NEET Eligibility Criteria
The National Testing Agency is liable to conduct NEET examination. Following are the NEET Eligibility Criteria For all the candidates who want to appear in the entrance test which is held for admission in undergraduate courses in different MBBS colleges across India are advised to go through with this article in detail.
What is NEET eligibility criteria?
NEET Eligibility Criteria means the condition and guideline like qualifying examination, pass percentage, nationality, age limit etc. to appear for the examination. Several amendments have been done till date, so the candidate remains to be updated with the latest information. Previously there was no restrictions on it, but now it has been removed and there is no restriction. Now NTA has also given the flexibility to appear in the examination for the student who has passed from open schools. Be noted that the NEET entrance exam is conducted for the undergraduate medical courses in different MBBS BDS in other medical courses. Let's see the eligibility and qualification criteria for the NEET in this article in detail.
Here you can find out All about the NEET Eligibility Criteria. NEET age limit, NEET attempt limit, etc. Check out All the NEET latest news and related notifications.
About NEET
NEET is a pen and paper-based examination which is held all across India in nearly 155 major cities. You can choose the examination center as per your preference. Examination form was available from December 2 and it has been extended till January 6.
Who is eligible to appear for NEET
Certain guidelines and eligibility criteria prescribed by NEET authority which candidates need to follow. So when we talk about the nationality then and the candidate must possess one of below -
Quick Facts of NEET Eligibility Criteria
| Parameters | Details |
| Qualifying Exam | Candidates must have passed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English as core subjects from a recognized board. Candidates who are appearing for the class 12 or equivalent exam are also eligible to apply for NEET. |
| Minimum Age Requirement | Candidates must have completed 17 years as on December 31. |
| Maximum Age Limit* | There is no upper age limit till the Supreme Court passes its judgement on it. |
| Qualifying Marks | The marks are separate for each category and can be listed as under. The marks to be considered are aggregate marks only for PCB subjects UR - 50%, OBC/SC/ST - 40%, PWD - 45% |
| Maximum Attempts | There is no limit on the number of attempts a student can make. |
| Nationality | Candidates who are Indian Nationals, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs & Foreign Nationals are eligible to apply |
The first, a citizen of India and for non-resident Indians NRI overseas citizens of India are foreign nationals who have passed the qualifying examination or equivalent to it. candidates who wish to study abroad but practice in India still have to take the NEET examination. The other eligibility criteria of NEET details given below.
NEET eligibility criteria 5 code details of qualifying examination codes:
The candidate who wishes to appear in NEET have to select examination code from given below appropriately. If you have any confusion please take guidance from your seniors or any trusted coaching centers or officials of NEET.
Code 01: Candidates who have passed class 12th examination and waiting for the result will have to choose this code. However, it’s mandatory to pass the 12th examination when they will appear for the admission otherwise their eligibility will be canceled.
Code 02: So students who were studying in the Indian school certificate examination for the higher or senior secondary examination which is equivalent to class 12th examination but have come back after 12 years of study period can choose this code. Be noted that the last two years of study must include Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Biotechnology and Mathematics or any other elective subjects with English as a core subject as prescribed by the national council of educational research and training or NCERT. Also, the candidate qualified class 12 in the previous year and did not receive any courses later on can choose this code.
Code 03: Candidates who passed the intermediate examination in science from Indian University or board or other equivalent university in the subject of physics, chemistry, biology, biotechnology and also took in English as a compulsory subject will have to choose this code. The student belongs to this code will have to go to a practical test in a science subject. Also, the candidate who has passed class 12th equivalent examination from the state board has to choose this code.
Code 04: Candidates who have passed any pre- professional of pre-medical examination after higher secondary from recognised university or an equivalent examination with physics, chemistry, biology , biotechnology and English will have to have to choose this code. Be noted that the pre-medical examination should include a practical test in the subject and also English as a compulsory subject.
Code 5: Candidates who are pursuing the three years’ degree course of a recognized University with Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Biotechnology as mandatory subjects and have qualified the first year including practical tests in these subjects are required to choose this code. It is to be noted that qualifying exam here examination must be a University Examination and candidates should be passed the earlier qualifying examination namely 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology with English at a level not less than a core course.
Code 6: Candidates who have qualified the BSc Examination from an Indian University with not less than two of the subjects Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany, Zoology)/Bio-technology must choose this code during the application process. Further, they must have passed the earlier qualifying examination (10+2) with English, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Code 7: Candidates who have passed any other examination which in scope and standard is equivalent to the Intermediate Science Examination of an Indian University/Board, with Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Biotechnology including practical tests in each of these subjects and English have to enter this code in the NEET application form. It is to be understood that the last two years of study should include Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Biotechnology and practical tests in these subjects. Candidates who have completed the qualifying examination from a University located in a foreign country are also required to fill in this code. The equivalency of such a course with Class 12 of Indian Boards will be determined by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). If the marks obtained in the qualifying examination are in grades then the equivalent marks obtained will also be determined by AIU.
NEET eligibility criteria - Age limit
As per the latest notification, candidates must complete 17 years of age at the time of admission on or before December 31. The restriction of upper age limit has been removed from this year after the decision of the Supreme Court. Still, the challenge is pending and court judgment are awaited.
