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The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2026 is India's only entrance examination for admission to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, and other undergraduate medical courses. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts NEET every year. Understanding the NEET age limit 2026 is essential for all medical aspirants. The NTA has set specific age criteria that candidates must meet to appear for the examination.
As per the official NEET 2026 information bulletin released by NTA, candidates must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026. There is no upper age limit for NEET 2026. This policy applies uniformly across all categories including General, EWS, OBC, SC, and ST. The removal of the upper age limit has opened doors for candidates of all ages to pursue their medical dreams.
Table of Contents
NEET Age Limit 2026 Overview
The NEET 2026 exam will be conducted in May, 2026. The age eligibility criteria remained consistent with previous years. Candidates from all categories must meet the same minimum age requirement. The table below provides a quick overview of NEET 2026 age limit criteria.
|
Particulars |
Details |
|
Exam Name |
National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) 2026 |
|
Conducting Body |
National Testing Agency (NTA) |
|
Minimum Age Limit |
17 years as on December 31, 2026 |
|
Maximum Age Limit |
No upper age limit |
|
Date of Birth Requirement |
Born on or before December 31, 2009 |
|
Official Website |
neet.nta.nic.in |
NEET Age Limit for General Category
General category candidates must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026. This means candidates must have been born on or before December 31, 2008. The NTA removed the upper age limit for General category candidates in 2022. Previously, the maximum age limit was 25 years for unreserved candidates.
General category students now have unlimited opportunities to appear for NEET. The removal of the age cap was implemented by the National Medical Commission (NMC). This change allows older candidates to pursue their medical aspirations without any restrictions. Candidates who meet the educational qualifications can apply regardless of their age.
General Category NEET Eligibility Summary
|
Criteria |
Requirement |
|
Minimum Age |
17 years by December 31, 2026 |
|
Maximum Age |
No limit |
|
Minimum Marks in Class 12 PCB |
50% aggregate |
|
Number of Attempts |
Unlimited |
|
Qualifying Percentile in NEET |
50th percentile |
NEET Age Limit for SC/ST Category
Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates follow the same age criteria as General category students. The minimum age requirement is 17 years by December 31, 2026. There is no upper age limit for SC/ST candidates. Previously, the maximum age limit was 30 years for reserved categories.
SC/ST candidates benefit from relaxed academic eligibility requirements. They need a minimum of 40% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in Class 12. The qualifying percentile for NEET is also lower at 40th percentile. These relaxations ensure equal opportunities for candidates from reserved categories.
SC/ST Category NEET Eligibility Summary
|
Criteria |
Requirement |
|
Minimum Age |
17 years by December 31, 2026 |
|
Maximum Age |
No limit |
|
Minimum Marks in Class 12 PCB |
40% aggregate |
|
Number of Attempts |
Unlimited |
|
Qualifying Percentile in NEET |
40th percentile |
|
Seat Reservation |
SC: 15%, ST: 7.5% |
NEET Age Limit for EWS Category
Economically Weaker Section (EWS) candidates must also be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026. There is no upper age limit for EWS category students. The EWS category follows the same eligibility criteria as General category candidates. EWS students need 50% aggregate marks in Class 12 PCB subjects.
The EWS reservation was introduced in 2019 to provide opportunities for economically disadvantaged students from unreserved categories. EWS candidates receive 10% reservation in government medical colleges. The qualifying percentile for EWS candidates is 50th percentile, same as General category.
EWS Category NEET Eligibility Summary
|
Criteria |
Requirement |
|
Minimum Age |
17 years by December 31, 2026 |
|
Maximum Age |
No limit |
|
Minimum Marks in Class 12 PCB |
50% aggregate |
|
Number of Attempts |
Unlimited |
|
Qualifying Percentile in NEET |
50th percentile |
|
Seat Reservation |
10% |
NEET Age Limit for OBC Category
Other Backward Class (OBC) candidates must meet the same minimum age requirement of 17 years by December 31, 2026. There is no maximum age limit for OBC candidates. The previous upper age limit of 30 years has been removed. OBC candidates need 40% aggregate marks in Class 12 PCB subjects.
OBC-NCL (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates are eligible for 27% reservation in government medical colleges. The qualifying percentile is 40th percentile for OBC candidates. OBC candidates must submit a valid OBC-NCL certificate issued by a competent authority during the counselling process.
OBC Category NEET Eligibility Summary
|
Criteria |
Requirement |
|
Minimum Age |
17 years by December 31, 2026 |
|
Maximum Age |
No limit |
|
Minimum Marks in Class 12 PCB |
40% aggregate |
|
Number of Attempts |
Unlimited |
|
Qualifying Percentile in NEET |
40th percentile |
|
Seat Reservation |
27% |
NEET Age Limit for PwD Category
Persons with Disabilities (PwD) candidates must also be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026. There is no upper age limit for PwD candidates. PwD candidates with benchmark disabilities (40% or more) are eligible for 5% horizontal reservation across all categories.
