NEET UG 2026 Eligibility: Class 12th Marks, Subjects, Age & Other Criteria
NEET UG 2026 eligibility criteria include age, marks, nationality, subjects and number of attempts. Find complete details for each of these criteria in this article.
The minimum NEET eligibility marks in 12th for General category students to appear for NEET UG 2026 is an aggregate of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. For SC/ST/OBC candidates, this requirement drops to 40%, while PwBD candidates need 45% in the same core subjects. Besides minimum marks, other crucial criteria include age limit, nationality and NEET exam limits. This article details these crucial percentage requirements, alongside age limits, mandatory subjects, and specific criteria for repeaters and gap year students.
NEET UG 2026 Full Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit, Attempts, Nationality
NEET UG 2026 eligibility criteria are comprehensive, covering age, nationality, and academic qualifications. There’s no upper age limit or restriction on attempts, and Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and Foreign Nationals are all eligible. Specific neet eligibility marks in 12th also apply.
| Criteria | Details |
| Qualification Required | Must have passed Class 12 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology |
| Minimum Age Limit | 17 years on or before 31st December 2026 |
| Maximum Age Limit | No upper age limit (as per NMC rule, 2022) |
| Minimum Marks | 40-50% (based on category, discussed ahead in detail) |
| Attempts Allowed | No limit on the number of NEET attempts |
| Category Relaxation | Marks and age relaxations for SC, ST, OBC, and PwD candidates |
| Subjects Required | Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, English |
| Exam Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
NEET UG 2026: Minimum 12th PCB Percentage Required by Category
For NEET UG 2026, candidates aspiring for MBBS and BDS admissions must meet specific minimum neet eligibility marks in 12th, based on their category. This percentage is calculated solely from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology subjects, excluding English marks, and is crucial for counselling and admission.
| Category | Minimum Percentage Marks (Aggregate in PCB) |
| General (Unreserved) | 50% |
| OBC/ SC/ ST | 40% |
| PwD (General Category) | 45% |
| PwD (Reserved Category) | 40% |
NEET Eligibility Criteria for NRI Students
NRI students seeking MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, or other undergraduate medical admissions in India must qualify NEET-UG and meet the academic, age, and nationality requirements prescribed by NTA and the respective counselling authorities.
| Eligibility Requirement | Details for NRI Students |
| Nationality Status | Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), and Foreign Nationals are eligible to appear for NEET and seek admission subject to applicable rules. |
| NRI Status Proof | Candidates claiming NRI status must submit supporting documents such as an NRI certificate issued by the concerned Indian Embassy/Diplomatic Mission, passport, visa, residence permit, or equivalent proof. |
| NRI Quota Eligibility | Candidates may apply under the NRI quota if they are NRIs themselves or are sponsored by eligible NRI relatives as permitted under MCC and Supreme Court guidelines. |
| Counselling Requirements | Original documents related to NRI status, relationship with sponsor (if applicable), affidavits, and academic certificates must be produced during counselling and admission. |
| Admission Authority | Eligibility for NRI quota seats is subject to the rules of the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), state counselling authorities, and the respective institutions. |
NEET Attempt Limits
As per the current eligibility guidelines, there is no restriction on the number of times a candidate can appear for NEET-UG. Aspirants can take the examination multiple times, provided they continue to satisfy the prescribed age and educational qualification requirements. The earlier restriction on the number of attempts was removed, allowing candidates greater flexibility to improve their scores and secure admission to their preferred medical colleges.
| Period | Attempt Limit | Status |
| Before 2018 | Maximum 3 attempts | Discontinued |
| 2018 Onwards | Unlimited attempts | Implemented |
| Current Rule (NEET 2026) | No attempt limit | Applicable |
NEET Eligibility Marks vs. Qualifying Cut-off 2026: Key Differences
NEET eligibility marks in 12th are crucial for candidates, alongside understanding the distinct differences between NEET Qualifying Marks and NEET Cut Off Marks. While qualifying marks determine exam eligibility for counseling, cut-off marks are essential for securing college admission, both varying based on specific criteria.
