How Many Attempts for NEET 2026? Check Number of Students Appeared, Age Limit for NEET

NEET 2026 Attempts Highlights

How Many Attempts Are Allowed for NEET 2026?

There is no restriction on the number of attempts for NEET 2026. Candidates can appear for the exam as many times as they wish. The only requirement is to meet the eligibility criteria set by NTA. This includes the minimum age requirement of 17 years by December 31 of the admission year.

The NTA official website clearly states that there is no cap on the number of attempts. This policy was confirmed through a letter from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare dated December 6, 2017. The letter endorsed the removal of the previous three-attempt limit that existed in 2017.

NEET Attempt Limit by Category

NEET Attempts 2026 Important Dates

The NTA releases the complete schedule for NEET 2026 in the official information bulletin. Based on previous year trends, here are the expected important dates for NEET 2026.

NEET Attempts Trends Over the Years

The NEET attempt limit has undergone significant changes since the exam's inception. Understanding this history helps aspirants appreciate the current policy of unlimited attempts.

Timeline of NEET Attempt Limit Changes

In 2017, CBSE introduced a three-attempt limit along with an upper age cap of 25 years for general category candidates. Reserved category candidates were given a 5-year relaxation. However, this rule faced massive criticism from students and medical education stakeholders.

The Medical Council of India (MCI), now National Medical Commission (NMC), scrapped these restrictions within the same year. Since 2018, when NTA took over as the conducting body, no attempt limit has been enforced.

How Many Times NEET UG Is Conducted in a Year?

NEET UG is conducted only once a year. The exam typically takes place on the first Sunday of May. Unlike JEE Main, which is held twice annually, NEET remains a single-attempt-per-year examination.

The NTA and National Medical Commission have confirmed that there are no plans to conduct NEET twice a year. The Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare clarified this in the Lok Sabha, stating that no proposal exists to conduct NEET UG twice in a year.

Reasons Why NEET Is Conducted Once a Year

• Logistical Complexity: NEET receives over 24 lakh registrations annually. Managing such large-scale examinations twice would create significant logistical challenges.
• Exam Centre Management: Coordinating thousands of exam centres across India and abroad requires extensive planning and resources.
• Quality Assurance: Conducting the exam once allows NTA to focus on maintaining high-quality question papers and evaluation processes.
• Academic Calendar Alignment: A single annual exam aligns well with the academic calendar of schools and medical colleges.
• Counselling Timeline: The admission process including multiple counselling rounds requires adequate time between exam and academic session start.

NEET Age Limit 2026: Upper and Lower Age

The age criteria for NEET 2026 consists of only a lower age limit. There is no upper age limit for appearing in NEET UG. This policy was confirmed by the National Medical Commission in March 2022.

NEET 2026 Age Limit Details

Candidates who are 17 years old or will complete 17 years by December 31, 2026, are eligible to apply. There is no maximum age restriction. Candidates of any age can attempt NEET as long as they meet other eligibility criteria.

NEET Attempt and Age Limit Debate

The NEET attempt limit and age restriction have been subjects of ongoing debate in India. Multiple stakeholders have expressed different opinions on these policies.

Arguments in Favor of Unlimited Attempts

• Equal Opportunity: Every aspirant deserves multiple chances to pursue their dream of becoming a doctor.
• Career Flexibility: Candidates who discover their interest in medicine later in life should not be denied the opportunity.
• Improved Preparation: Additional attempts allow candidates to learn from mistakes and improve their scores.
• Reduced Stress: No attempt limit reduces the pressure of performing in a single exam.
• Better Doctors: Highly motivated candidates who persevere often become dedicated medical professionals.

Arguments for Attempt Restrictions

• Age Factor: Starting MBBS at an older age means longer time before independent practice.
• Seat Utilization: Limited attempts may encourage candidates to explore alternative career paths.
• Resource Optimization: Fewer repeat candidates could reduce administrative burden on the examination system.
• Fresh Talent: New aspirants get better opportunities without competing with experienced repeaters.

Currently, the policy favors aspirants by allowing unlimited attempts. The NMC and NTA have maintained this stance since 2018. Any future changes would be announced well in advance through official notifications.

Number of Students Appeared in NEET: Year-Wise Data

The number of NEET aspirants has increased significantly over the years. This data provides insights into the growing competition and popularity of medical education in India.

Key Observations from NEET Statistics

• NEET 2024 recorded the highest registrations with over 24 lakh candidates.
• The attendance rate remains consistently above 95% across all years.
• Female candidates have outnumbered male candidates in recent years.
• Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh contribute the highest number of registrations.
• Over 15% increase in registrations observed between 2020 and 2024.

Benefits to Applicants If NEET 2026 Is Conducted Twice

While NEET 2026 will be conducted only once, aspirants have long demanded that the exam be held twice a year like JEE Main. Here are the potential benefits if this proposal is ever implemented.

Advantages of Conducting NEET Twice a Year

• Better Score Selection: Candidates can appear in both sessions and use the better score for admissions. This reduces the impact of a single bad day on career prospects.
• Preparation Flexibility: Students appearing for board exams can choose a later NEET session to avoid overlapping preparation schedules.
• Reduced Examination Stress: Two chances in a year significantly lower the pressure and anxiety associated with a single-attempt examination.
• Error Correction Opportunity: Aspirants who make avoidable mistakes in the first attempt can correct them in the second session.
• Score Improvement: A gap of 10-15 days between sessions allows focused preparation to improve scores.
• Better Exam Management: Dividing candidates across two sessions can reduce crowding at exam centres and improve logistics.
• Fair Assessment: Two-phase examination can provide a more accurate assessment of candidate abilities.

Current Status of NEET Twice a Year Proposal

As of January 2026, there is no official announcement regarding conducting NEET twice a year. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has clarified that no such proposal is under consideration. Aspirants should prepare assuming NEET 2026 will be conducted only once.

NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Besides the attempt limit and age criteria, candidates must fulfill other eligibility requirements to appear for NEET 2026.

NEET Score Validity

NEET score is valid for only one academic year. Candidates cannot use their previous year's score for the next admission cycle.

• NEET 2026 score will be valid only for 2026-27 academic session admissions.
• Candidates must appear fresh each year if they wish to seek admission.
• Previous attempts do not accumulate or carry forward.
• Only the score from the latest attempt is considered for counselling.