Who Can Apply for NEET 2026? Eligibility, Age Limit, Attempts & Marks Required

Who Can Apply for NEET 2026? Eligibility, Age Limit, Attempts & Marks Required

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) is the most important medical entrance exam in India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), NEET is the single gateway to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and veterinary courses across both government and private colleges. With NEET 2026 approaching, lakhs of students are eager to know the eligibility criteria, age requirements, number of attempts allowed, and qualifying marks needed.

In this guide, we break down the NEET 2026 minimum age and maximum age, the required educational qualification, qualifying marks, and the rules for AIQ, state quota, NRI, OCI, and international students.

What is the NEET 2026 eligibility criteria?

The eligibility for NEET 2026 is set by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and followed by NTA during registration.

To apply, students must meet the following:

• Satisfy the NEET 2026 minimum age requirement.
• Not be restricted by the NEET 2026 maximum age (no upper limit).
• Hold the required NEET 2026 educational qualification (10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English).
• Secure the NEET 2026 qualifying marks in both board exams and the NEET exam itself.
• Be eligible under AIQ, state quota, or international/NRI/OCI categories.

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NEET 2026 Age Requirements Explained: Minimum & Maximum Criteria

The minimum age for NEET 2026 is 17 years. Candidates must turn 17 on or before 31st December 2026. For example, any student born on or before 31st December 2009 will meet the requirement. On the other hand, the NEET 2026 maximum age limit has been completely removed. This means that there is no upper age restriction, and even older candidates can apply, provided they meet the academic and marks-related conditions. Removing the maximum age has made the exam more inclusive and accessible to aspirants of all age groups.

How Many Attempts Are Allowed in NEET 2026?

There is no restriction on attempts in NEET 2026. Earlier, candidates could only attempt the exam three times, but that rule was scrapped in 2018.

Now, candidates can appear for NEET as many times as they want until they secure admission. This is a massive relief for aspirants who may need multiple attempts to achieve a high score.

What Are the Educational Qualifications Required for NEET 2026?

The NEET 2026 educational qualification criteria are as follows:

• Must have passed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board.
• Must have studied physics, chemistry, biology/biotechnology, and English as core subjects.
• Students appearing in Class 12 in 2026 can also apply (provisionally).

Minimum percentage required in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology):

• General Category: 50%
• OBC/SC/ST: 40%
• PwD: 45%

What Are the Minimum Qualifying Marks for NEET 2026?

To be eligible for admission, candidates must achieve the NEET 2026 qualifying marks set by NTA.

• General Category: 50th percentile
• OBC/SC/ST: 40th percentile
• PwD: 45th percentile

Previous Year Trends for NEET Qualifying Scores

Looking at past exams gives a clear idea of what to expect:

• NEET 2023 qualifying marks for General: 137–720
• NEET 2022 qualifying marks for General: 138–715
• NEET 2021 qualifying marks for General: 138–720

The trend shows that the cut-off for the General category usually falls around 135–145 marks. However, securing a government MBBS seat typically requires 600+ marks.

Also Read: How I Improved My NEET Rank from 80,000 to 1,500 in One Year

Who is eligible for state quota & All India Quota (AIQ) seats in NEET 2026?

NEET Eligibility for AIQ Seats 2026

• 15% of the seats in government medical colleges are allocated under the All India Quota (AIQ).
• These seats are open to candidates from all states except Jammu & Kashmir.
• Counselling is conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC).
• Reservation rules apply for EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, and PwD candidates.

NEET 2026 State Quota Eligibility

• 85% of seats are reserved for domicile candidates of each state.
• State authorities conduct their own counselling process.
• Example: A candidate from Uttar Pradesh cannot apply under Maharashtra’s state quota.

 

Also Read: NEET Study Material 2026: Your Complete Guide to Exam Success

Can NRI, OCI, or international students apply for NEET 2026?

Yes, NEET is open not just to Indian students but also to international candidates. The NEET eligibility for NRI students in 2026 states that they must complete 10+2 with physics, chemistry, biology, and English, with at least 50% marks in PCB. They must also provide a valid passport and NRI documentation. NRI students are eligible for All India Quota seats, deemed universities, and specific NRI-reserved state quota seats.

Similarly, the NEET eligibility for OCI students in 2026 is almost identical to that of Indian nationals. However, they are not eligible for specific reserved categories. They can still apply for AIQ, deemed universities, and, in some cases, state quota seats.

Finally, the NEET eligibility for international students in 2026 includes foreign nationals who have studied physics, chemistry, biology, and English. They must also achieve at least 50% in PCB. In many cases, they may need to provide an equivalency certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) if their Class 12 qualification comes from a foreign education board.

Conclusion

The NEET 2026 eligibility criteria are straightforward and inclusive, giving opportunities to both Indian and international aspirants. The minimum age for NEET 2026 is 17 years, and there is no maximum age limit, making the exam accessible to a broader group of candidates. Students can attempt the exam as many times as they need. The NEET 2026 educational qualification requires Class 12 with physics, chemistry, biology, and English, with different minimum percentages for other categories. Achieving the NEET 2026 qualifying marks is crucial, as only then will candidates be considered for admission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)