NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Age, Marks, and Rules

NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria Overview

The NEET 2026 eligibility criteria are the rules set by the National Testing Agency (NTA). These rules help decide who can take the NEET exam. The main requirements are age, educational qualification, nationality, and number of attempts. All students must check these rules before applying.

NEET 2026 Age Limit

To appear for NEET 2026, a student must be at least 17 years old. This means the student should be born on or before December 31, 2009. There is no upper age limit for NEET 2026. Students of any age can apply if they meet other requirements. 

NEET 2026 Age Relaxation

There is no age relaxation for NEET 2026. All categories must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026. No extra years are given for any group. This rule is the same for all students.

NEET 2026 Educational Qualification

Students must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent exam. The subjects needed are Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English. The minimum marks required depend on the category. Below showing the qualification marks for NEET 2026:

Students appearing for Class 12 in 2026 can also apply. They must pass the exam before joining medical college.

NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria - Nationality

Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and foreign nationals can apply for NEET 2026. All must meet the same age and educational requirements. There are no special rules for nationality.

NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria For NRI/Foreign Students

Foreign-educated candidates must meet specific eligibility rules to apply for NEET 2026. These points help applicants understand the main requirements for admission.

• Candidates must have completed a qualification equivalent to Class 12 in their home country.​

• They should have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English, and passed both theory and practical exams in these subjects.​

• Admission is open to NRIs, OCIs, and Foreign Nationals, but they must follow state and institutional rules.​

• NRIs and OCIs must submit a certificate from the Indian Diplomatic Mission in their country of residence.​

• Foreign applicants must provide proof of citizenship, such as passport pages or a certificate from the competent authority in their country.​

These points ensure that foreign-educated candidates are aware of the main eligibility criteria before applying for NEET 2026

NEET 2026 Number of Attempts

There is no limit on the number of attempts for NEET 2026. Students can appear for the exam as many times as they want. Each year, they must meet the eligibility criteria again.

NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria Key Points

Here are the important points every applicant should be aware of prior to making an application for NEET 2026. These points collate the essential eligibility criteria to make it easy for candidates to prepare.

• The candidate must be an Indian citizen, NRI, OCI, PIO, or foreign national.​

• Should have passed Class 12 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English.​

• Minimum marks required: General category needs 50%, OBC/SC/ST needs 40%, PwD needs 45% (General) or 40% (OBC/SC/ST).​

• Age criteria: Must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026; no upper age limit.​

• There is no limit on the number of attempts for NEET 2026.​

• NEET 2026 score is valid for one academic year only.​

• Original valid documents must be presented during the application process.​

This checklist can be used by candidates to verify everything prior to commencing the application.

NEET (UG) 2026 Qualifying Codes

Candidates must select the correct qualifying code when filling out the NEET 2026 application form. This code shows the type of qualification they have. Choosing the right code is important to avoid eligibility issues later.

Why Choose PW Disha for NEET 2026 Preparation?

PW Disha is a digital platform where NEET aspirants can talk directly to dedicated mentors for guidance. Students can ask questions and get instant help through personal one-on-one sessions. PW Disha has many features to support students:

• The first chat session of five minutes is free for every student. 

• Each student is connected with a mentor who focuses only on NEET preparation needs. 

• Chat attachments are given so students can look back at their conversation easily. 

• The mentor’s availability shows online so students know when to connect. 

• After each session, students are asked to share feedback to help make the platform better for everyone.