NEET Eligibility: Quick Checklist for Aspiring Medical Students

If you’re dreaming of a medical seat, the first thing to sort out is whether you’re even allowed to sit for NEET. The rules are straight‑forward, but missing a detail can waste months of prep. Below is a plain‑English rundown of all the must‑know criteria.

Age and Birth‑Year Rules

NEET follows a narrow age window. You must be at least 17 years old on or before 31 December of the exam year. At the same time, you cannot be older than 25 on that date, unless you belong to a reserved category (SC/ST/PwD) where the upper limit extends to 30.

For example, if NEET is in 2025, anyone born between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2008 qualifies. Check your birth certificate against this range – it’s the easiest way to confirm eligibility.

Academic Qualification Requirements

To appear for NEET, you need to have passed the 12th grade (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany + Zoology) as core subjects. The board can be any recognized Indian board (CBSE, ICSE, state boards) or an overseas board that the NTA accepts.

The minimum marks you must secure are 50 % in each of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology combined. That means a total of at least 150 out of 300. Some state boards have different total marks, so calculate the percentage based on your board’s scale.

If you’re an NRI or a foreign student, you must have completed your 12th equivalent from a recognized school abroad. The same 50 % rule applies, and you need a valid passport and visa documentation.

One more thing: you can appear for NEET only after clearing your 12th exams. If you’re still in 12th, you have to wait until the results are out and you have the qualifying certificate.

There is no restriction on the number of attempts for general category candidates – you can try as many times as you like, provided you meet the age and qualification criteria each year.

However, for SC, ST, and PwD candidates, the upper age limit is relaxed to 30 years, giving you a few extra chances if you need them.

Make sure you have the correct documentation ready: 12th mark sheet, migration certificate (if you switched boards), birth certificate, and a recent passport‑size photograph. The NTA portal will ask you to upload these files during registration.

Finally, keep an eye on any changes announced by the NTA. Eligibility rules can get a minor tweak each year, especially around age limits for reserved categories. Subscribe to official updates or check the NEET information bulletin each August.

By ticking off each item on this checklist, you’ll avoid last‑minute disqualifications and can focus on what matters most – studying for the exam.