NEET (UG) 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Check if You’re Eligible to Apply for NEET UG 2026
Thinking of appearing for NEET 2026? The first and most important step of getting into medical is to be aware of the eligibility criteria for NEET. The eligibility is prescribed by the National Testing Agency (NTA) through which all the aspirants must qualify to apply for NEET UG 2026. This article has covered everything – from academic qualifications, nationality, age limit and subject requirements.
Who Can Apply for NEET UG 2026?
To appear in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) conducted for undergraduate courses the candidate must satisfy the following eligibility criteria:
1. Age Limit
- Minimum Age: Candidate must have attained the age of 17 years on or before December 31, 2026
- Upper Age Limit: As per latest notification, no upper age limit has been prescribed. Candidates of any age above 17 can apply.
2. Nationality
NEET UG 2026 will be available for the following classifications:
- Indian Citizens
- Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
- Overseas Citizen of India (OCI)
- Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)
- Foreign Nationals
Note: Foreign nationals and OCI/PIO candidates can apply through the 15% All India Quota or seats reserved by deemed universities, private institutes, or NRI quotas (if applicable).
3. Educational Qualification
Candidates must have completed or be appearing in the 10+2 or equivalent examination and studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English as core subjects from a recognized board.
Once you’re sure you’re eligible, it’s equally important to understand the NEET exam pattern 2026 to plan your study approach.
Minimum Required Marks in PCB Aggregate:
| Category | Minimum Marks in PCB |
|---|---|
|
General/Unreserved |
50% |
|
OBC/SC/ST |
40% |
|
PwD (General) |
45% |
Candidates who will take the 12th board exams in the year 2026 are also eligible to apply as long as they clear the qualifying exam with the required marks before admission.
Minimum Required Marks in PCB Aggregate:
Here are some specific points to keep in mind:
- Number of Attempts: According to current NTA criteria, there is no limit on the number of attempts with the NEET UG.
- Eligibility Subjects Required: The candidates who have Biology/Biotechnology as a core subject in 10+2 level will be eligible for NEET UG. Students, who studied biology as an additional subject should see latest NMC/BoG updates.
- Open School/Private Candidates: Students of open schools/private candidates will be able to apply but their candidature will depend on final approval from regulatory authorities (for example: NMC).
Check the full NEET syllabus 2026 to confirm your 10+2 subject combinations match the requirement.
NEET UG 2026: Course-Wise Admission Scope
If you qualify in NEET 2026 then you will get admission into following undergraduate medical courses:
- MBBS – Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery
- BDS – Bachelor of Dental Surgery
- AYUSH Courses – BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, etc.
- BVSc & AH – Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry
- BSc Nursing – subject to the regulation of the institutions (check stated eligibility)
There are a few institutions like AIIMS & JIPMER that do allow NEET admission but have further eligibility requirements so please you will read their respective brochures.
Eligibility for 15% All India Quota (AIQ) Seats
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) conducts counselling for 15% AIQ seats of a specific college/institution. Here are the important things to know:
- Eligible candidates from all states and UTs can apply.
- J&K students are not eligible for AIQ seats unless they self-declare having been a domicile of Jammu & Kashmir state in their applications.
- OCI/NRI/Foreign Nationals will be eligible for AIQ and deemed university seats as per MCI requirements.
Important Documents Required
Please keep the following documents ready prior to applying for NEET UG 2026:
- Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets
- Valid ID proof (Aadhaar card, PAN, Passport, etc.)
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Recent passport size photo
- Scanned signature
- Domicile or nationality proof (for state quota/ NRI candidates)
Common Eligibility Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect subject combinations in Class 12.
- Incorrectly failing to meet the minimum marks requirements for your category.
- Not providing valid documents at the time of application/counselling.
- Assuming you are entitled to age relaxations when you have not checked the official brochure.
NEET (UG) 2026 – Qualification Options Explained
All students preparing for NEET UG 2026 need to select the appropriate qualification option when completing the application form. So here’s a quick overview of all of the qualification options:
01 – Class 12 Appearing
This option is for students who will be appearing in their Class 12 board exams in 2026 and will be eligible to meet all qualifying criteria at the time of admission.
02 – Class 12 Passed (CBSE/ICSE/State Boards)
This option is for those who have passed class 12 or an equivalent examination from CBSE/ICSE/State Boards with respective subject combinations including Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotech and English. This includes all droppers as well.
03 – Intermediate/Pre-Degree from University
This option is for candidates who have completed their 10+2 or equivalent intermediate/pre-degree with science subjects including practicals from a university or board with English.
04 – Pre-Medical/Pre-Professional Exam Passed
This option is for students who have completed the Pre-Medical or Pre-Professional exam after completing their 12th. This option requires students to meet the required science subjects and practical subjects.
05 – 1st Year of B.Sc. Completed
Students in a 3 year degree in which PCB subjects only and practicals from a student that has completed the first year of B.Sc. and previously passed 10+2 PCB + English.
06 – B.Sc. Graduates
For B.Sc. graduates, from a recognized Indian University, with at least two of these subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology / Biotech. You would have also passed your 10+2 in the same subjects, including English.
07 – Foreign or Equivalent Qualification
For anyone who has completed an education equivalent to 10+2 from any board (Indian or foreign) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology / Biotech and English, to include practical examinations.
Need Help Choosing the Right Path for NEET 2026?
At Origin Educare, we play a key role in the lives of NEET aspirants by offering total guidance from eligibility to success! With qualified and experienced faculty leading our NEET-UG program, we offer a systematic program with structured classes, doubt-clearing sessions, with updated study materials and content from the NTA syllabus.
To meet the NEET 2026 eligibility is not only important when applying to the exam, it is critical so that you receive proper consideration for admission. Schools that are affiliated with the CBSE, ICSE, or State Boards, as well as students interested in the International curriculum MUST make sure their subjects combination and performance are considered by NTA.
Stay alert and be sure to visit the NEET official website, https://exams.nta.ac.in/NEET for updates on eligibility and examination process!
Our expert-curated NEET 2026 preparation strategy will guide you on how to study smart and crack the exam
📞 Seeking additional information, contact us today and start your NEET 2026 journey today with Origin Educare!
FAQs on NEET UG 2026 Eligibility
Yes, students appearing in the Class 12 board exams in 2026 are eligible, but they must meet the marks criteria before admission.
In most cases, yes. However, it depends on the final guidelines from the NMC/BoG. Candidates should verify with the official updates.
As of now, the upper age limit has been removed. There is no age cap applicable.
Yes, foreign nationals, NRIs, PIOs, and OCIs can apply. They must follow the eligibility conditions set for their respective category.
No, there is no attempt limit. You can take NEET as many times as needed, provided you meet all other eligibility criteria.
Revision material information
JEE Main Syllabus
eligible for Pre-Medical counselling
Eligibility Critaria
AIR 1 in JEE, AIPMT, NEET-UG & AIIMS in the last 10 years
Admit Card
medals in International Junior Science Olympiad
Mock Test
under AIR 100 in JEE in last 10 years
Eam Pattern
under AIR 100 in Pre-Medical in the last 10 years
Notifications
selected for IIT-JEE (Advanced)
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