NEET UG 2025 Eligibility Requirements: All the Information You Need

Introduction

In India, the single national entrance exam for undergraduate medical programs is the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG 2025). Before applying, every aspirant must carefully review the eligibility criteria laid down by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Meeting these conditions is mandatory, & even minor mistakes can lead to disqualification at later stages. The eligibility rules cover aspects such as age, academic qualifications, subjects studied, nationality, & category-specific relaxations.

Age Requirements

Minimum Age Limit:

Candidates must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2025, at the latest.

This ensures that students are of legal age to study medical studies.

Maximum Age Limit

The upper age limit has been removed in accordance with the Supreme Court orders.

Now, candidates of any age can apply for NEET, provided they fulfill the educational qualifications.

Educational Qualifications

Subjects in 10+2

Candidates must have completed English, Biology/Biotechnology, Chemistry, and Physics as required core courses in their Class 12 or equivalent exam..

Minimum Marks Required

50% aggregate in physics, chemistry, and biology (PCB) is the general category.

OBC/SC/ST Category: 40% aggregate in PCB

PwD Category: 45% aggregate in PCB

Year of Passing

Students appearing for their Class 12 board exams in 2025 are also eligible, provided they secure the required marks at the time of admission.

Number of Attempts

Earlier, NEET had a restriction on the maximum number of attempts.

However, this rule has been scrapped, and now students can attempt NEET any number of times until they qualify.

Nationality Criteria

Eligible Candidates Include:

Indian Nationals

Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)

Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)

Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)

Foreign Nationals (may have limited eligibility in some states and institutions)

For State Quota Seats

In order to be admitted under the 85% state quota, candidates must meet the domicile conditions set forth by the relevant state authorities.

Reservation Criteria

NEET UG 2025 follows government-approved reservation policies:

15% for SC

7.5% for ST

27% for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)

10% for EWS (Economically Weaker Section)

5% horizontal reservation for PwD candidates

These reservations apply in central institutions, while state-level reservations may vary based on local rules.

Important Points to Remember

Students must provide authentic documents to prove age, category, and nationality.

Even if a student clears NEET UG 2025, admission can be denied if the eligibility criteria are not met.

Foreign-educated students must produce an equivalency certificate from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).

Conclusion

The eligibility criteria for NEET UG 2025 are designed to ensure that only qualified and deserving candidates secure admission to medical courses. From age & academic requirements to nationality and reservation rules, each aspect plays a vital role in determining a student’s eligibility. Candidates must verify all details before applying to avoid rejection during counseling. With no upper age limit and unlimited attempts, NEET UG 2025 offers equal opportunities for aspirants across the country. For a successful medical journey, it all begins with meeting these eligibility conditions.