NEET 2025 Eligibility Criteria – Age, Qualification, Attempts & Reservation

Checking your eligibility for NEET National Eligibility cum Entrance Test 2025 is the first step toward a successful application. As per the National Testing Agency, candidates must have completed Class 12 or an equivalent examination from a recognized board or university. Those who are appearing for their final year Class 12 examinations in 2025 are also eligible to apply, though they will need to submit proof of passing at the time of admission. A minimum of 50 percent aggregate marks is required in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Biotechnology for candidates belonging to the General, Unreserved, and EWS categories. For candidates from SC, ST, and OBC categories, a minimum of 40 percent aggregate marks in these subjects is required. Additionally, Persons with Disability candidates in the General and EWS categories need 45 percent, while those in reserved categories like SC, ST, or OBC who are also PwD need 40 percent. All applicants must have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Biotechnology, and English as compulsory subjects in their qualifying examination. It is also important to note that candidates who have studied Biology as an additional subject after passing Class 12 are eligible. By confirming your eligibility early, you can avoid last-minute hurdles and apply with confidence.

Before applying for NEET National Eligibility cum Entrance Test 2025, it’s important to check the age criteria set by the National Testing Agency. The minimum age required for candidates is 17 years. This means an aspirant must have completed 17 years of age on or before December 31, 2025. There is no upper age limit for appearing in NEET. This rule was officially removed by the National Medical Commission on March 9, 2022, allowing candidates above the age of 17 years to apply without any maximum age restriction. This decision effectively eliminated the previous upper age limits that were 25 years for the general category and 30 years for reserved category candidates. Knowing the age rules in advance ensures you apply within the permitted criteria and make full use of any relaxation benefits.

NEET National Eligibility cum Entrance Test 2025 offers relaxations for candidates belonging to specific reserved categories as per National Testing Agency guidelines. These benefits primarily include reduced qualifying marks in the academic eligibility criteria. For instance, while General category candidates require 50 percent aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology or Biotechnology, candidates from Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Other Backward Classes (Non-Creamy Layer) categories need only 40 percent aggregate marks in these subjects. Persons with Disability candidates in the General and EWS categories require 45 percent, and those in reserved categories who are PwD need 40 percent. To avail these benefits, candidates must upload valid and up-to-date category certificates during the online registration process. The verification of these documents will follow the official protocol set by the authority, which occurs during the counselling and admission stages. By understanding and following the process, eligible candidates can make full use of the category-based benefits available for NEET National Eligibility cum Entrance Test.

NEET National Eligibility cum Entrance Test 2025 is open to Indian citizens and valid Overseas Citizen of India or Person of Indian Origin card holders as per National Testing Agency rules. For admissions to the 85 percent state quota seats, a domicile certificate of the respective state may be required, indicating that the applicant is a resident of that state and has completed or is pursuing their Class 12 schooling from there. Non-Resident Indian and foreign applicants are also eligible to appear for the examination. Candidates educated abroad must ensure their qualifying examination is equivalent to the Indian Class 12 standard, with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as subjects, including both theory and practical tests. Indian citizens and Overseas Citizen of India holders who wish to pursue undergraduate medical courses in foreign medical or dental institutions also need to qualify NEET. Foreign nationals must upload documentary proof to support their nationality during the online application process. By understanding these rules early, candidates can ensure they meet the required nationality or domicile conditions before applying.

Before preparing for NEET National Eligibility cum Entrance Test 2025, it’s essential to know if there’s a cap on the number of attempts. The good news for aspirants is that there is no restriction on the number of times a candidate can appear for the NEET examination. The National Medical Commission officially removed the previous attempt limits on March 9, 2022. This means that candidates can attempt the NEET exam as many times as they desire, provided they meet the other eligibility criteria such as age and educational qualifications. This policy applies to all categories of candidates, including General, SC, ST, and OBC. Being aware of attempt limits helps you plan your preparation strategy effectively and avoid exhausting your chances prematurely.

There are no specific restrictions on the number of attempts for the NEET examination.