NEET UG 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Introduction
Before applying for NEET UG 2025, every aspirant must understand the eligibility criteria prescribed by NTA and NMC. These guidelines determine who can appear for the exam, ensuring fairness & uniformity. Meeting the age, academic, & nationality requirements is essential to avoid rejection during the admission process.
Age Criteria
- Minimum Age: 17 years as of December 31, 2025.
- Upper Age Limit: No upper age limit (as per Supreme Court ruling and NMC guidelines).
Educational Qualification to appear for NEET UG 2025
- Must have completed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English.
- Students appearing for Class XII in 2025 are also eligible.
- Minimum Marks Requirement:
| Category | Required % in PCB |
| General | 50% |
| OBC/SC/ST | 40% |
| PwD (General) | 45% |
Number of Attempts
- There is no restriction on the number of attempts.
- Candidates can appear for NEET as many times as they wish, provided they meet the age and academic eligibility.
Nationality Criteria
- Eligible Candidates:
- Indian Citizens
- Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)
- Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)
- Non-Resident Indians (NRI)
- Foreign Nationals
Reservation Policies
- Seats are reserved for certain categories in accordance with government rules:
| Category | Reservation % |
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 7.5% |
| OBC (NCL) | 27% |
| EWS | 10% |
| PwD | 5% horizontal reservation |
State-Wise Eligibility Rules
- Candidates seeking admission under the state quota must meet domicile requirements.
- Each state has its own rules regarding domicile certificates.
- For 15% All India Quota seats, domicile rules do not apply.
Eligibility for Foreign Students
- Foreign nationals must have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English at the 10+2 level.
- They should provide equivalent certificate verification from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
- A valid copyright and visa are necessary for admission.
Common Mistakes Regarding Eligibility
- Misunderstanding category-based marks requirements.
- Applying without valid documents, such as a caste or domicile certificate.
- Assuming age limit restrictions still apply (they have been removed).
- Foreign/NRI students are missing the equivalency certification.
Tips for Aspirants
- Carefully read the official eligibility guidelines before applying.
- Keep all required certificates ready well in advance.
- Use the NTA correction window in case of mistakes in the category or personal details.
- For the state quota, verify domicile rules separately for each state.
Conclusion
The NEET UG 2025 eligibility criteria ensure that only qualified and deserving candidates appear for the exam. Aspirants must confirm age, academic, and category requirements before applying to avoid cancellation of candidature. By staying updated with NTA notifications and preparing documents in advance, candidates can focus entirely on exam preparation with confidence.