General-PwD candidates need 45% aggregate marks in Class 12 PCB. PwD candidates from SC/ST/OBC categories need 40% marks. The qualifying percentile for General-PwD is 45th percentile. For SC/ST/OBC-PwD candidates, the qualifying percentile is 40th percentile.
PwD Category NEET Eligibility Summary
|
Criteria |
General-PwD |
SC/ST/OBC-PwD |
|
Minimum Age |
17 years by December 31, 2026 |
17 years by December 31, 2026 |
|
Maximum Age |
No limit |
No limit |
|
Minimum Marks in Class 12 PCB |
45% aggregate |
40% aggregate |
|
Qualifying Percentile in NEET |
45th percentile |
40th percentile |
|
Seat Reservation |
5% horizontal reservation |
|
NEET Attempt Limit for MBBS
There is no limit on the number of attempts for NEET UG. Candidates can appear for the examination as many times as they wish. This policy was implemented in 2018 when the MCI removed the three-attempt restriction. The unlimited attempts policy continues for NEET 2026 and beyond.
Previously, candidates were allowed only three attempts for NEET. The removal of this restriction has benefited many aspirants. Candidates who fail to qualify can reattempt without any penalty. This policy applies uniformly to all categories including General, OBC, SC, ST, and PwD.
NEET Attempt Limit History
|
Year |
Attempt Limit |
Upper Age Limit (General) |
Upper Age Limit (Reserved) |
|
Before 2018 |
3 attempts |
25 years |
30 years |
|
2018-2021 |
No limit |
25 years |
30 years |
|
2022 onwards |
No limit |
No limit |
No limit |
NEET Qualifying Codes 2026
NEET qualifying codes categorize candidates based on their educational qualifications. Candidates must select the appropriate code while filling the application form. The NTA has defined seven qualifying codes for NEET 2026. Selecting the wrong code may lead to rejection of the application.
The qualifying codes help NTA verify the eligibility of candidates based on their academic background. Each code represents a specific type of educational qualification. Candidates must carefully read the descriptions and select the code that matches their qualification.
NEET 2026 Qualifying Codes List
|
Code |
Description |
Applicable To |
|
Code 1 |
Appearing for Class 12 or equivalent examination in 2026 |
Students appearing for Class 12 board exams in 2026 |
|
Code 2 |
Passed Higher/Senior Secondary or Indian School Certificate Examination (10+2) |
Droppers and students who passed Class 12 from CBSE, ICSE, State Boards |
|
Code 3 |
Passed Intermediate or Pre-degree Examination in Science |
Students who completed Pre-University Course (PUC) or equivalent |
|
Code 4 |
Passed Pre-professional or Pre-medical Examination |
Students who completed pre-medical course after Higher Secondary |
|
Code 5 |
Passed first year of Bachelor's degree with PCB |
Students in first year of B.Sc with Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
|
Code 6 |
Passed B.Sc examination with PCB subjects |
B.Sc graduates with Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
|
Code 7 |
Equivalent qualification to Intermediate Science |
Foreign candidates and those with equivalent qualifications |
How to Select NEET Qualifying Code
Candidates appearing for Class 12 exams in 2026 should select Code 1. Students who have already passed Class 12 from any recognized board should select Code 2. This is the most commonly used code. Students from CBSE, ICSE, and state boards fall under this category.
Candidates who completed Pre-University Course (PUC) or pre-degree should select Code 3. B.Sc graduates and students in B.Sc programs should select Code 5 or Code 6 accordingly. Foreign candidates and those with international qualifications should select Code 7.
Category-Wise NEET 2026 Eligibility Comparison
The eligibility criteria vary slightly across different categories. The table below provides a comprehensive comparison of NEET 2026 eligibility requirements for all categories.
|
Criteria |
General/EWS |
OBC-NCL |
SC/ST |
General-PwD |
OBC/SC/ST-PwD |
|
Minimum Age |
17 years |
17 years |
17 years |
17 years |
17 years |
|
Maximum Age |
No limit |
No limit |
No limit |
No limit |
No limit |
|
Class 12 PCB % |
50% |
40% |
40% |
45% |
40% |
|
Qualifying Percentile |
50th |
40th |
40th |
45th |
40th |
|
Attempts Allowed |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
NEET 2026 Qualifying Cutoff Marks
The NTA will released the NEET 2026 qualifying cutoff marks in June, 2026. The cutoff determines the minimum marks required to qualify for counselling. The cutoff varies for different categories based on percentile requirements.
|
Category |
Qualifying Percentile |
Cutoff Marks (2025) |
Cutoff Marks (2024) |
|
General/EWS |
50th percentile |
686-144 |
720-162 |
|
OBC/SC/ST |
40th percentile |
143-113 |
161-127 |
|
General-PwD |
45th percentile |
143-127 |
161-144 |
|
OBC/SC/ST-PwD |
40th percentile |
126-113 |
143-127 |
Important Documents for NEET Age Verification
Candidates must submit specific documents to verify their age during NEET registration and counselling. The primary document for age verification is the Class 10 certificate or birth certificate. All documents must be original and valid.
