NEET Age Limit 2026: NEET is a national level entrance exam which tests the class 11th and class 12th basic PCB conceptual knowledge. To appear for the exam, students must know the NEET 2026 age limit eligibility criteria. The lower age limit to appear for the NEET 2026 exam is 17 years on or before December 31st of the admission year, i.e., 2026.
According to the NMC and UGMEB official letter, there is no pre-defined upper age limit for NEET 2026. In other words, students may be eligible to appear for the NEET examination even at the age of 40 or higher. Based on the student category such as General/ EWS/ SC/ ST/ OBC-NCL/ PwBD and PwD, students must be born on or before December 31st, 2009. Being aware about the NEET age limit really helps candidates to plan their preparation properly and avoid last minute eligibility issues. It is one of the important aspects along with the marks, academic qualification as well as category-wise requirements that determine whether a candidate can successfully register for the NEET 2026. In this blog, we will be covering the NEET 2026 age limit highlights, eligibility criteria, NEET 2026 maximum and minimum age limit, score validity and more.
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NEET 2026 Age Limit Highlights
Before applying for the NEET exam 2026, it is very important for aspirants to be well informed about the NEET age limit as well as other eligibility criteria. The NEET age limit checks whether a candidate is able to meet the minimum age requirement as well as ensure the proper rules set by the UGMEB and NMC. Along with the category specific requirements and academic qualifications, understanding the NEET age limit helps candidates plan their application and preparation to be strategically ready.
To be eligible for the NEET exam, students must check the academic and other requirements before filling up the application form. From the table given below, know the highlights or the key aspects related to NEET age limit and eligibility criteria.
| NEET Exam Eligibility Criteria | |
| Parameters | Details |
| Minimum Age | 17 years old |
| Age at the Time of Admission | Must complete 17 years by December 31st of the admission year |
| Upper Age Restrictions | There is no upper age limit for the NTA NEET UG exam. |
| NEET Age Limit Category-wise | General/EWS/SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwBD and PwD category candidates must be born on or before December 31st, 2009. |
| Upper Age Limit Set As Per | NMC & UGMEB letter dated 09 March 2022 |
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria Category Wise
The NEET 2026 exam’s eligibility requirements are given by the NMC, DCI, NCISM, and other authorized bodies such as NCH, CCH, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Ministry of AYUSH etc. These guidelines are a crucial parameter to decide which student is eligible to appear for the NEET 2026 exam based on their category, academic qualifications, age and so on.Â
| NEET 2026 Category-wise Eligibility Criteria | |
| Category | Minimum Marks |
| General/EWS | 50% in PCB and English with NEET qualification |
| OBC-NCL/SC/ST | 40% in PCB and English with NEET qualification |
| PwD (General EWS) | 45% in PCB and English with NEET qualification |
| PwD (OBC/SC/ST) | 40% in PCB and English with NEET qualification |
NEET 2026 Minimum & Maximum Age Limit
According to the guidelines issued by the NMC and the DCI, students interested in appearing for the NEET exam must have attained the age of 17 years on or before December 31st, 2026. Since there is no upper age limit, students are allowed to appear for the exam even at the age of 30, 40, or 45. The age criteria for NEET 2026 including the minimum and maximum age limit applies to all categories of students.
| NEET Age-Related Eligibility | |
| Particulars | Details |
| Regulating Body | NMC and DCI |
| Minimum Age | 17 years |
| Maximum Age | No limit |
| Applicability | General, EWS, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, and PwD category candidates |
NEET 2026 Lower Age Limit
Students born on or before 31st December 2009 are eligible to apply for NEET 2026. The NEET rules regarding the lower age limit are prescribed by the NMC and DCI.
| Who Is Eligible to Apply Based on Age? | |
| Criteria | Specifications |
| NEET Cutoff Date of Birth | On or before December 31st, 2009 |
| Lower Age Limit | 17 years |
| Categories | General, General EWS, SC, ST, OBC NCL, PwBD, and PwD |
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NEET 2026 Exam Upper Age Limit
The National Medical Commission and Under Graduate Medical Education Board prescribe the upper age for the NEET 2026 exam. Here are more details on the NEET exam age limit.
