 2022) |
| Number of Attempts | There is no restriction on how many times you can attempt NEET. |
| Category Relaxation | SC, ST, OBC, and PwD candidates receive relaxations in both age and qualifying marks. |
| Subjects Needed | Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English |
| Exam Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
Age Criteria
Age is an essential factor in determining NEET eligibility. Candidates must meet the minimum age requirement within the exam year. Applicants must be 17 years old on or before 31 December 2026 to qualify for the exam.
As per the 2022 update issued by the National Medical Commission, there is no upper age limit for NEET. This means candidates of any age can appear for the exam as long as they satisfy the educational criteria.
Also Read: NEET 2026: Student Guide to Roll Number and Seating Arrangement Rules
Category-Wise Age Relaxation (OBC, SC, ST, Girls)
Since NEET no longer has an upper age limit, category-based age relaxations are no longer relevant. Although earlier guidelines included age relaxations, the age cap was removed by the National Medical Commission to ensure equal opportunities for all medical aspirants.
Accepted Proof of Date of Birth (DOB)
The following documents can be used to verify a candidate’s date of birth:
- Class 10 mark sheet
- Aadhaar card
- Birth certificate
- Passport
NEET UG 2026 Qualification Requirement
To be eligible for NEET 2026, candidates must meet the academic standards prescribed by the NTA. These requirements ensure that every applicant has studied the essential science subjects needed for pursuing medical education.
For NEET 2026, students must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as compulsory subjects. These core subjects form the basis of the NEET curriculum and are essential for determining eligibility.
| Category | Subjects Considered (PCB) | Minimum Percentage |
| General / Unreserved (UR) | Physics, Chemistry, Biology | 50% marks in the total of PCB subjects |
| OBC / SC / ST | Physics, Chemistry, Biology | 40% marks in the total of PCB subjects |
| PwD | Physics, Chemistry, Biology | 45% marks in the total of PCB subjects |
Eligibility Criteria for NRI and Foreign Students
Candidates who completed their education outside India must meet specific conditions to qualify for NEET. They should have passed an examination equivalent to Class 12 in their respective country and must have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, clearing both theory and practical components in these subjects. They must also have successfully passed English as part of their qualifying exam.
- Admission to medical and dental programs is open to NRIs, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), and Foreign Nationals. It depends on the regulations set by State Governments and the Government of India.
- NRI and OCI candidates must upload a certificate issued by the appropriate Indian Diplomatic Mission in their country of residence to confirm their status when submitting the NEET UG 2026 application.
- Likewise, foreign nationals applying for NEET 2026 must provide valid proof of citizenship (such as relevant passport pages or a certificate from an authorized body in their home country) at the time of online application submission.
Final Word
In a year marked by intense competition and rising application numbers, eligibility isn’t just a rulebook section. It’s the difference between being able to sit for the exam and losing a year. For students and parents, understanding eligibility is the first real test.
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FAQs
Q.1 What is the age limit for NEET 2026?
Answer: For NEET 2026, applicants must have completed 17 years of age by December 31, 2026, meaning their date of birth must fall on or before December 31, 2009. There is no maximum age limit and no cap on the number of attempts. These rules are the same for all categories, including General, OBC, SC, ST, and PwD candidates.
Q.2 Is NEET 2026 difficult or easy?
Answer: NEET 2026 is likely to be moderate to moderately difficult. It will continue the recent pattern of more application-based and lengthy questions. With rising competition, the exam is expected to be well-balanced (Physics may pose the most difficulty, while Biology will largely remain NCERT-driven). To perform well, students should prioritize strong conceptual clarity over memorization-focused preparation.
Q.3 Is 50 in PCB compulsory for NEET?
Answer: Here are the minimum PCB percentage requirements:
- 50% for General category
- 45% for PwBD candidates
- 40% for SC/ST/OBC categories
Meeting these minimum marks is essential, as it determines whether a student is academically eligible to pursue a medical career.
Q.4 Does NEET 2026 allow calculators?
Answer: No, calculators are not permitted in the NEET UG 2026 exam. The National Testing Agency strictly prohibits all electronic items, such as calculators. Since the test is conducted in a pen-and-paper format, candidates must carry out all calculations manually.
Q.5 Will NEET 2026 be easy?
Answer: Based on recent trends in the exam pattern, NEET 2026 is expected to range from moderate to tough. However, “moderate to tough” doesn’t mean that every question will be difficult. In most cases, the easier questions stay easy, and those are the ones you must aim to answer with complete accuracy.
