Highlights
- Exam Timeline (Tentative): NEET 2026 is expected on 3 May 2026, with the application window in February, admit cards in April, and results by June.
- Eligibility Snapshot: Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and foreign nationals aged 17 or above by 31 Dec 2026 are eligible. No upper age limit and unlimited attempts are allowed.
- Academic Requirements: Must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotech, and English, securing at least 50% marks in PCB (40% for SC/ST/OBC, 45% for PwD).
- Seat Quotas: 85% of MBBS/BDS seats are under the state quota (for local residents), and 15% under the All India Quota (AIQ) with reservations (OBC-NCL: 27%, SC: 15%, ST: 7.5%, EWS: 10%, PwD: 5%).
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the single largest medical entrance examination in India for aspirants seeking admission to undergraduate MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, Veterinary, and other medical courses in government and private institutions across the country. Conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA), NEET is a crucial milestone for students aspiring to pursue a career in medicine.
With NEET 2026 on the horizon, it’s essential for candidates to understand the updated eligibility criteria, so they can prepare and apply with clarity and confidence.
1. What is NEET, and which courses does it cover?
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the single largest national-level entrance exam in India for admission into undergraduate medical and allied health programs. NEET scores are used by both government and private institutions to admit students into:
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MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)
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BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
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AYUSH courses (BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS, etc.)
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Veterinary Sciences (BVSc & AH)
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Other allied health and paramedical programs where applicable
2. When is the NEET 2026 exam expected to be held, and what are the key dates?
Although the National Testing Agency (NTA) has not yet released the official NEET 2026 schedule, past trends suggest the following tentative timeline:
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Application Window | February 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | April 2026 |
| Exam Date | First Sunday of May (3 May 2026) |
| Result Declaration | June 2026 |
Candidates should keep checking the official NEET website for confirmation once NTA publishes the definitive dates.
3. Who is eligible to apply for NEET 2026 in terms of nationality?
The following categories of candidates may appear for NEET 2026:
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Indian Nationals (General, SC/ST/OBC, EWS)
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Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
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Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)
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Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs)
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Foreign Nationals
Note: Admission for foreign nationals is subject to individual institution and Medical Commission guidelines.
4. What are the age requirements for NEET 2026 aspirants?
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Minimum Age: 17 years on or before 31 December 2026, i.e., born on or before 31 Dec 2009.
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Upper Age Limit: No upper age limit, as per the National Medical Commission’s October 2021 ruling.
5. What academic qualifications and subjects are required to sit for NEET 2026?
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Qualifying Exam: Passed Class 12 (or equivalent) from a recognized board.
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Mandatory Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English.
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Appearing Candidates: Students appearing for Class 12 in 2026 may also apply provisionally, subject to meeting minimum marks when results are declared.
6. What minimum marks are needed in Physics, Chemistry & Biology (PCB) for different categories?
| Category | Minimum PCB Aggregate (%) |
|---|---|
| General | 50% |
| SC/ST/OBC | 40% |
| PwD (General) | 45% |
7. Is there a limit on the number of NEET attempts a candidate can take?
No. The National Testing Agency (NTA) permits unlimited attempts for NEET UG. Candidates may sit for the exam as many times as they wish, provided they meet the age and other eligibility criteria each year.
8. How are seats allocated under the 15% All India Quota (AIQ) and what category reservations apply?
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All India Quota: 15% of total MBBS/BDS seats in government medical and dental colleges across India are pooled under AIQ.
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Reservation within AIQ:
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OBC-NCL: 27%
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SC: 15%
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ST: 7.5%
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EWS: 10%
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PwD: 5%
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Seat allotment is based on the NEET merit rank and category, and managed centrally by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC).
9. What are the state-quota eligibility criteria and how do I apply under my state quota?
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Seat Share: About 85% of state medical/dental seats are reserved for candidates domiciled in that state.
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Domicile Requirements:
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Must be a permanent resident or have completed schooling (Class 10/12) in the state.
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Submit state domicile proof (e.g., domicile certificate, school leaving certificate).
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Application: State counselling authorities conduct separate registrations; aspirants must register under their home state’s counselling portal.
10. What documents and proofs (e.g., domicile, school certificates) must be submitted during NEET counselling?
Commonly required documents include:
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NEET Admit Card & Rank Letter
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Class 10 & 12 Mark Sheets and Passing Certificates
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Domicile/State Residence Certificate (if applying under state quota)
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Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD) issued by competent authority
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DOB Proof (Birth Certificate or Class 10 Certificate)
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Passport-size Photographs & ID Proof (Aadhar/Passport/Driver’s License)
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Migration Certificate (if requested by the counselling authority)