| NEET 2026 Upper Age Limit | |
| Parameters | Details |
| Deciding Authority | NMC and UGMEB |
| NEET Exam Upper Age Limit | No upper age limit |
| Age Not a Bar | 30+, 40+ or older candidates may apply |
NEET 2026 Age Limit for OBC Category
NMC and DCI decide the age limit for other backward classes of candidates to appear in the NEET UG examination. Check important details on the OBC category age limit for the NEET examination below.
| OBC NEET Age Limit 2026 | |
| Category | Eligibility Criteria |
| NEET lower age for OBC | Must be born on or before the 31st of December, 2009. |
| NEET Upper age for OBC | Age ceiling is not imposed for OBC candidates. |
NEET 2026 Maximum Age Eligibility Criteria
The restriction on the age limit for the NEET 2026 examination only exists on the lower end. Maximum age restrictions are not imposed for NEET 2026. Here is a quick overview of important factors for the maximum age limit for the NEET 2026 medical entrance exam.
| NEET 2026 Maximum Age Eligibility | |
| Factor | Age Limit |
| Minimum Age for NEET UG | The minimum age for the NEET exam is 17 years or more. |
| Maximum Age for NEET UG | There is no restriction on the maximum age limit. |
NEET 2026 Eligibility Maximum Attempts
Since the bar on the maximum age limit to appear for the NEET exam does not exist, medical aspirants may attempt the NEET UG exam unlimited times. Refer to the table below for a summary of important points covering NEET attempt limit.
| Attempt Limit for NEET UG Exam | |
| NEET Guidelines | Maximum Number of NEET Attempts 2026 |
| Upper Age Boundary | NMC and DCI have not defined an upper age boundary or age ceiling. |
| Permissible Attempts | NEET aspirants are eligible for unlimited NEET attempts as there is no cap or restriction. |
NEET 2026 UG Score Validity
The NEET score of a candidate is valid for 3 years from the date of declaration of result. To know the crucial NEET UG score validity factors, check the table.
| NEET UG Score Validity 2026 | |
| Aspects | Usage and Validity |
| Precondition | Candidates qualifying NEET examination are eligible to use their scores for NEET admissions. |
| Validity | The NEET score of a candidate is valid for 3 years from the date of declaration of examination result. |
| Courses | NEET exam qualifiers are eligible for MBBS, BDS, BAMS and other equivalent medical courses. |
Why it is Important for Students to know NEET Age Limit?
Knowing the NEET age limit is important because it directly covers whether a student is eligible to appear for the exam or not. The minimum age requirement of 17 years is required so that aspirants have to complete the necessary academic requirements across Physics, Chemistry as well as Biology (PCB) before attempting the exam. Being aware of the NEET age limit really helps students plan their preparation on time and avoid any kind of last minute hassle when filling out the NEET application form 2026.
In addition to that, understanding the NEET age limit helps candidates align with their long term academic as well as career goals. Category-specific considerations for General, EWS, SC, ST, OBC-NCL, as well as PwD candidates which is making it even more important to know the exact NEET age limit criteria. Candidates can strategize their attempts properly by keeping the NEET age limit in mind to ensure the chances of success in NEET 2026.
Conclusion: NEET Age Limit 2026
Understanding the NEET age limit is important for all medical aspirants as it forms the key part of the eligibility criteria for NEET 2026. The minimum age to appear is 17 years because there are upper age restrictions and allowing candidates of all age groups to apply. So, it is important to be aware of the NEET age limit along with the proper category-specific requirements which ensure aspirants can plan their NEET 2026 preparation and application process properly which is avoiding the last minute eligibility issues. So, it is important to stay informed about the NEET age limit which is the first step towards a successful attempt for a national-level medical exam.
NEET Age Limit – FAQs
Ans. The lower age limit for NEET 2025 is 17 years. You must be born on or before 31st of December 2008. There is no restriction on the maximum age to appear for the NEET exam.
Ans. Yes, you can apply for NEET at the age of 40. There is no restriction on the maximum age limit.
Ans. OBC candidates must be born on or before the 31st of December, 2008. The age ceiling is not imposed for OBC candidates.
Ans. NMC and DCI have not defined an upper age boundary or age ceiling. NEET aspirants are eligible for unlimited NEET attempts as there is no cap on the number of attempts.
