NEET UG Eligibility 2026: Educational Criteria, Age Limit, & Qualifying Codes

NEET UG eligibility 2026 criteria are set by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and followed by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the exam's conducting body. Applicants for NEET UG 2026 must have either passed or be currently appearing in their 10+2 or equivalent exam from a recognized educational board. Eligible candidates should have cleared their board examinations with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as mandatory subjects.

General category candidates need a minimum of 50% marks, while SC/ST/OBC candidates require 40%, and PwD candidates need 45%. Candidates must also be at least 17 years of age on or before December 31, 2026. There is no age cap for appearing in the exam. These criteria ensure that only eligible candidates apply for admission to MBBS, BDS, and other medical and healthcare-related programs.

What Are the Key Highlights of NEET UG 2026 Eligibility?

Check the following table highlighting the eligibility requirements for NEET UG 2026:

Criteria	Details
Qualifying Exam	10+2 or equivalent from a recognized board
Mandatory Subjects	Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects
Minimum Marks (General)	50%
Minimum Marks (SC/ST/OBC)	40%
Minimum Marks (PwD)	45%
Minimum Age	17 years as on or before December 31, 2026
Upper Age Limit	No upper age limit
Number of Attempts	No limit, subject to fulfilling other eligibility criteria
Nationality	Indian Nationals, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and Foreign Nationals

What Are the Educational Requirements for NEET UG 2026?

For NEET UG 2026, applicants should have completed or be in the final year of their 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized educational board. Applicants are required to have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Biotechnology, along with English as mandatory subjects. The qualifying marks differ by category - General candidates need at least 50%, while those from SC/ST/OBC categories require 40%, and PwD candidates must secure a minimum of 45%.

Eligibility Criteria	NRIs	OCI/Foreign Students
Educational Qualifications	10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English from a recognized board	10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English
Age Limit	Same as Indian nationals	Same as Indian nationals
NEET Qualification	Mandatory to qualify for NEET exam	Mandatory to qualify for NEET exam

What Is the Age Limit for NEET UG 2026?

For NEET UG 2026, candidates must be at least 17 years old on or before December 31, 2026. There is no upper age limit, allowing candidates of any age above the minimum to apply for the exam.

Check the following table for NEET Age Limit Criteria 2026 by Category:

Category	NEET Minimum Age Limit 2026	NEET Upper Age Limit 2026 (Maximum Age Limit)
General Category (UR)	17 years	No maximum age
OBC Category	17 years	No maximum age
SC Category	17 years	No maximum age
ST Category	17 years	No maximum age
Other Categories	17 years	No maximum age

What Is the NEET UG 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Foreign Nationals?

NEET UG 2026 is open to NRIs, OCIs, and Foreign Nationals who fulfill the specified academic and age eligibility criteria. They must have completed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English, including theory and practical components, from a recognized board. The minimum age is 17 years by December 31, 2026, with no upper age limit. Qualifying NEET UG is mandatory for the foreign students to get admitted to medical and related courses in India.

Criteria	Details
Eligible Categories	NRI (Non-Resident Indian), OCI (Overseas Citizen of India), Foreign Nationals
Educational Qualification	10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English
Curriculum Requirements	Must include both theory and practical components
Minimum Age Limit	17 years as of December 31, 2026
Upper Age Limit	No upper age limit
NEET Qualification	Mandatory for admission to medical, dental, and related courses in India
Recognized Board/Institution	Qualification must be from a recognized or equivalent board

What Are the NEET UG 2026 Qualifying Codes?

The NEET 2026 qualifying codes are used to classify candidates based on their academic qualifications. These codes assist the NTA in verifying each applicant's eligibility according to their educational background. It is important for candidates to understand these codes to accurately complete the application form. They help ensure that all applicants fulfil the required educational criteria for appearing in the exam.

Code	Description
01	Currently appearing or have appeared in Class 12 exams in 2026 and awaiting results. Must pass the Class 12 board examination in the same year.
02	Passed Class 12 examinations before 2026.
03	Passed pre-degree exam in science from an Indian University/Board with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English, including practical tests. Applicable for students who completed Class 12 from a state board.
04	Passed any pre-professional or pre-medical examination after Class 12, including practical tests.
05	Currently enrolled in the first year of a three-year degree course.
06	Completed B.Sc. with at least two subjects among Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Must have also passed Class 12 with PCB and English as core subjects.
07	Appeared for any other examination equivalent to Class 12 (e.g., Pre-University College) that included practical exams. Also applicable for NEET aspirants from foreign countries who took an equivalent qualifying exam.

Is There Any Attempt Limit for NEET UG 2026?

NEET UG 2026 has no restriction on the number of attempts a candidate can make. This applies to all categories, including General, OBC, and SC/ST candidates. Aspirants can attempt the exam as many times as they like, provided they continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

Category	Current Attempt Limit	Previous Attempt Limit
General	Unlimited	3 Attempts
OBC	Unlimited	3 Attempts
SC/ST	Unlimited	3 Attempts

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Frequently Asked Questions

Ans: To be eligible for NEET UG, candidates must have completed 17 years of age on or before December 31, 2026. This age requirement applies to all categories.

Ans: No, NEET UG 2026 has no upper age limit for candidates to appear in the exam. Earlier, the upper age limit was set at 25 years for General category candidates and 30 years for those belonging to reserved categories. However, this restriction has been removed, allowing candidates from all age groups above 17 to apply, provided they meet the remaining eligibility criteria.

Ans: Applicants must have passed or be appearing in their 10+2 or equivalent exam with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects. The qualifying exam must be from a recognized board.

Ans: General category candidates must score at least 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology combined. SC/ST/OBC candidates must secure a minimum of 40% marks, while PwD candidates are required to obtain at least 45% to be eligible.

Ans: There is no limitation on how many times a candidate can attempt NEET UG. Candidates may take the exam any number of times, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.

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