NEET 2025 Eligibility Criteria

NEET Eligibility Criteria 2025 - An Overview

Are you ready to embark on your journey towards becoming a medical professional in 2025? The first step is understanding the NEET UG eligibility criteria, and we've got all the vital details right here!

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has provided the essential NEET UG 2025 eligibility criteria for aspiring medical students. Prospective applicants must familiarize themselves with these requirements, accessible in the official NEET 2025 brochure on the website https://exams.nta.ac.in/NEET/, to ensure a smooth application process. Failing to meet any of these criteria will result in disqualification from the entrance test. 

1.0NEET UG Eligibility Criteria 2025  - Key Highlights


Academic Qualification

10+2 or its equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

NEET Eligibility Marks

General Category – 50% (PH – 45%)

OBC/SC/ST – 40% (PH – 40%)

Note: Mathematics scores are not considered for this examination.

Age Limit

Minimum: 17 Years Age

Maximum: No upper age limit

Number of Attempts

No restrictions on the number of attempts.

Nationality

Indian Nationals

NRIs, OCIs, PIOs & Foreign Nationals

Score Validity

One Academic Year

2.0Academic Qualification for NEET 2025

Candidates should pass their 10+2 or equivalent exam with individual passing grades in Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English.

3.0NEET Eligibility Criteria Category Wise

NEET eligibility criteria is crucial for all aspiring medical students. Here, we provide a detailed breakdown of the eligibility requirements, categorized to help you easily identify the criteria applicable to your specific category.

Category

Aggregate marks required for NEET 2025

Unreserved

50%

SC/ST/OBC/Reserved-PH

40%

Unreserved- PH

45%

4.0NEET Eligibility Age

In 2025, significant changes have been made to the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) eligibility criteria, particularly concerning the age limit. The latest information from the health ministry and NMC (National Medical Commission) has brought about the following key alterations:

Category

Minimum Age

Requirement

Maximum Age Requirement

Unreserved Category (UR)

Born on or before December 31, 2007

No Longer Applicable

SC/ST/OBC

5.0Eligibility Criteria - Number Of Attempts

In 2018, the NEET UG eligibility criteria removed any restrictions on the number of attempts allowed for the NEET exam. As a result, there is no limit to the number of times a student can take the NEET 2025 exam, provided they meet the eligibility requirements. 

6.0Eligibility Criteria for NRI/Foreign Students

Foreign-educated candidates seeking eligibility for NEET must meet certain requirements. They should have completed an examination equivalent to a Class 12 qualification in their home country. Additionally, they must have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and passed both the theoretical and practical assessments in these subjects, along with passing an English examination in their qualifying education.

  • Admission to Medical and Dental Colleges is open to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), and Foreign Nationals, but it is subject to the specific regulations set forth by the respective State Governments, educational institutions, and the Government of India.
  • NRIs and OCI applicants must include a Certificate issued by the relevant Indian Diplomatic Mission in their country of residence to verify their NRI/OCI status when submitting their online application for NEET UG 2025.
  • Similarly, foreign applicants who wish to take the NEET 2025 exam should provide documentary evidence, such as pertinent pages from a valid passport or a Certificate from the competent authority in their home country confirming their citizenship status when submitting their online NEET application.

7.0Validity of NEET UG Scores

The NEET score you will obtain in 2025 is valid for a single year. This enables candidates who successfully pass the NEET 2025 examination to seek admission into undergraduate medical and dental programs during the academic year 2025-2026.

It is essential to note that while the NEET score remains valid for this duration, it does not serve as a guarantee for admission to a specific institution or course. To secure admission, candidates are required to actively participate in the NEET 2025 counseling process and fulfill the unique eligibility criteria set by individual colleges and universities.

8.0NEET (UG) 2025 Qualifying Codes

Qualifying Exams for NTA's NEET UG 2025:

Code 01: Candidates who are planning to take the NEET exam in 2025 and are awaiting the results of their Class 12 board exams must select this code. However, they must ensure they meet the specified criteria for Class 12 qualification by the time of admission, as failure to do so will render them ineligible.

Code 02: Aspirants preparing for the higher/senior secondary examination or the Indian School Certificate Examination (ISCE), which is equivalent to Class 12 and involves 12 years of study, should opt for this code. According to the National Council of Education Research and Training (NCERT), the last two years of this study should include science subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and Mathematics or other elective subjects, with English as a core subject. This code also applies to "droppers" - candidates who have passed their qualifying examination from CBSE/ICSE or any state board in a previous year but wish to appear for NEET 2025.

Code 03: Aspirants who have completed their Intermediate/Pre-degree Examination in Science from an Indian University/Board or a recognized body, including Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and compulsory English with practical tests in science subjects, should choose this code. This code is also applicable to candidates who completed their Class 12 or its equivalent from a state board.

Code 04: Aspirants who have cleared a Pre-professional/Pre-medical Examination after passing the Higher Secondary Examination or Pre-University or an equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as a compulsory subject must select this code. The Pre-professional/Pre-medical examination should involve practical tests in these subjects.

Code 05: Candidates pursuing a three-year degree course from a recognized University, with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology as mandatory subjects, and who have passed the first year with practical tests in these subjects, should use this code. It's important to note that the qualifying exam here should be a University Examination, and candidates should have previously passed their 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as a core subject.

Code 06: Those who have passed the BSc Examination from an Indian recognized University with at least two of the subjects - Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany, Zoology)/Bio-technology, along with English, must choose this code. They should have also passed their earlier qualifying examination (10+2) with English, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

Code 07: Aspirants who have cleared an examination, whether from India or a foreign country, that is deemed equivalent in scope and standard to the last two years of 10+2 study, comprising Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology, including practical tests, must select this code. 


Stay connected with ALLEN for all the necessary information regarding the NEET 2025. We also provide the best NEET-UG prep courses with comprehensive study materials, live classes, and frequent doubt sessions. Want to know more about us? Have any query? Contact us today and start your success journey with ALLEN.

Frequently Asked Questions About NEET eligibility criteria

No, the minimum age requirement for NEET 2025 is 17 years as of January 31, 2025.

The qualifying marks for NEET in class 12th are: Unreserved: 50% | SC, ST, and OBC: 40% | and PwD: 40%

Yes, candidates with a gap year are eligible for NEET 2025. The requirement for continuous two years of study was previously in place but has been removed, allowing candidates with gap years to appear for NEET.

Yes, NIOS candidates are eligible for NEET 2025 if they meet all the necessary minimum criteria.

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