What is the NEET Eligibility Checker and Why Is It Critical for Your Medical Journey?
The NEET Eligibility Checker is a free, authoritative verification tool designed to help aspiring medical students confirm whether they meet the official eligibility criteria set by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for the NEET-UG examination. This isn't just a formality—eligibility verification is the absolute first step before you invest months of preparation, pay application fees, or plan your medical education pathway.
Every year, thousands of students face disappointment when their NEET applications are rejected or their admissions are cancelled due to eligibility violations they weren't aware of. Common mistakes include age miscalculations (especially regarding the upper age limit for General category), confusion about which subjects qualify as "Biology" in the 12th standard, misunderstanding the minimum percentage requirements across different categories, or not knowing about the domicile requirements for state quota seats.
The NEET-UG examination is governed by strict regulations published annually in the NTA Information Bulletin. These criteria cover multiple dimensions: your age on the exam date, your educational qualifications (specifically 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology), your minimum percentage in PCB subjects (which varies by category), your nationality, and for some states, your domicile status.
Our NEET Eligibility Checker simplifies this complex verification process. By asking you a series of targeted questions based on the latest NTA guidelines, this tool provides an instant preliminary assessment of your eligibility status. It covers age criteria (minimum 17 years, no upper limit for most categories as per recent changes), educational stream (PCB mandatory), minimum qualifying marks in 12th standard (50% for General/EWS, 40% for SC/ST/OBC), number of attempts (unlimited for most candidates now), and other critical parameters.
Crucial Disclaimer: While our eligibility checker is based on official NTA guidelines, it provides an indicative assessment only. Your actual eligibility will be verified by NTA during the application process. Always refer to the official NEET Information Bulletin published at neet.nta.nic.in for the final and authoritative eligibility criteria. If you have any unique circumstances (such as appearing in 12th standard improvement exams, studying under international boards, or having gap years), consult the official NTA helpdesk before proceeding.
🔗 Official NEET Eligibility Resources - Mandatory Reading
⚠️ Critical Legal Disclaimer - Read Carefully
This eligibility checker provides an INDICATIVE assessment only based on general NTA guidelines. It does NOT constitute official verification or a guarantee of your eligibility for NEET-UG examination.
Your actual eligibility will be verified by the National Testing Agency (NTA) during the application submission process and again at the time of admission by the respective medical colleges/universities. Only NTA and the participating institutions have the authority to determine final eligibility.
The official and legally binding eligibility criteria are published in the NEET Information Bulletin available at neet.nta.nic.in. Always refer to the current year's bulletin. Eligibility criteria can change annually based on government policies and court orders.
If you have any unique circumstances (improvement exams, gap years, international boards, transgender category, defence/diplomatic quota, etc.), contact NTA's official helpline or visit their regional offices for personalized guidance before applying.
Complete Guide to NEET 2025 Eligibility Criteria - Official NTA Requirements
📅 Age Criteria for NEET 2025 - Minimum and Maximum Limits
The age eligibility for NEET has undergone significant changes in recent years, making it more inclusive. As per the latest NTA guidelines and following Supreme Court directives, here are the current age requirements:
Minimum Age: Candidates must complete 17 years of age as of December 31st of the admission year. For NEET 2025 (for admissions in 2025-25), you must be born on or before December 31, 2007. This means if you were born on January 1, 2008, or later, you are NOT eligible for NEET 2025. This minimum age criterion is strictly enforced and non-negotiable.
Maximum Age (Upper Limit): As of 2025, there is NO UPPER AGE LIMIT for appearing in NEET-UG for most candidates. This is a significant change from previous years when there was a 25-year upper limit for General/EWS categories and 30 years for reserved categories. Following multiple court interventions and considering the aspirations of older candidates, the upper age restriction has been removed. This means candidates of any age (provided they meet other eligibility criteria) can appear for NEET.
Special Note: While there's no upper age limit for appearing in NEET, some specific medical colleges or state counseling authorities might have age restrictions for admission. For example, AFMC (Armed Forces Medical College) has its own age criteria. Always check individual college requirements during counseling.
