NEET UG Eligibility Criteria 2026: Minimum Age, Required Codes, and Attempts

NEET Eligibility Criteria: Age limit

Guidelines for Age Criteria for NEET 2026

One of the most crucial eligibility requirements that all medical candidates must fulfill is the age limit for NEET Examination. Candidates who meet the minimum and, if applicable, minimum age requirements to apply for the NEET UG exam are guaranteed to do so by the NEET UG age limit. Minimum age limit for NEET: The age required for NEET is 17 years. In order to be admitted to the undergraduate medical program, candidates must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2025.. Upper age limit for NEET: According to National Medical Commission (NMC), there is no upper age limit for NEET UG.

Important Notes on NEET UG Exam Age Limit

Both Indian and foreign candidates who fulfil the NEET age requirements are eligible to apply under the NEET UG eligibility criteria. The age limit for NEET UG has been removed, older candidates can now still pursue their goal of becoming doctors. Before registering, candidates should confirm the age required for NEET, as any inconsistency may result in disqualification. When completing the NEET UG 2026 application form, it is imperative that you meet the minimum age limit for NEET. In summary, for 2026: The minimum age limit for NEET = 17 years The upper age limit for NEET UG = No restriction

NEET UG Eligibility Criteria: Nationality

Who Can Apply for NEET UG 2026?

The following candidates can apply for the NEET UG exam-

• Indian nationals
• Overseas citizen of India or OCI
• Foreign nationals
• Non-resident Indians or NRIs
• Persons with Indian origin or PIO

Age Criteria for NEET 2026 for NRI / Foreign Students

• The age limit for NEET examination for foreign nationals, OCIs, and NRIs is the same as for Indian students: they must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026.
• The Age criteria for NEET 2026 for foreign applicants are in line with the NMC’s age limit regulations for the NEET UG exam.
• Students studying overseas must have finished coursework in English, physics, chemistry, and biology that is equivalent to Class 12 in India.
• A certificate from their home country’s Indian Diplomatic Mission is required of NRI/OCI applicants.
• Proof of nationality, such as a passport or a certificate from the appropriate government in their country, must be uploaded by foreign nationals.

NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026: Educational Qualifications

In addition to the NEET UG age limit, candidates must fulfil the following academic and educational requirements:

• Must have earned a Class 12 diploma or its equivalent from an accredited school.
• Candidates may also apply if they are awaiting their Class 12 results.
• Open school students are qualified.
• English, biology, chemistry, and physics must have been studied.
• Class 12 minimum qualifying scores:
  • 50% in the general category
  • OBC, SC, and ST: 40%
  • PwD: 45 percent

Therefore, in order to qualify, one must simultaneously meet the age requirement for NEET and the educational requirements.

QUOTA SEATS

15% All India Quota (AIQ)

15% of AIQ seats in India are open to candidates who meet the NEET UG eligibility criteria.. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) is in charge of counselling. Unless they submit a self-declaration form opting into AIQ, candidates from Jammu & Kashmir are not eligible. Under this quota, admission is offered to Deemed Universities, AFMC, and ESIC.

For 85% State Quota

Carried out by the appropriate state authorities. Candidates must meet the NEET UG eligibility criteria specific to their state. Candidates who completed Class 10 and 12 in the relevant state are eligible to fill the seats. For instance, only AMU students are permitted to occupy institutional seats.

S. No.	Qualifying Codes
1	Code 01
2	Code 02
3	Code 03
4	Code 04
5	Code 05
6	Code 06
7	Code 07

NEET Qualification

Pursuing MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH programs in India requires the NEET qualification. The results of the NEET UG examination show how well a candidate understands biology, chemistry, and physics. Aspirants can take the test and pursue careers in medicine if they meet the NEET UG eligibility criteria, which include the age limit for NEET UG.

Key Takeaways on Age Criteria for NEET 2026

The minimum age limit for NEET is to be at least 17 years old. There isn’t any upper age limit for NEET UG. Age required for NEET applies to both Indian and international students. Before applying, always confirm the NEET UG exam age limit. For an application to be approved, it is necessary to meet both the NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026 and the age criteria for NEET 2026.