NEET Reservation 2026 primarily divides medical seats into a 15% All India Quota (AIQ) and an 85% State Quota, with distinct rules for each. Under AIQ, SC candidates receive 15%, ST 7.5%, and PwD 5% (horizontal) across all institutions. However, OBC-NCL (27%) and EWS (10%) reservations apply only to National Institutes and Central Universities, not State Government Medical Colleges. State Quota rules vary by state.
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NEET 2026 Reservation Policy: All India Quota (AIQ) & State Quota Rules
The NEET Reservation 2026 policy outlines a clear division of seats into All India Quota (AIQ) and State Quota, with distinct reservation rules. While AIQ seats follow uniform central norms, State Quota policies are determined by respective State Governments, leading to variations in percentages and eligibility criteria.
| Category | Reservation Percentage | Applicability |
|---|---|---|
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 15% | Applicable across All India Quota (AIQ) seats in Government, Government-aided, National Institutes, and Central Universities |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 7.5% | Applicable across All India Quota (AIQ) seats |
| OBC-NCL (Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer) | 27% | Applicable only in National Institutes and Central Universities; not applicable to State Government institutions under AIQ |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Sections) | 10% | Applicable only in National Institutes and Central Universities; candidates must meet conditions of OM No. 20013/01/2018-BC-II (17 Jan 2019) |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) | 5% (Horizontal) | Applicable across all categories (SC, ST, OBC-NCL, EWS, General); adjusted within the candidate’s respective category |
This table details the specific reservation percentages and their applicability for various categories under the All India Quota, highlighting the distinct implementation for different institutional types.
NEET UG 2026 Category-Wise Reservation: SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwD Percentages
The National Testing Agency (NTA) sets the NEET Reservation 2026 criteria, which are crucial for admissions to medical and dental colleges. Understanding the category-wise percentages for the All India Quota (AIQ) seats is essential for aspiring candidates. These rules ensure equitable access across various categories.
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
|---|---|
| EWS (Economically Weaker Section) | 10% |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 7.5% |
| OBC-NCL (Non-Creamy Layer) | 27% |
| PwD (Horizontal Reservation) | 5% |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 15% |
This breakdown illustrates the specific reservation percentages applied to the 15% All India Quota seats, noting that OBC-NCL and EWS reservations are applicable only in National Institutes and Central Universities under AIQ, not in State Government Medical Colleges. It highlights the significant share allocated to various reserved categories under the NEET Reservation 2026 policy.
NEET 2026 AIQ vs State Quota: Understanding the 80/20 Reservation Rule
The NEET Reservation 2026 policy for medical admissions is primarily divided into a 15% All India Quota (AIQ) and an 85% State Quota. This fundamental split dictates the governing authorities, reservation rules, and domicile requirements for aspiring candidates.
| Feature | All India Quota (AIQ) | State Quota |
|---|---|---|
| Percentage of Seats | 15% | 85% |
| Governing Authority | Central Government (MCC) | Respective State Governments/UT counselling authorities |
| Reservation Rules | Uniform central policy across all states | State-specific policies, may differ from central norms |
| OBC List Validity | Central List of OBCs only | State-specific OBC lists valid |
| Domicile Requirement | Not explicitly required (Indian Nationals, NRIs, OCI, PIO, Foreign Nationals eligible) | Strict State Domicile Certificate mandatory |
| Category-wise Percentages | Specific percentages (SC 15%, ST 7.5%, PwD 5%; OBC-NCL 27% and EWS 10% applicable only in National Institutes and Central Universities under AIQ) | Vary by state |
This comparison highlights the distinct frameworks governing AIQ and State Quota seats, emphasizing the centralized control over AIQ and the state-specific autonomy for the majority of medical seats. Understanding these differences is crucial for candidates applying under the NEET Reservation 2026 policy.
NEET UG 2026 Reservation Certificates: EWS, OBC-NCL, PwD Validity & Format
For NEET UG 2026, candidates must submit valid reservation certificates during application and counselling. Incorrect or invalid documents can lead to severe consequences, including disqualification. Ensuring your EWS, OBC-NCL, or PwD certificate meets all specified requirements is paramount for successful NEET Reservation 2026.
- Certificate Timing: Needed for NEET UG 2026 application and counselling for seat allotment.
- Name Matching: Certificate name must match 10th marksheet and NEET application.
- Official Details: Must have issuing authority signature, official seal, and issue date.
- Scanned Copy: Must be clear, legible, PDF format; blurred scans are rejected.
- Online Upload: Single PDF, file size not more than 500KB.
- Consequences: Invalid documents lead to NEET UG rank cancellation or disqualification.
