The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria. Every medical aspirant must carefully check these rules before filling the NEET 2026 application form.
The NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria includes age limit, educational qualification, minimum marks in Class 12, and subject combination required for appearing in the exam and for admission to MBBS/BDS and other medical courses.
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria – Quick Access
Direct Official Link: Check NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria & Information Bulletin (Official NTA Website)
All details regarding eligibility are available only on the official website neet.nta.nic.in.
Highlights
- Exam Name: National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2026
- Conducting Body: National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Age Limit: No upper age limit (as per latest guidelines)
- Qualifying Exam: Class 12 or equivalent
- Subjects Required: Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology
- Minimum Marks: 50% for General, 40% for SC/ST/OBC, 45% for PwD (in PCB)
- Attempts: No limit on number of attempts
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria – Complete Details
| Parameter | Eligibility Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | No upper age limit (lower age limit is 17 years as on 31 Dec 2026) |
| Qualifying Examination | Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board |
| Year of Passing | Passed in 2024, 2025 or appearing in 2026 |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology (PCB) |
| Minimum Marks (General) | 50% aggregate in PCB |
| Minimum Marks (SC/ST/OBC) | 40% aggregate in PCB |
| Minimum Marks (PwD) | 45% aggregate in PCB |
| Nationality | Indian Nationals, OCI, PIO, and Foreign Nationals |
Important Note: The minimum marks criteria (50%/40%/45%) is required for admission to medical colleges. There is no minimum marks required just to appear in the NEET 2026 exam.
Who Can Apply for NEET 2026?
- Students who have passed Class 12 in 2024 or 2025
- Students appearing for Class 12 board exams in 2026
- Indian citizens, OCI/PIO, and foreign nationals (as per NTA rules)
- Candidates who have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology in Class 12
Important Eligibility Details
- Candidates must have studied at least 5 subjects in Class 12
- Biology/Biotechnology is compulsory along with Physics and Chemistry
- The minimum age to appear is 17 years as on 31 December 2026
- There is no upper age limit for NEET 2026
How to Verify NEET 2026 Eligibility
- Visit the official website → neet.nta.nic.in
- Click on the Information Bulletin or Eligibility Criteria link
- Download the PDF and read the complete details carefully
Important Links
- Official NEET Login Portal:
- NEET 2026 Exam DateÂ
- NEET 2026 SyllabusÂ
- NEET 2026 Exam PatternÂ
- NEET 2026 Eligibility CriteriaÂ
- NEET 2026 Result
FAQs
Q1: Is there any age limit for NEET 2026?
A: There is no upper age limit. The candidate must be at least 17 years old as on 31 December 2026.
Q2: What is the minimum marks required in Class 12 for NEET 2026?
A: For appearing in the exam — no minimum marks. For admission — 50% (General), 40% (SC/ST/OBC), 45% (PwD) in PCB.
Q3: Can a 2026 appearing student apply for NEET 2026?
A: Yes, students appearing for Class 12 in 2026 are fully eligible.
Q4: Is Biology compulsory for NEET 2026?
A: Yes, Biology/Biotechnology is compulsory along with Physics and Chemistry.
Q5: Is there any limit on the number of attempts in NEET?
A: No, there is no limit on the number of attempts for NEET 2026.
Conclusion
Make sure you carefully check the NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria before filling the application form. Since there is no upper age limit, almost all Class 12 students (2024, 2025 & 2026 batch) can apply. Stay updated on the official website neet.nta.nic.in and start your preparation early.
