NEET is the gateway to medical education in India, and every year over 16 lakh aspirants compete for a limited number of seats. While strong preparation decides how well a student performs in the NEET exam, awareness of the NEET reservation framework often decides who actually secures a seat. Many deserving candidates miss out—not due to low scores, but because of inadequate understanding of reservation categories, quota rules, and required documentation.
Reservation norms are a crucial factor for admission in MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and allied medical courses in India through NEET UG 2026. This article presents the NEET Reservation Criteria 2026 in a simple, organized, and student-oriented way, thus assisting the students in making the right choice while counselling.
NEET Reservation Impact: A Perspective Beyond the Obvious
NEET is a national-level test, but admission is regulated by the reservation policy. The policy attempts to provide equal opportunity to candidates from different social and economic backgrounds for medical education.
Some of the major points that a student has to consider:
- The reservation applies to both AIQ and State Quota seats
- The categories’ percentage varies by reservation type and quota
- If the candidate chooses the wrong category or fails to provide the category certificate, the benefits under reservation can be lost
Following neet reservation for general, reserved categories, and quotas is equally critical as knowing cut-offs.
Explain the NEET Reservation System in 2026?
During medical admissions, NEET reservation means a certain percentage of seats that are reserved for specific categories like OBC, SC, ST, EWS, etc.
For NEET UG 2026:
- 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats follow the central reservation policy
- 85% State Quota seats follow state-specific reservation rules, including domicile conditions
During the application process, candidates have to specify their category and must provide valid certificates during the counselling conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) or state authorities.
NEET UG 2026 Reservation Breakdown (15% AIQ Seats)
The reservation structure for AIQ seats in government medical and dental colleges is outlined below:
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
| OBC-NCL | 27% |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 15% |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 7.5% |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Section) | 10% |
| PwD (Horizontal) | 5% |
| General / Unreserved | Remaining seats |
This table plays a critical role in understanding how much reservation for obc and other categories under NEET UG 2026.
OBC Reservation Quota in NEET: Eligibility and Scope
The obc reservation in neet applies to candidates belonging to the Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) category. Under the AIQ, 27% of seats are reserved for eligible OBC-NCL candidates.
Important considerations:
- The OBC certificate must clearly mention Non-Creamy Layer status
- The certificate should be issued by a competent authority
- The Central OBC list applicability is mandatory for AIQ seats
The obc quota in neet significantly increases seat accessibility for eligible candidates when combined with strategic counselling choices.
SC and ST Reservation Quota in NEET Admissions
The sc reservation in neet ensures representation for Scheduled Caste candidates by reserving 15% of AIQ seats. Similarly, Scheduled Tribe candidates benefit from 7.5% reservation under AIQ.
Key highlights:
- sc quota in neet applies uniformly across AIQ institutions
- Valid caste certificates are mandatory
- Reservation benefits are applicable only to government colleges under AIQ
These provisions aim to address historical inequities while maintaining merit-based selection within categories.
EWS Reservation: Opportunity Within the General Category
The EWS category provides 10% reservation for candidates who fall under the general category but meet prescribed income and asset criteria.
This category directly impacts neet reservation for general aspirants who are economically disadvantaged yet not eligible under other reserved categories.
EWS eligibility generally includes:
- Annual family income within the notified limit
- No ownership of specified assets
- Valid EWS certificate during counselling
General Quota in NEET: How Merit Still Dominates
The general quota in neet refers to unreserved seats filled strictly on merit. These seats remain open to all candidates, irrespective of category.
Key insight:
- High-scoring reserved category candidates can secure general seats
- Merit ranking remains the primary criterion
- Reservation does not restrict competition for unreserved seats
Understanding this balance is essential for realistic counselling expectations.
State Quota Reservation: A Separate Framework
While AIQ follows a uniform policy, state quota seats (85%) are governed by individual state governments. Reservation percentages, sub-categories, and domicile rules vary widely.
State quotas may include:
- Additional OBC subdivisions
- Region-specific reservations
- Local domicile requirements
Aspirants must carefully review their state’s counselling brochure to avoid errors.
How Aakash Institute Supports Reservation Awareness
Prominent institutions such as the Aakash Institute are not only providing academic guidance but also extensive reservation awareness and counselling services. Aakash Institute, through in-depth analysis of the trends and cut-offs for different categories, helps candidates to set their expectations rightly based on their score and availability of seats.
By combining a strong grasp of the subject with an understanding of policies, students are well equipped to take sensible steps in their NEET UG 2026 counselling.
Documents Required to Claim NEET Reservation 2026
If candidates want to claim seat reservation benefits, they should get their documentation in order:
- OBC-NCL certificate
- SC / ST caste certificate
- EWS income and asset certificate
- Person with Disability certificate, if applicable
In case of any wrong information, the category benefits can be withdrawn at the time of the verification process.
Conclusion
It is very important to be fully aware of the reservation in neet, i.e., from the general quota in neet to the sc quota in neet, not to mention the OBC provisions, so as to be able to make a strategic plan for the neet UG 2026. Reservation is more than a policy — it is, in fact, a lever that opens the door to the world of possibilities when it is used properly.
Those who take the road of diligent preparation backed by wise choices of counselling are the ones who are ready to get the most out of the advantages reserved for them. Moreover, getting expert counselling and a well-organized framework of support makes the journey through NEET admissions quite foreseeable and easy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What percentage of seats will be reserved for obc candidates in neet 2026?
The OBC-NCL community is entitled to 27% reservation out of 15% AIQ seats.
Q2. Are sc reservation in neet applicable for all colleges?
The reservation for SC is applicable in Government colleges under AIQ. The rules of the state quota may be different.
Q3. How does general category candidates neet reservation work?
General category candidates are allowed to compete for a merit-based selection for the unreserved seats whereas the EWS category is an exception in this case.
Q4. How much reservation for obc is available under AIQ?
Under AIQ, OBC-NCL candidates are allotted 27% of seats.
Q5. Does the obc quota in neet apply to private colleges?
Central reservation applies mainly to government colleges. Private colleges follow separate norms.
