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NEET 2026 Attempts: Age Limit, Rules, and Eligibility Criteria

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• Updated on 6 Sep, 2025, by Kollegeapply

NEET 2026 Attempts: Age Limit, Rules, and Eligibility Criteria

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has clarified the eligibility norms for NEET 2026. There will be no restrictions on the number of attempts, and no upper age limit will apply for any category. The minimum age for candidates remains fixed at 17 years, as on December 31, 2026

 

NEET 2026 Attempt Limit Policy

Since 2018, the NEET attempt limit rule has been removed. Candidates across General, OBC, SC, and ST categories can appear for the exam as many times as needed to improve their scores.

 

NEET Attempt Limit 2026 for Different Categories

  • General category: No restrictions on attempts
  • OBC category: No restrictions on attempts
  • SC/ST category: No restrictions on attempts

This flexibility has been introduced to allow aspirants, including repeaters and those with gap years, multiple opportunities for securing a medical seat.

 

NEET 2026 Age Limit: Minimum and Maximum Rules

The age requirement is simple, with only a lower age restriction in place.

Age Criteria

Details

Minimum Age

17 years as of December 31, 2026 (born on or before December 31, 2009)

Maximum Age

No upper age limit (applies to all categories)

This follows the Supreme Court’s decision and the National Medical Commission’s (NMC) revised guidelines, ensuring inclusivity for older candidates.

 

NEET Eligibility Rules: Timeline from 2017 to 2025

The eligibility framework has changed significantly over the years.

Year

Attempt Limit

Age Limit

2017

Maximum of 3 attempts

Upper age limit: 25 years (General), 30 years (Reserved)

2018–2025

Unlimited attempts

No upper age limit

 

NEET 2026 Educational Qualification Requirements

Candidates must meet both academic and subject-specific conditions to appear for NEET 2026.

Criterion

Details

Qualifying Exam

10+2 (or equivalent) from a recognised board

Mandatory Subjects

Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English

Minimum Marks (General)

50% aggregate in PCB

Minimum Marks (General-PH)

45% aggregate in PCB

Minimum Marks (SC/ST/OBC-NCL)

40% aggregate in PCB

 

NEET 2026 Exam Structure

The NEET exam pattern continues with 180 questions across three major subjects.

Subject

Number of Questions

Physics

45

Chemistry

45

Biology (Botany)

45

Biology (Zoology)

45

 

NEET 2026 Marking Scheme

The exam follows a negative marking system.

Answer Type

Marks Awarded

Correct Answer

+4

Incorrect Answer

-1

Unattempted

0

 

NEET 2026 Minimum Percentage Requirement

The qualifying exam percentage varies across categories.

Category

Minimum Percentage

General

50%

SC/ST/OBC

40%

PwBD

40%

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