If you dream of becoming a doctor, clearing NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is your first step toward achieving this goal. As the only entrance test for MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses in India, NEET is the key to securing admission into top medical colleges.
NEET 2025 is scheduled to be held on May 4, 2025, and meeting the eligibility criteria is essential for every aspirant. In this article, we are providing detailed NEET eligibility criteria for 2025, including age limit, number of attempts, educational qualification, and more.
1. Age Limit for NEET 2025
Let us begin with the age limitation for NEET. Below are the key details-
Minimum Age Requirement for NEET
Candidates must be at least 17 years old as of December 31, 2025, for NEET 2025. This means students born on or before December 31, 2008, are eligible to apply.
Maximum Age Limit for NEET
As per the latest guidelines, there is no upper age limit for appearing in NEET 2025. Earlier, there was an age cap of 25 years (for the General Category) and 30 years (for the SC/ST/OBC Category). However, this restriction has been removed by the Supreme Court of India.
Age Limit Summary for NEET 2025
| Criteria | Age Limit |
| Minimum Age | 17 years (by December 31, 2025) |
| Maximum Age | No upper age limit |
| Birth Date Criteria | Born on or before December 31, 2008 |
2. Number of Attempts for NEET 2025
Next is the NEET attempt limit. Currently, there is no restriction on the number of NEET attempts. Candidates are allowed to appear for NEET multiple times as long as they meet the other eligibility requirements.
Earlier, there was a cap of 3 NEET attempts for aspirants from the General, SC/ST, and OBC categories. But this attempt limit is no longer applicable. This policy change ensures that students have unlimited opportunities to qualify for medical courses without worrying about attempt limits.
3. Educational Qualification for NEET 2025
Next on this NEET eligibility criteria list is your educational qualification. Take a look-
Qualifying Examination
Candidates should have passed the Class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognized board. Students appearing for the Class 12 examination in 2025 can also apply.
Mandatory Subjects
The following subjects are compulsory in Class 12-
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology/Biotechnology
- English
Minimum Percentage Requirements
What about the 12th percentage required for NEET? Check below-
| Category | Minimum Marks in PCB |
| General | 50% |
| SC/ST/OBC | 40% |
| PwD (Person with Disabilities) | 45% |
The percentage is calculated based on aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology. The candidates must pass each subject individually.
4. NEET 2025 Eligibility Criteria for Different Categories
Here are the various citizenship categories eligible for NEET 2025-
Indian Nationals
Indian citizens are eligible to apply for NEET 2025 if they fulfill all the requirements, including the NEET exam age limit, qualification, etc.
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
NRIs can also apply for NEET and are eligible for admission under the NRI quota in Indian medical colleges.
Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs)
OCIs are also eligible for NEET if they provide a certificate from the Indian Diplomatic Mission of their country during application.
Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)
PIOs can apply for NEET 2025 but need to provide relevant identity information.
Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals are eligible for NEET 2025 but must provide relevant documentation such as a valid passport or nationality certificate.
5. NEET 2025 Qualifying Examination Codes
Along with the NEET 12th percentage required, aspirants should also be aware of their qualifying exam code as they need to mention the same while filling out the application form. Below are the codes and their meanings-
| Code | Eligibility Description |
| 01 | Candidates appearing for Class 12 exams in 2025 and awaiting results. |
| 02 | Candidates who completed 12 years of school education with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English. |
| 03 | Candidates who passed an Intermediate/Pre-degree examination in Science from a recognized university or board. |
| 04 | Candidates who completed a Pre-professional/Pre-medical Examination after Higher Secondary. |
| 05 | Candidates who completed the first year of a bachelor’s degree in Science with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English. |
| 06 | Candidates who have passed a B.Sc. degree with at least two subjects from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology. |
| 07 | Candidates who have completed an equivalent international qualification in Science. |
6. Additional Eligibility Considerations
Here are some other eligibility considerations aspirants should know about-
Open School Candidates
Candidates who’ve completed Class 12 from open schools, like NIOS, are eligible for NEET 2025.
Biology as an Additional Subject
Candidates who studied Biology/Biotechnology as an additional subject after Class 12 can apply for NEET 2025.
Gap Year Candidates
Candidates who have taken a gap year between Class 12 and NEET 2025 can also apply.
7. Reservation Criteria for NEET 2025
The Government of India provides reservations for different student categories in NEET 2025 to ensure accessibility. If you belong to any reserved category, it is mandatory to provide a valid category certificate during the admission process.
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 15% |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 7.5% |
| Other Backward Class (OBC) | 27% |
| Economically Weaker Section | 10% |
| Persons with Disabilities (PwD) | 5% |
8. Documents Required for NEET 2025 Application
Apart from minimum marks to qualify NEET and age limit, candidates should also have a list of documents they’ll need to apply for NEET 2025 successfully. Here is the list-
- Class 10 certificate (for age verification)
- Class 12 mark sheet and passing certificate
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Disability certificate (for PwD applicants)
- Passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Valid IF proof (Aadhar Card, Passport, Voter ID, etc.)
Summary of NEET 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Here’s a quick overview of the eligibility requirements for NEET 2025-
| Criteria | Details |
| Minimum Age | 17 years (by December 31, 2025) |
| Maximum Age | No NEET age limit for OBC, SC/ST, or General candidates |
| Number of Attempts | Unlimited |
| Nationality | Indian, NRI, OCI, PIO, Foreign Nationals |
| Educational Qualification | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English |
| Minimum Marks Required | General: 50%, SC/ST/OBC: 40%, PwD: 45% |
| Open School Candidates | Eligible |
| Gap Year Candidates | Eligible |
| Biology as an Additional Subject | Eligible |
Cracking NEET 2025
Understanding the NEET 2025 eligibility criteria is essential for candidates aiming for a medical career. With no upper age limit and unlimited attempts, NEET provides fair opportunities to all aspirants.
Candidates should carefully check their eligibility based on educational qualifications, percentage requirements in 12th, and category-based reservations before applying. Selecting the correct qualifying exam code and submitting the necessary documents are also crucial steps.
By meeting the NEET 2025 eligibility requirements, aspirants can focus on their preparation and move closer to their dream of becoming medical professionals.
FAQs on NEET Eligibility Criteria 2025
NEET 12TH percentage required is as follows- 50% in PCB for the General Category, 40% for SC/ST/OBC, and 45% for PwD candidates.
The minimum age is 17 years (by December 31, 2025), and there is no upper age limit.
Yes, gap year students are also eligible for NEET 2025.
There is no limit on the number of attempts for NEET.
Yes, candidates from open schools like NIOS are eligible to apply for NEET 2025.
