NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026-27 by NTA

The eligibility criteria for the NEET 2026-27 examination can be found on the official website, neet.nta.nic.in. It is essential for candidates to review these criteria to ensure they meet the necessary qualifications for participation in the exam. To ensure you qualify for NEET 2026-27, it’s crucial to understand these requirements thoroughly. The criteria include necessary educational qualifications, age limits, and residency status. Be sure to review these guidelines carefully before applying for NEET 2026-27, as failing to meet the criteria could result in your application being rejected.

Securing a spot in medical programs such as MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, BSc Nursing, and more hinges on your performance in the NEET exam. If you’re considering taking the NEET 2026-27 exam, this article provides essential information on qualification criteria, eligibility rules, age requirements, and other crucial details to help you prepare effectively.

NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026-27: Who Can Apply?

To qualify for the NEET-UG 2026-27 exam, candidates must satisfy specific eligibility requirements:

• Age Requirement: Aspirants must be 17 years old by December 31 of the exam year to be eligible.
• No Upper Age Limit: There is no maximum age limit, allowing applicants of any age to participate.
• Eligible Candidates: The exam is available to Indian citizens, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), and international students.

NEET Cut Off

NEET 2026-27 Eligibility Criteria by NTA

NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026-27: NRI and Foreign Students

If you’ve completed your education outside India and want to take NEET 2026-27, you must meet specific eligibility criteria. Your previous qualification should be equivalent to the Indian Class 12 standard. You must also have studied and passed Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English, including both theory and practical exams.

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), and foreign students can also apply for medical and dental courses. The exact admission rules for these candidates can vary by State Governments, individual institutions, and the Indian Government.

NRIs and OCI applicants need to provide a certificate from the Indian Diplomatic Mission in their country of residence when applying online for NEET 2026-27. Foreign candidates must upload proof of their nationality, such as passport pages or a certificate from their country’s authorities, to confirm their eligibility for the exam.

NEET UG Counselling 2024

NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026-27 – No Upper Age Limit!

The NEET 2026-27 Eligibility Criteria have been updated, notably removing the upper age limit for candidates. Previously, age restrictions applied—25 years for general candidates and 30 years for reserved categories. However, as of March 9, 2022, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has lifted these age limits. Now, anyone who is at least 17 years old can apply for NEET, expanding access to a broader group of prospective medical students. For NEET 2026-27, candidates need to be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026-27. There is no maximum age limit, so people of any age can apply. This change makes it easier for more students to apply for medical education.

Required Percentage in 12th Grade for NEET 2026-27

• Minimum Percentage: To qualify for NEET 2026-27, you must meet the following percentage requirements in your 12th-grade exams:
• Unreserved Category: At least 50% combined in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
• OBC/SC/ST/PWD Categories: At least 40% combined in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
• Age Requirement: One must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026-27.

These criteria are established by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for NEET 2026-27.

NEET Application Form 2026-27

NEET 2026-27 Eligibility Criteria for B.Sc Nursing

Age Requirement: Candidates must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026-27.

Minimum Qualification:

• Must have passed Class 12 with individual subjects of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English.
• A minimum aggregate score of 45% is required for general category candidates.
• Reserved category candidates need at least 40% aggregate.
• English needs to be required for 12th graders.
• Students who completed Class 12 in the necessary courses at a State Open School approved by NIOS are also eligible.

Reservation: PwD candidates are eligible for a 3% reservation.

NEET 2026-27 Eligibility Criteria: 15% NRI Quota

• NRI Quota: 15% of seats are specifically reserved for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI).
• Admission Requirement: To be eligible for these seats, NRI students must pass the NEET UG Exam.
• Purpose: This quota facilitates the admission of NRIs, PIOs, and OCIs into Indian medical colleges.

NEET 2026-27 Eligibility Criteria: 15% All India Quota (AIQ)

• AIQ Seats: 15% of seats are reserved under the All India Quota for Indian Nationals, NRIs, OCI, PIOs, and Foreign Nationals.
• Eligibility: Successful NEET 2026-27 candidates can apply for AIQ seats and seats in Deemed Universities, Central Universities, ESIC, and AFMC.
• J&K Candidates: Candidates from Jammu & Kashmir must submit a self-declaration form with the NEET 2026-27 application if they wish to be considered for AIQ seats while opting out of home state counseling.
• Domicile Requirements: 85% of seats in Delhi University and AMU’s Institutional Quota are reserved for students who completed Class 10 and 12 in Delhi or AMU, respectively.

NEET 2026-27 Eligibility Criteria: 85% State Quota

• State Quota Seats: 85% of seats in government medical colleges in each state/union territory are reserved for local candidates.
• Counseling: Counseling for these seats is managed by state authorities.
• Private Institutes: Admission to private medical and dental institutes through NEET is also subject to state-specific policies.

NEET Attempt Limit 2026-27: Attempt Policies for Different Categories

The NEET attempt limit for 2026-27 applies equally across all categories, offering every candidate multiple opportunities to succeed in the exam.

Category	Attempt Limit	Details
General Category	Unlimited	General category candidates can take NEET 2026-27 as many times as needed to achieve their desired score and secure admission to medical colleges.
OBC Category	Unlimited	OBC candidates are allowed unlimited attempts, providing multiple chances to improve their scores and increase their chances of admission.
SC/ST Category	Unlimited	SC/ST candidates also have no limit on attempts, ensuring they have several opportunities to reach their target scores and gain medical college entry.

NEET Qualifying Codes 2026-27

To ensure eligibility for NEET 2026-27, candidates must understand the qualifying codes that define their educational background. These codes assist the National Testing Agency (NTA) in confirming each candidate’s qualifications. Here’s a breakdown of the NEET 2026-27 qualifying codes:

Code	Description
01	Currently taking or have completed Class 12 exams in 2026-27 and awaiting results. Must successfully pass the Class 12 board exams this year.
02	Completed Class 12 exams before 2026-27.
03	Successfully completed a pre-degree science exam, including practicals, in physics, chemistry, biology, and English from an Indian university or board. This is applicable to state board members.
04	Completed any pre-medical or pre-professional exam after Class 12, including practical components.
05	Enrolled in the first year of a three-year undergraduate degree program.
06	Earned a B.Sc. degree with at least two of the following subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology. Must have completed Class 12 with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) and English as core subjects.
07	Took an alternative exam, such as Pre-University College, with practicals, or appeared for a qualifying exam abroad.

Understanding these NEET 2026-27 qualifying codes is crucial for ensuring you meet all requirements for the exam.

NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026-27 FAQs

What is the eligibility criteria for NEET 2026-27 exam?

To be eligible for NEET 2026-27, candidates must meet several criteria, including specific requirements for the qualifying exam, minimum passing percentages, nationality, age limits, and the number of allowed attempts.

Does class 12 marks matter for NEET 2026-27?

In the context of NEET 2026-27, your Class 12 marks primarily play a role in determining your eligibility.

How many times can we give NEET?

In 2018, amendments were made to the eligibility criteria for NEET 2026-27, which eliminated the restrictions on the number of attempts allowed for the exam. This means that there is now no limit to how many times you can attempt the NEET exam in 2026-27.

What is the eligibility criteria for NEET 2026-27?

Candidates must be at least 17 years old to sit for the NEET 2026-27 exam.

Is it mandatory to have an Aadhaar card for NEET 2026-27 application?

Yes, candidates must possess an Aadhaar card issued by the UIDAI for the NEET 2026-27 application.