NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age, Qualification & Attempts
NEET UG Exam 2026 is very close now (3 May 2026, tentative), where lakhs of students are curiously looking to know about the official eligibility criteria of the NEET exam. The NEET UG Exam 2026 eligibility criteria are considered a foundation to build a successful medical career.
As a NEET exam aspirant, you should know about the eligibility criteria factors such as age limit, academics, reservation, number of attempts, NEET exam validity, nationality criteria, foreign students criteria, and minimum marks criteria. So, this blog from Matrix Academy works as a complete guide regarding the updated NEET UG Exam 2026 eligibility criteria for every medical aspirant.
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Key Highlights
Before registering for the NEET UG exam 2026, you should deeply and carefully study the updated eligibility criteria defined by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for every aspirant. A clear understanding of the NEET exam 2026 eligibility criteria ensures a successful and uninterrupted NEET exam registration process.
At the primary level, NEET UG exam 2026 eligibility factors include educational qualifications, minimum marks, age requirements, nationality, reservation norms, and special rules for NRI and foreign candidates. The following table is a quick snapshot of NEET UG 2026 eligibility criteria as follows-
| Eligibility Factor | NEET UG 2026 Requirements |
| Educational / Academic Criteria | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology & English from a recognised Board |
| Minimum Required Marks | Gen – 50% SC/ST/OBC – 40% PwD – 45% |
| Reservation Criteria | As per the norms of the Government of India |
| Age Limit | Minimum 17 years No upper age limit |
| Nationality Criteria | Indian/NRI/OCI/PIO/Foreign Nationals |
| Number of Attempts | No limit on the maximum number of attempts |
| Validity of NEET Score | 1 academic year |
| NRI, OCI & Foreign Students | Must meet academic & age norms |
NEET UG Exam 2026 Eligibility Criteria- A Detailed Analysis
For the convenience of each NEET UG exam 2026 aspirant, the following is a detailed analysis that offers you in-depth knowledge regarding the updated NEET UG exam 2026 eligibility criteria. So, carefully study each eligibility criterion factor mentioned below for clarity purposes regarding the upcoming NEET exam 2026-
1. NEET 2026 Educational/Qualification Criteria
The NTA sets and defines very simple educational criteria for the NEET UG Exam 2026, where a NEET aspirant must pass 12th class from a recognised board institute of the NTA.
- A candidate must pass the 12th class with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English subjects.
- Under Code 01 section, 12th class appearing students are also eligible to appear in the NEET exam 2026.
- Candidates who completed their education through open schools or private boards are eligible. They have to prove that they studied from a recognised board of NTA.
- If you are an international student, then the 12th class or equivalent certification from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
- Biology is a core compulsory subject, where NEET eligibility is not allowed without this subject.
2. NEET 2026 Minimum Marks Criteria (Category-wise)
The minimum marks criteria for the NEET UG exam 2026 will remain the same as in previous years. To appear in the NEET exam 2026, only passing the 12th class is not enough; a candidate must fulfil the minimum marks criteria in subjects PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) as follows:
| Student Category | Minimum Required Marks in 12th with PCB |
| General | 50% marks with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in 12th |
| OBC/SC/ST | 40% marks with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in 12th |
| PwD (Persons with Disabilities) | 45% marks with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in 12th |
3. NEET 2026 Reservation Criteria
The NEET 2026 exam eligibility criteria also cover the Government of India reservation policy for 15% All India Quota (AIQ). A category-wise reservation criterion for the NEET UG exam 2026 is as follows-
- SC category: 15%
- ST category: 7.5%
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) category: 27%
- EWS category: 10%
- PwD category: 5% (horizontal reservation across all categories)
The state-wise quota is different in each state as per the local state reservation policies. Candidates must possess valid and updated category certificates issued by the related government authorities to claim reservation benefits.
4. NEET 2026 Age Limit Criteria
The last updated NEET 2026 exam age eligibility criteria (as per NMC notification of 2022) are very simple and effective, which allows older candidates and drop-year students to appear in the exam without facing any kind of age-related restrictions. Read the information below in the table for clarity regarding the NEET UG exam 2026 age criteria rules-
| Type of Age Limit | Minimum Requirement |
| Minimum Age Requirement | 17 years old by 31st December 2026 |
| Maximum Age Requirement | No upper age limit criteria |
- Note: Valid proof for the age criteria includes the Class 10th mark sheet/certificate, Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Birth Certificate
5. NEET 2026 Exam Nationality Criteria
The NEET UG exam 2026 eligibility criteria allows following students to appear in the NEET UG exam 2026-
- Indian Nationals
- Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
- Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)
- Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)
- Foreign Nationals
All citizens are eligible for all seats, including AIQ and state quota seats for the NEET 2026 exam.
6. NEET 2026 Criteria for Number of Allowed Attempts
Before 2018, the NTA restricted the maximum number of attempts to appear for the NEET examination. A NEET aspirant can appear in the exam only 3 times, with age restrictions of 25 years for the General category and 30 years for reserved categories.
From 2018, the NTA announced that there would be no restriction on the number of attempts for NEET UG 2026. As a NEET exam aspirant, you can appear multiple times as you wish, but you have to meet other necessary eligibility conditions. This change by NTA provides benefits to the students who want to improve their final NEET exam score without any issue of attempt limits.
7. NEET 2026 Criteria for Validity of NEET UG Scores
The NEET UG exam 2026 can be only valid for the same single year, so this year’s exam result can be used for admissions in the 2026–27 academic session. Candidates aiming for admission in future years must re-attempt the NEET exam next year, even if they have scored well previously.