| Aspect | Qualifying Marks | Cut Off |
| Definition | Minimum marks required to qualify NEET exam | Minimum marks or rank needed for college admission |
| Purpose | Exam eligibility | College and course admission |
| Who Decides | NTA based on percentiles | Colleges/states during counseling rounds |
| Fixed or Variable | Set according to percentile; varies slightly each year | Highly variable; changes with competition and seat matrix |
| Implication | Can apply for counseling if qualified | Seat allotted only if marks meet or exceed cut off |
What if I have a Gap Year? NEET UG 2026 Eligibility for Repeaters
For NEET UG 2026 repeaters, there is no upper age limit or restriction on the number of attempts, offering a fair chance to all aspirants. Candidates must meet specific academic qualifications, including minimum PCB marks in Class 12, to be eligible for the exam.
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- Upper Age Limit: No upper age limit for NEET UG 2026, as per the NMC rule updated in 2022.
- Minimum Age: Candidates must be 17 years old on or before December 31, 2026.
- Attempts: There is no limit on the number of attempts for NEET UG 2026.
- Academic Qualification: Passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English.
- General PCB Marks: 50% marks in total of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects for General/UR candidates.
- OBC/SC/ST PCB Marks: 40% marks in total of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects for OBC/SC/ST candidates.
- PwD candidates: 45% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
NEET UG 2026 Qualifying Codes
These qualifying codes categorize various academic backgrounds, ensuring diverse candidates, from current Class 12 students to foreign students, can apply for NEET UG 2026.
| Code | Eligibility Criteria |
| 01 | Appearing for Class 12 in 2026 |
| 02 | Passed Class 12 in 2024 or earlier |
| 03 | Completed Class 12 with a private board or state-open school |
| 04 | Completed Pre-Medical/Pre-Professional course with PCB |
| 05 | Completed the first year of a bachelor’s degree with PCB |
| 06 | Completed BSc with at least two subjects from PCB |
| 07 | Foreign students with equivalent Class 12 qualifications |
Documents Required for NEET UG 2026 Application to Prove Eligibility
The NEET UG 2026 application process is entirely online, requiring candidates to upload scanned copies of all necessary documents to prove eligibility. Meeting specific document quality and format criteria set by the NTA is crucial for successful submission. These documents, including those related to neet eligibility marks in 12th, ensure a complete application.
| Document Type | Format | Size/Specifications | Mandatory/Optional |
| Passport-sized Photograph | JPEG | 10-200 KB, 3.5×2.5 cm | Mandatory |
| Scanned Signature | JPEG/JPG | 4-30 KB, 3.5×1.5 cm | Mandatory |
| Class 10th Mark Sheet/Certificate | JPEG/PDF | Clear and readable | Mandatory (for DOB proof) |
| Identity Proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, etc.) | JPEG/PDF | Clear and readable | Mandatory |
| Class 12th Mark Sheet/Certificate | JPEG/PDF | Clear and readable | Mandatory (if passed, or bonafide if appearing) |
| Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD) | JPEG/PDF | Issued by competent authority, valid for current FY (OBC/EWS) | Mandatory (if applicable) |
| State Domicile Certificate | JPEG/PDF | Issued by competent authority | Optional (crucial for state quota counseling) |
| Left Hand Thumb Impression | JPEG/JPG | As per NTA guidelines | Mandatory |
| Address Proof | JPEG/PDF | Clear and readable | Mandatory |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the eligibility requirements for neet 2026?
To be eligible for NEET 2026, candidates must be at least 17 years old by 31 December 2026, have passed or be appearing in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English, and meet the minimum PCB marks requirement prescribed for their category. There is no upper age limit or attempt limit.
What are the minimum 12th marks required for NEET 2026 for General category?
For NEET 2026, General category candidates must secure at least 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in Class 12.
What is the minimum PCB percentage required for OBC, SC, and ST candidates in NEET 2026?
For NEET 2026, OBC, SC, and ST candidates must secure a minimum of 40% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) in Class 12.
Is overall Class 12 percentage considered for NEET eligibility?
No, the overall Class 12 percentage is not considered for NEET 2026 eligibility. Only aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are counted, with OBC, SC, and ST candidates needing at least 40%.
What is neet eligibility marks in 12th?
General category students need 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in 12th. OBC, SC, ST require 40%, and PwD (General) 45%.