NEET Age criteria:
| S. No. | Category | Date of birth for minimum age |
| 1 | For Candidates of Unreserved Category (UR) | Born on or before December 31, 2006 |
| 2 | For Candidates of SC/ST/OBC Category | Born on or before December 31, 2006 |
Qualifying marks for NEET
As per NEET eligibility criteria, candidates must pass physics, chemistry, biology or biotechnology in class 12th of higher secondary examination.
If you belong to the unreserved for a general category then you must secure a minimum of 50% marks in physics, chemistry and biology biotechnology in the class 12th or equivalent examination.
For the person belonging to SC-ST, OBC candidate will have to secure a minimum of 40% in physics, chemistry, biology, and biotechnology in the qualifying examination.
Persons with locomotor disability of lower limbs must have secured a minimum of 45% marks for General-PH and 40% marks for SC-PH/ST-PH/OBC-PH in aggregate in Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Biotechnology.
NEET Eligibility Criteria - Minimum Required Percentage
| Category | PCB aggregate marks in qualifying examination |
Unreserved |
50% |
| SC/ST/OBC/ Reserved-PH |
40% |
| Unreserved- PH | 45% |
NEET eligibility criteria for NRI for foreign students
If you are a foreign national and you are willing to appear in the NEET, you must have passed class 12th equivalent examination with physics, chemistry, biology, and English. Also, the candidates are advised to go through with the full eligibility criteria details in the official brochure released by NTA. Be noted that the qualifying examination must have been equivalent to class 12th of India. Also, the candidate must be passed in the subject of physics chemistry and biology in both practical and theory tests. Also, English is mandatory as a qualifying examination.
NEET eligibility criteria- Number of attempts
In 2018, there was restriction of number of attempts that have been removed now. So there is no restriction and candidates can appear as many times as they wish as long as they are eligible.
NEET Eligibility Criteria - 15% All India Quota seats/Deemed Universities/Central Universities/ESIC and AFMC Colleges
Candidates who have qualified in NEET can apply for 15% all India quota seats. 100% of the seats in the deemed university as well as central universities, ESIC is an FMC as well. The counseling will be done by the medical council of India on an all India basis.
Students belong to Jammu and Kashmir are not eligible for 15% all India quota seats unless they have filled with self-declaration form which needs to be submitted along with the NEET application form. NEET maintains with the latest amendment in the constitution. IN Self-declaration form it is mentioned that candidates who are willing to participate in the counseling for 15% all India quota have to forgo the home state counseling in return. They will be eligible for the seats in deemed university ESIC in AFMC college.
The rest of 85% of seat allotment will be open to all candidates who have completed class 10 and 12 from Delhi. It is quota seats of AMU will be only for AMU students.
NEET Eligibility Criteria - 85% State Quota seats
The 85% state quota seats mean seats in all government colleges of the states/union territories respectively. Counseling for such seats will be conducted by the respective state authorities. To apply for state quota seats, candidates must fulfill the NEET eligibility criteria laid down by each state or union territory authority and include domicile, conditions too
Admission to private medical and dental colleges will also be subject to the policies of the State/ Union Territory.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) - NEET Eligibility Criteria
Q: I have a gap year between Classes 11 and 12. Will I be eligible for NEET?
A: Yes, candidate having gap can appear in the NEET. Earlier, MCI made amendments to the “Regulations on Graduate Medical Education, 1997” in which it was specified that a student must undergo continuous two years of study to become eligible to take NEET. However, this amendment was removed by the Delhi High Court and candidates with gap year can appear for NEET for now. The latest information brochure of NEET also specifies the same.
Q: Are NIOS students eligible for NEET?
A: yes NIOS students can appear in the NEET. Previously the judgement was pending from the High Court of Delhi but later on it was released and has said that eligibility depends on the final judgment of the special leave petition filed by MCI.
Q: I will complete 25 years of age in March. Will I be eligible for NEET?
A: As per the latest judgment of Supreme Court candidate of the age 25 years or above can appear in the NEET.
Q: In Class 11 and 12, I had Biology as an additional subject. Does that make me ineligible for NEET?
A: As per the latest notification candidates with biology as an additional subject can appear for NEET. Previously the verdict in this regard has been introduced in 2018 by MCI which means a student with biology and biotechnology as an additional subject can appear in NEET.
Q: Will NTA consider my Class 12 marks for NEET?
A: NTA has released the notification regarding the minimum percentage in the qualifying exam class 12th. Candidate must remind that they need to secure the minimum percentage for the different categories as prescribed in need brochure.
Q: Who can give NEET exam?
A: The National Test Agency has released detailed eligibility criteria notification for all candidates willing to appear in NEET. Candidate meet the eligibility can appear in the examination.
Q: Is there any attempt limit for NEET?
A: No, there is no attempt limit for NEET. There was a cap on the limit but now it has been removed by the NEET authority.
Q: What are the rules of the NEET exam?
A: The authority has specified clear rules and regulations which a candidate must follow to be considered eligible for the admission procedure. The candidate can read the rules mentioned in the information brochure that will help them abide by it.
NEET/AIIMS/PMT Quick Links
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