8. NEET 2026 Criteria for NRI, OCI & Foreign Students
Most of the rules for the NEET UG exam 2026 are the same for domestic and international students. However, some rules are different for foreign students as per their nationality status, as follows:
- A foreign candidate must complete the 12th or equivalent class (equivalent to Indian Class 12) from a recognised institute of his/her home country.
- Foreign students must study 12th or an equivalent class with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, with the minimum mark criteria remaining the same as per category. If you are a PCB student, you can appear in the NEET exam, but you have to opt for Biology as an additional subject.
- The minimum marks criteria for the NEET UG exam 2026 for foreign students are slightly different.
- For A-level NRI students, students must pass the 12th class or equivalent with a minimum 50% aggregate marks in PCB. Some of the medical colleges in India have their own minimum marks eligibility criteria, where they set 60% minimum marks criterion under their individual admission policies.
- Foreign students must provide the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) certificate to the National Testing Agency (NTA).
- To apply for the NEET UG exam 2026, foreign students must provide the following certificates/documents
- Equivalence certificates
- Passport and visa details
- Proof of citizenship or NRI status
- The admission rules may differ in various medical institutions, and candidates are admitted under management or NRI quotas with a percentage range. For example, Grade A: 85–90% and Grade B: 70–79%.
- For OCI/NRI students, it is mandatory to provide an official certificate from the Indian Diplomatic Mission in the residence country. Only those OCI/NRI students are eligible who are Indian citizens living abroad for more than 183 days in a financial year.
- For foreign students, they should provide an Overseas Citizen of India card issued by the central govt to register in the NEET UG exam 2026.
- For a Person of Indian Origin, a student must be a foreign citizen of Indian ancestry (except those of Bangladeshi or Pakistani origin) and meet the OCI criteria.
NEET 2026 Exam Qualification Codes (1-7) for Eligibility Criteria
The NEET 2026 qualification codes are general and official documents that clearly specify a candidate’s educational background. From code 1 to 7, the NTA clearly categorize candidates based on their academic status. As a NEET aspirant for the 2026 exam, it is mandatory to opt correct code option to avoid scope for the form rejection. The table mentioned below will provide you with complete information about the role of each NEET 2026 exam qualification code from 1 to 7.
| NEET Exam 2026 Qualification Code | Description of Each NEET Exam Qualification Code |
| Code 01 | Appearing in the Class 12 examination from a recognised board institute |
| Code 02 | Students who passed Class 12 or droppers with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects |
| Code 03 | Completed pre-degree/intermediate with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects |
| Code 04 | Students under this criterion must pass the 12th class with a Pre-medical/ Pre-professional course with practical with PCB subjects. |
| Code 05 | Students pursuing a 3-year degree with Physics, Chemistry & Biology subjects |
| Code 06 | B. Sc degree with at least two PCB subjects |
| Code 07 | Students completed an exam equivalent to 10+2 (India/abroad) with PCB, English, and practical tests. |
Important Documents Required for NEET UG Exam 2026
The documentation process for the NEET UG candidates must keep the following documents ready for the upcoming exam registration process:
- Passport and postcard-sized photographs
- Candidate signature
- Class 10th mark sheet (for date of birth proof)
- Class 12th mark sheet
- Permanent and Present address
- Valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID/Driving Licence)
- Category certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS), if applicable
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
- Nationality certificate or passport (for NRI/OCI/Foreign candidates)
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Signature and thumb impression (scanned)
- Passport and nationality certificates
Conclusion
Having a clear understanding of the NEET exam is mandatory for every aspirant who wants to appear in the upcoming NEET UG exam 2026. The general eligibility criteria for the NEET exam 2026 are simple, where a student must study the 12th class from a recognised board with PCB subjects. NEET aspirants can focus entirely on exam preparation without unnecessary stress by reviewing this blog regarding all eligibility norms.
Also Read:
- NEET 2026 High-Weightage Chapters
- How Students Can Manage Boards and NEET UG 2026 Preparation Together?
- How to Manage Exam Stress during NEET UG Preparation?
- Is NCERT Enough for NEET 2026?
FAQs on NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026
The minimum educational qualification for the NEET UG exam 2026 is passing or appearing in 12th class with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English from a recognised board by the NTA. Biology is compulsory for NEET UG eligibility.
As per the latest update from NTA, a candidate must be 17 years old by 31 Dec 2026 to appear in the NEET UG exam 2026. The NTA removes the restriction on the upper age limit by offering the maximum number of attempts they can try.
No, NTA does not restrict the number of attempts for the NEET exam 2026 if the candidate fulfils all other eligibility conditions, such as age and academics.
The minimum marks criteria to appear in the NEET exam 2026 are different for each category as follows-
1. General Category: 50% with PCB
2. SC/ST/OBC Category: 40% with PCB
3. PwD Category: 45% with PCB
Yes, NRI, OCI, PIO, and foreign nationals are eligible for the NEET exam 2026 by meeting age, academic, and PCB subject requirements and submitting valid AIU equivalence and nationality documents.
The final score of the NEET 2026 exam is valid for only one academic year and can be used for admissions in the 2026–27 session only.
Yes, you can appear in the NEET exam 2026 if you have studied from a private board or an open school, but your board should be recognised by NTA, and you should have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English in Class 12.
The NEET exam qualification codes from 1 to 7 clearly define the criteria under which a student can apply to the NEET exam. A NEET aspirant can register themselves in the correct qualification code category to avoid the issue of form rejection.