Beyond these general requirements, each reservation category—OBC-NCL, EWS, and PwD—has specific certificate types, issuing authorities, and validity periods that candidates must adhere to for NEET UG 2026.
| Category | Certificate Needed | Issued By |
|---|---|---|
| OBC-NCL | Non-Creamy Layer Certificate | SDM / District Magistrate |
| EWS | Income & Asset Certificate | Tehsildar / SDM |
| PwD | Disability Certificate | Government Medical Board |
This table outlines the specific certificate types and authorized issuing authorities for each reservation category in NEET UG 2026.
| Item | Must Be Present? |
|---|---|
| Candidate's Full Name | Yes |
| Correct Category Mentioned | Yes |
| Official Authority Seal/Stamp | Yes |
| Date of Issue | Yes |
| Signature of Issuing Officer | Yes |
| Clear, Readable Scan | Yes |
Adhering to this checklist ensures your certificate format meets the necessary official and legibility standards for NEET Reservation 2026.
How to Secure NEET 2026 Reservation: Required Documents and Application Process
Securing NEET Reservation 2026 requires careful preparation of specific documents and understanding the application process. Reservation certificates are essential during both the NEET UG 2026 application and subsequent counselling for seat allotment.
- Reservation Certificate Use: Needed for NEET UG 2026 application and counselling.
- Document Preparation: Keep original hard copy and clear scanned PDF (under 500KB) ready.
- Certificate Format: Name must match 10th marksheet/NEET application; signed, sealed, dated.
- OBC-NCL Certificate: Non-Creamy Layer, Central List, fresh (on/after April 1, 2025).
- EWS Certificate: Income and Asset Certificate, current financial year (on/after April 1, 2025).
- PwD Certificate: Benchmark disability at least 40%, issued by designated Medical Board.
Beyond these specific certificate requirements, candidates must also be aware of the general application steps and other necessary documents for NEET counselling.
| Category | Details/Requirements |
|---|---|
| SC/ST Certificate Specifics | Candidates need a valid caste certificate from a competent authority (Tehsildar, District Magistrate, or higher). For MCC counselling, it must align with the central format in the NTA bulletin. SC/ST certificates generally have lifetime validity. |
| State Quota Specific Document | A strict State Domicile Certificate is mandatory to claim state-specific reservations for the 85% State Quota seats. |
| General Application Process (Counselling Steps) |
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| General Documents Required for NEET Counselling |
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This table outlines the specific requirements for SC/ST and State Quota certificates, along with the comprehensive counselling application steps and general documents needed for NEET Reservation 2026.
NEET 2026 Reservation: AYUSH Courses (BAMS, BHMS) & Private College Quotas
For NEET Reservation 2026, AYUSH courses will have over 52,720 undergraduate seats across 914 colleges. A significant change introduces a 15% All India Quota for private AYUSH colleges for the first time, alongside the established 15% central quota and 85% state quota for government institutions.
- Total AYUSH Seats (2026-27): 52,720+ undergraduate seats.
- Total AYUSH Colleges (2026-27): 914 institutions.
- Overall Seat Split: 15% Central (AIQ), 85% State.
- AIQ Private Colleges: 15% of seats (first time).
- AIQ Government Colleges: 15% of total intake.
- AIQ Counselling Body: Ayush Admissions Central Counselling Committee (AACCC).
These figures highlight the extensive opportunities available for AYUSH courses, with a structured NEET Reservation 2026 system ensuring both national and state-level access, including a new AIQ for private institutions.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| AIQ Government-Aided Institutions | 15% of seats |
| AIQ Domicile Requirement | Not required |
| State Government/Institutional Quota | 85% of seats in state-run and aided colleges |
| State Quota Domicile Requirement | Mandatory for that particular state |
| Private College Quotas (State Counselling) | 100% of private college seats within each state |
| Deemed Universities Allocation | 100% of seats through AACCC counselling |
| Central Universities/National Institutes | 100% of seats via All India Merit list (most institutes), counselling by AACCC |
| NRI Quota | Usually restricted to 15% of intake in private and deemed universities |
| Self-financed Seats | Merit-based seats in private or semi-government colleges with higher tuition fees |
This table clarifies the specific allocation rules for various institutional types and quotas, detailing domicile requirements and counselling bodies beyond the primary AIQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NEET Reservation 2026?
NEET Reservation 2026 applies 15% SC, 7.5% ST, and 5% PwD to all AIQ seats. For OBC-NCL (27%) and EWS (10%) categories, reservations are applicable only in National Institutes and Central Universities under AIQ, not in State Government Medical Colleges. The remaining 85% state quota seats follow individual state reservation rules.
What are the eligibility requirements for NEET Reservation 2026?
Eligibility for NEET Reservation 2026 includes state domicile for 85% state quota seats, NRI status for NRI quota, and meeting criteria for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and PwD categories. The upper age limit is removed.
How do I apply for NEET Reservation 2026?
You apply for NEET Reservation 2026 during the NEET Registration Process on neet.nta.nic.in. The registration closed on March 11, 2026 (Expected), with a correction window from March 10-12 (Expected).
What is the application timeline for NEET Reservation 2026?
NEET 2026 registration closed on March 11, 2026 (Expected). A correction window was open from March 10 to March 12, 2026 (Expected).
What is the expected cutoff for NEET Reservation 2026?
The expected NEET 2026 qualifying cutoff for General/EWS is 710-145 marks, while for OBC, SC, and ST categories, it is 142-115 marks.
