Before ranks, before cut-offs, before dreaming about colleges, there’s one checkpoint you can’t skip: Eligibility.
NEET 2026 is written in an exam hall. But the entry starts much earlier with your Class 12 marks. This raises a lot of questions in the minds of NEET aspirants:
- How much is enough?
- What is the minimum percentage for NEET?
- Do your 12th marks required for NEET meet the official criteria?
Every detail is important. Miss one detail, and your application can be rejected. This guide explains NEET 2026 eligibility in simple terms. Clear rules. No confusion.
NEET Eligibility Marks in 12th (PCB Criteria)
This is the deal-breaker for most students. To appear for NEET 2026, you must pass Class 12 with PCB and score the minimum required percentage.
Category-Wise Minimum PCB Marks: Minimum percentage for NEET
| Category | Subjects Considered | Minimum Marks Required |
| General / Unreserved (UR) | Physics, Chemistry, Biology | 50% |
| OBC / SC / ST | Physics, Chemistry, Biology | 40% |
| PwD | Physics, Chemistry, Biology | 45% |
Marks are calculated only on PCB subjects. Individual subject passing is mandatory.
Not passing in Biology? NEET door closes.
NEET 2026 Eligibility
The NEET eligibility criteria 2026 decide who can sit for the exam. They are set by the National Medical Commission (NMC) and implemented by NTA.
These rules cover:
- Age limit
- Class 12 subjects
- Minimum PCB marks
- Number of attempts
- Category-wise requirements
Miss even one rule, and the application gets rejected.
NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026: Overview Table
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Qualification | Class 12 or equivalent |
| Subjects Required | Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, English |
| Minimum Age | 17 years by 31 December 2026 |
| Maximum Age | No upper age limit |
| Attempts Allowed | Unlimited |
| Exam Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
Is Mathematics Required for NEET?
Short answer: No.
NEET requires:
- Physics
- Chemistry
Biology or Biotechnology
Maths can exist on your marksheet but it doesn’t matter for eligibility.
Just, PCB is non-negotiable.
NEET 2026 Age Limit Explained
Age rules used to scare students, but not anymore.
Minimum Age Limit
You must be 17 years old on or before 31 December 2026.
Maximum Age Limit
There is no upper age limit for NEET.
This rule was officially removed by NMC in 2022.
Yes.
Even if you are above 25.
Even if you’re a repeater.
You are eligible.
NEET Age Limit Table
| Age Rule | Requirement |
| Minimum Age | 17 years by 31 Dec 2026 |
| Maximum Age | Not applicable |
Category-Wise Age Relaxation: Is It Still Valid?
Earlier, age relaxations existed for reserved categories.
Now? They don’t matter.
Why? Because there is no upper age limit anymore. So relaxations are redundant. Everyone gets the same age rule.
Documents Required as Proof of Date of Birth for NEET 2026
NTA accepts only valid proof. No exceptions. Accepted documents:
- Class 10 marksheet
- Aadhaar card
- Birth certificate
- Passport
Mismatch in DOB = application trouble.
Check before submitting.
NEET Attempt Rules Timeline
| Period | Attempts Allowed | Status |
| Before 2018 | Limited attempts | Discontinued |
| After 2018 | Unlimited | Active |
| NEET 2026 | Unlimited | Final rule |
As long as you meet:
- Age criteria
- Qualification criteria
You can keep trying.
NEET 2026 Exam Pattern Snapshot
Eligibility alone won’t help. You must know the format.
- Mode: Offline (Pen & Paper)
- Total Questions: 180
- All questions compulsory
- Section B removed
- Duration: 3 hours
The exam is back to its pre-COVID structure.
Is a calculator allowed in NEET 2026?
No, not even close. Prohibited items include:
- Calculator
- Mobile phone
- Smart watch
- Electronic gadgets
All calculations must be manual, that’s how fairness is maintained.
NEET 2026 Registration & Exam Date
- Expected Exam Month: May 2026
- Date: Tentatively May 3, 2026
- Registration Window: January–February 2026
- Admit Card Release: A few weeks before exam
The application is online only. Late forms are rejected instantly.
NEET 2026 Eligibility for NRI & Foreign Students
Yes. They can apply.
Eligibility Rules
| Criteria | NRIs | OCI / Foreign Nationals |
| Class 12 Subjects | PCB + English | PCB + English |
| Age Limit | Same as Indian candidates | Same as Indian candidates |
| NEET Qualification | Mandatory | Mandatory |
NEET qualification is compulsory for MBBS admissions in India. Nationality doesn’t change that.
Important NEET 2026 Exam Guidelines
These rules matter on exam day.
- Reporting time: At least 2 hours early
- Dress code: Light clothes, no metal
- Footwear: Slippers or sandals only
- OMR pen: Provided at centre
- Late entry: Not allowed
Break the rule, lose the attempt.
Final Words
NEET eligibility is not complex, it’s precise. At Aakash, we tell students one thing early, Check eligibility before chasing ambition.
Strong PCB marks, clear age compliance, unlimited attempt– all hold significance.
NEET doesn’t block doors. It only asks for discipline and clarity. Get those right and the rest is preparation for which Aakash is always by your side!
FAQs: NEET Eligibility Marks in 12th
Q1. What is the minimum percentage required for NEET 2026?
The general category needs 50% in PCB. OBC/SC/ST need 40%. PwD need 45%.
Q2. Can I give NEET immediately after Class 12?
Yes, if you turn 17 by 31 December 2026.
Q3. Is there any upper age limit for NEET 2026?
No. The upper age limit has been removed.
Q4. How many attempts are allowed in NEET?
Unlimited attempts are allowed.