📚 Educational Qualification - What Studies Make You Eligible?
To appear for NEET, you must have completed or be appearing for the 10+2 (Intermediate/Pre-University/Higher Secondary Certificate) examination or any equivalent qualifying examination. Here's what qualifies:
✅ Eligible Educational Boards
Indian Boards: CBSE, ICSE, State Boards (all states), NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling), any recognized State Open School.
International Boards: Any board/university recognized by Association of Indian Universities (AIU) as equivalent to 10+2, including Cambridge International (CIE), International Baccalaureate (IB), etc.
Foreign Qualifications: If you studied abroad, your qualification must be certified as equivalent to Indian 10+2 by the Association of Indian Universities.
📖 Mandatory Subjects - Non-Negotiable
Compulsory Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany & Zoology) OR Biotechnology as a single subject.
Fourth Subject: English or any other language, or any elective subject (Mathematics, Computer Science, etc.). This varies by college admission requirements, not NEET eligibility.
Not Eligible: If you studied Commerce, Arts/Humanities, or PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) without Biology, you are NOT eligible for NEET.
Appearing Candidates: Students who are appearing for their 12th standard examination in 2025 are eligible to apply for NEET 2025. However, admission to medical colleges will be granted only after successfully passing the qualifying examination with the required percentage. You must submit your passing certificate and marksheet during counseling, or your seat will be cancelled.
Improvement/Supplementary Exams: If you appeared for improvement or supplementary exams in 12th standard, you can use those marks for NEET eligibility, provided you meet the minimum percentage criteria. Use the best of your original or improvement exam marks.
📊 Minimum Percentage Requirements in PCB - Category-Wise Breakdown
One of the most critical eligibility criteria is securing the minimum aggregate percentage in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology (PCB) in your 10+2 examination. This percentage varies by category:
| Category |
Minimum PCB % Required |
Notes |
| General |
50% |
Must score at least 50% aggregate in PCB subjects combined |
| EWS |
50% |
Same as General + valid EWS certificate (income < ₹8 lakh) |
| OBC-NCL |
40% |
Valid OBC-NCL certificate from competent authority required |
| SC |
40% |
Valid SC certificate from District Magistrate/competent authority |
| ST |
40% |
Valid ST certificate from District Magistrate/competent authority |
| PwD (All Categories) |
45% |
Disability certificate from Medical Board (minimum 40% disability) |
Important Clarifications:
- The percentage is calculated as aggregate/average of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology marks, NOT individual subject percentages.
- If your board has separate Botany and Zoology, both are counted as Biology. Average their marks if needed.
- Practical marks (if separately listed) are typically included in the subject total for percentage calculation.
- If you score 49.5% or above, it's generally rounded to 50% (but confirm with NTA guidelines as rounding policies can vary).
- These percentages are for NEET eligibility. College admission cutoffs are entirely different and much higher.
🎫 Number of Attempts - How Many Times Can You Appear for NEET?
Previously, NEET had a restriction of 3 attempts. However, following court orders and government reviews, there is currently NO LIMIT on the number of attempts for NEET-UG, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria (age, qualification, etc.). You can appear for NEET as many times as you wish until you secure admission or choose to discontinue.
This unlimited attempt policy has been a relief for many aspirants who need multiple attempts to achieve their desired rank. However, it's psychologically and academically advisable to approach NEET with full preparation rather than depending on multiple attempts.
🇮🇳 Nationality and Domicile Requirements
For All India Quota (15% seats): Indian citizens, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and Foreign Nationals are eligible to appear for NEET and compete for All India Quota seats.
For State Quota (85% seats): Most states reserve their 85% quota seats for candidates with domicile/residence in that state. Domicile criteria vary by state (typically 10-15 years residence, or parents' domicile, or studied in the state for a certain period). Check your state's medical counseling authority for specific domicile requirements.
Special Categories: Children of Indian workers in the Gulf countries, Kashmiri migrants, and candidates from Union Territories may have special provisions. Refer to the NEET Information Bulletin for details.
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