NEET Eligibility Criteria 2027: Age Limit, Qualification, Attempts & Category-Wise Rules

Before filling out the NEET UG application form, every aspirant must verify that they meet the NEET eligibility criteria 2027 set by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the National Medical Commission (NMC). Failing to satisfy even one criterion can lead to disqualification, rejection of your application, or cancellation of admission — even after you clear the exam. This page covers all you need to know about NEET age limit, NEET qualification, subject requirements, minimum marks, category-wise relaxations, and attempt rules for 2027.

NEET 2027 Eligibility Criteria at a Glance

NEET Age Limit 2027

Minimum Age

Candidates must have completed 17 years of age. This means students born on or before 31 December 2009 are eligible to apply for NEET UG 2027.

Upper Age Limit

As per the 2022 directive from the National Medical Commission (NMC), upheld by the Supreme Court of India, there is no upper age limit for NEET UG. Earlier, the cap was 25 years for general category candidates and 30 years for reserved categories, but this restriction has been removed permanently. Candidates of any age can now apply, provided they meet the academic qualifications.

NEET Qualification 2027

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have passed or be appearing for Class 12 (10+2) or an equivalent examination from a recognised board. The following subjects are mandatory:

Candidates must pass each of the four mandatory subjects individually, in addition to meeting the aggregate percentage criteria in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology.

Recognised Boards

The qualifying exam must be from a recognised board, including:

• All State Boards recognised by COBSE (Council of Boards of School Education)

• CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education)

• CISCE (Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations)

• NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling) — eligible if PCB subjects are studied

• State Open Schools recognised by the respective state governments

Minimum Marks Required in Class 12

Candidates must secure the following minimum aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology combined in their Class 12 examination:

Important: Students currently appearing for Class 12 in 2027 can apply provisionally. However, they must meet the minimum percentage requirement when their results are declared. Failure to do so will result in disqualification from the admission process.

Number of Attempts for NEET 2027

There is no restriction on the number of times a candidate can appear for NEET. The attempt limit was previously capped at three attempts but was removed following a legal review and NMC's revised policy. This benefits gap-year students, working professionals, and repeat aspirants equally.

Nationality & Residency Criteria

Foreign-educated candidates must have studied and passed Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English in their qualifying examination, with both theory and practical components cleared.

Eligibility for Specific Courses via NEET Score

Common Eligibility Mistakes to Avoid

1. Applying below 17 years of age — Students turning 17 after 31 December 2027 are not eligible.

2. Missing a mandatory subject — Not having Biology or English in Class 12 leads to automatic disqualification.

3. Not meeting the minimum marks — Securing less than the required PCB percentage makes you ineligible for admission even if you clear NEET.

4. Gap year misconceptions — A study gap does not affect NEET eligibility. The Delhi High Court has ruled that gap-year students are fully eligible.

5. Invalid board certificate — Your Class 12 must be from a board recognised by the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

NEET 2027 Score Validity

The NEET 2027 score is valid for one year only (for the academic session 2026–27). Students who qualify NEET 2027 can seek admission to MBBS, BDS, and other medical programmes only in the academic year 2026–27.

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