NEET UG eligibility: age, subjects, attempts and qualifying percentile
Who can sit NEET UG, under the rules in the 2026 Information Bulletin. The 2027 bulletin is awaited and may change details.
Everything on this page comes from Chapter 6 and Chapter 14 of the NEET (UG) 2026 Information Bulletin. The 2027 bulletin has not been published yet. When it is, check it before you apply, because NMC can change these rules.
Am I eligible for NEET UG?
You are eligible under the 2026 rules if all of these are true:
| Rule | 2026 requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 17 years completed on or before 31 December of the exam year |
| Upper age limit | None |
| Number of attempts | No limit |
| Qualifying exam | Class 12 or equivalent |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Biotechnology, and English |
| Awaiting result | Allowed, if you pass by the first counselling round |
What is the age limit for NEET UG?
The minimum is 17 years on or before 31 December of the year of the exam. For NEET 2026, that meant being born on or before 31 December 2009. This rule comes from the GMER-2023 (Amendment) dated 16 June 2023.
There is no upper age limit. NMC removed it by a letter dated 9 March 2022.
How many attempts are allowed in NEET UG?
The 2026 bulletin does not set any limit on the number of attempts. You can take NEET UG as many times as you need, as long as you meet the other conditions each year.
Which Class 12 subjects do you need?
You need to have passed Class 12, or an equivalent exam, with:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology or Biotechnology
- English
Under NMC’s public notice of 22 November 2023, which follows the National Education Policy, you may pass these as additional subjects after Class 12. So if you did not take Biology in Class 12, you can still become eligible by passing it later as an additional subject.
The bulletin lists the accepted qualifying exams under codes 01 to 07. If your board or route is unusual, read that list in the bulletin itself.
Can you appear while waiting for your Class 12 result?
Yes. You can sit NEET UG while your Class 12 result is awaited, but you must have passed by the first round of counselling. If you have not, you will not be admitted.
Is there a minimum Class 12 percentage?
The 2026 bulletin text we checked does not state a minimum Class 12 percentage in Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Figures circulating online come from older regulations. Check the 2027 bulletin and the current NMC regulations before relying on any percentage.
What is the qualifying percentile in NEET UG?
Being eligible to sit the exam is different from being eligible for admission. For admission, you must also reach the qualifying percentile in NEET itself:
| Category | Qualifying percentile |
|---|---|
| General / General-EWS | 50th |
| SC / ST / OBC | 40th |
| General / EWS with benchmark disability (PwBD) | 45th |
| SC / ST / OBC with benchmark disability (PwBD) | 40th |
The percentile is based on the highest marks in the All-India common merit list. The Central Government may lower it if seats remain vacant. In 2026, the 50th percentile meant 213 out of 720. The full table is on the cutoff page.
Can NRIs, OCIs and foreign nationals take NEET UG?
Yes, subject to the rules in the bulletin. Indian citizens and OCI cardholders who want to study medicine abroad must also qualify NEET UG.
What does it cost to apply?
In 2026, the application fee was:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹1,700 |
| General-EWS / OBC-NCL | ₹1,600 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Third Gender | ₹1,000 |
| Centre outside India | ₹9,500 |
The 2027 fee has not been announced. For the 2026 application window, see important dates.
What to do next
Once you know you are eligible, read the exam pattern and the syllabus before you plan your study.
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