- Class 10 Marksheet with Date of Birth
- Class 10 Passing Certificate
- Birth Certificate issued by Municipal Authority
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport (for NRI/OCI candidates)
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD)
- Class 12 Marksheet
- Class 12 Passing Certificate
NEET 2026 Important Dates
|
Event |
Date |
|
NEET 2026 Notification Release |
February, 2026 |
|
Application Form Start Date |
February, 2026 |
|
Application Form Last Date |
March, 2026 |
|
NEET 2026 Exam Date |
May 3, 2026 |
|
NEET 2026 Result Declaration |
June, 2026 |
|
MCC Counselling Start |
July 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
- The minimum age limit for NEET 2026 is 17 years. Candidates must have completed 17 years of age by December 31, 2026. This means candidates must have been born on or before December 31, 2008. The minimum age requirement applies uniformly to all categories including General, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, and PwD.
- No, there is no upper age limit for NEET 2026. The National Medical Commission (NMC) removed the upper age limit in 2022. Previously, the maximum age was 25 years for General category and 30 years for reserved categories. Candidates of any age can now appear for NEET provided they meet other eligibility criteria.
- There is no limit on the number of attempts for NEET. Candidates can appear for the examination as many times as they wish. The attempt limit was removed in 2018. This policy benefits candidates who want to improve their scores and secure admission to better medical colleges.
- Yes, a 30-year-old candidate can appear for NEET 2026. There is no upper age limit for any category. Many candidates in their 30s and 40s have successfully cleared NEET and secured admission to medical colleges. The removal of the age cap has opened opportunities for older aspirants.
- SC/ST candidates must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026. There is no upper age limit for SC/ST candidates. Previously, the maximum age was 30 years for reserved categories. The age criteria are now the same for all categories.
- Yes, the NEET age limit is the same for General and OBC candidates. Both categories must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026. There is no upper age limit for either category. The only difference lies in the minimum marks requirement for Class 12 and qualifying percentile.
- The primary documents for age verification are Class 10 certificate and birth certificate. Candidates must submit their Class 10 marksheet showing date of birth. A birth certificate issued by municipal authority is also accepted. Aadhaar card serves as additional identity proof.
- Yes, students appearing for Class 12 board exams in 2026 can apply for NEET 2026. They should select Code 1 in the qualifying code section. However, they must pass Class 12 with the required percentage before the counselling process begins. Failure to meet the marks requirement will result in disqualification.
- No, there is no specific age relaxation for PwD candidates in NEET. The age criteria are the same for all categories. PwD candidates must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026. However, PwD candidates get relaxation in Class 12 marks requirement (45% for General-PwD, 40% for OBC/SC/ST-PwD).
- As per current official guidelines, there are no plans to reintroduce the upper age limit for NEET. The removal of age restrictions was implemented by NMC in 2022 and is considered a permanent change. Many students on platforms like Reddit and Quora have expressed concerns about this, but NTA has not indicated any changes to the current policy.
- General and EWS category candidates need 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. OBC, SC, and ST candidates need 40% marks in PCB. General-PwD candidates require 45% marks. These marks are calculated only from PCB subjects, not overall board percentage.
- Yes, candidates with gap years are eligible for NEET 2026. There are no restrictions for droppers. Students who passed Class 12 in previous years can apply as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. The Delhi High Court struck down regulations that required continuous study, allowing gap year students to appear for NEET.
- Aadhaar is important for NEET 2026 registration as it helps streamline the application process. It ensures accurate identity verification and reduces errors during registration. Candidates should have their Aadhaar card ready while filling the application form.
- NEET droppers should select Code 2 while filling the application form. Code 2 is for candidates who have passed Higher/Senior Secondary Examination or Indian School Certificate Examination equivalent to 10+2. This code applies to students from CBSE, ICSE, and state boards who have already completed Class 12.
- Yes, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), and Foreign Nationals can appear for NEET 2026. They must meet the same eligibility criteria as Indian students. NRI/OCI candidates must submit a certificate from the Indian Diplomatic Mission in their country of residence.
