If you’re planning to appear for the NEET UG 2025 examination, understanding the eligibility criteria is the first and most crucial step. The NEET UG 2025 eligibility criteria define who can apply for the exam and under what conditions. These guidelines include academic qualifications, age requirements, nationality, subject combinations, and more.
In this article, we provide a comprehensive, structured overview of the eligibility requirements for NEET UG 2025 to help aspirants navigate the application process with confidence.
What is NEET UG?
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) or NEET UG is India’s single national-level entrance exam for admission to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, and other allied medical courses. It is conducted annually in offline (pen-and-paper) mode.
Overview: NEET UG 2025 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria are categorized into several key areas:
| Criteria | Description |
| Nationality | Indian, NRI, OCI, PIO, Foreign Nationals |
| Age Limit | Minimum 17 years as on 31 December 2025 |
| Maximum Age Limit | No upper age limit (as per latest updates) |
| Academic Qualification | 10+2 passed or appearing with Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Minimum Marks | Varies by category (detailed below) |
| Number of Attempts | No limit |
| Subjects Required | Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, English |
- Nationality
NEET UG 2025 is open to the following categories:
| Nationality Type | Eligible for NEET UG 2025? |
| Indian Citizens | ✅ Yes |
| Non-Resident Indians (NRI) | ✅ Yes |
| Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) | ✅ Yes |
| Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) | ✅ Yes |
| Foreign Nationals | ✅ Yes (with special conditions) |
Note: Foreign nationals may need to confirm eligibility separately with the Medical Council of India (MCI) and respective universities.
- Age Limit for NEET UG 2025
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Minimum Age | 17 years as of 31st December 2025 |
| Maximum Age | No upper age limit |
| Age Relaxation | Not applicable (as there’s no upper age limit) |
To be eligible, the candidate must be born on or before December 31, 2008.
- Educational Qualification
The academic qualifications required to appear in NEET UG 2025 are as follows:
| Qualification | Details |
| Minimum Qualification | Class 12 or equivalent |
| Subjects Required | Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English |
| Year of Passing | Passed or appearing in 2025 |
| Board | Recognized board (CBSE, ICSE, State Board, or equivalent) |
- Minimum Marks Required (Category-wise)
To be eligible for NEET UG 2025, candidates must secure a minimum percentage in their qualifying exam:
| Category | Minimum Aggregate in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) |
| General (UR) | 50% |
| SC/ST/OBC | 40% |
| General-PwD | 45% |
| SC/ST/OBC-PwD | 40% |
Important: Only marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology will be considered for calculating eligibility.
- Number of Attempts
Previously, NEET had a limit on the number of attempts, but now:
| Criteria | Condition |
| Number of Attempts | Unlimited (until eligible by age) |
You can attempt NEET UG as many times as you wish, provided you meet the age and academic requirements.
- Subject Requirements
Candidates must have studied the following subjects in Class 11 and 12:
| Subject Requirement | Mandatory for NEET UG? |
| Physics | ✅ Yes |
| Chemistry | ✅ Yes |
| Biology/Biotechnology | ✅ Yes |
| English | ✅ Yes |
| Mathematics | ❌ Not mandatory |
- Eligibility for NRI / OCI / Foreign Nationals
Special provisions are made for candidates outside India:
| Category | Eligibility for NEET UG 2025 |
| NRI | Eligible |
| OCI | Eligible |
| PIO | Eligible |
| Foreign Nationals | Eligible with equivalent qualifications |
| Document Requirements | Valid passport, visa/residency proof, and academic equivalence |
Tip: Foreign nationals must check with the specific college and MCI about their admission process and documentation.
- Reservation Criteria (For Indian Candidates)
The reservation is applicable as per the Government of India guidelines:
| Category | Reservation Percentage |
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 7.5% |
| OBC (Non-creamy layer) | 27% |
| EWS | 10% |
| PwD | 5% (within category) |
The reservation applies only to seats in government institutions and central universities. Private colleges may have different policies.
- Eligibility for 15% All India Quota vs. State Quota
NEET UG 2025 admission will be granted via two quotas:
| Quota Type | Eligibility Criteria |
| 15% All India Quota | Open to all qualified candidates from across India. |
| 85% State Quota | The candidate must fulfill state domicile requirements. |
Note: For the 85% state quota, domicile rules vary by state. Check with the respective State Counselling Authorities.
- Eligibility for Admission to AIIMS, JIPMER, AFMC
These institutes participate in NEET UG but have specific conditions:
| Institute | Eligibility Notes |
| AIIMS | Must qualify NEET; additional counselling may be required. |
| JIPMER | Admission via NEET only from 2020 onwards |
| AFMC Pune | Requires NEET qualification + separate application and interview |
AFMC Note: Candidates shortlisted through NEET for AFMC must appear for an additional fitness and personality assessment.
Documents Required for Eligibility Verification
Make sure to keep these documents ready while applying:
| Document Type | Required For |
| Class 10 Certificate | Age proof |
| Class 12 Mark Sheet | Academic qualification |
| Caste Certificate (if applicable) | Reservation claims |
| PwD Certificate (if applicable) | Disability status verification |
| Nationality Certificate | Required for NRI/OCI/Foreign Nationals |
| Photo ID Proof | Exam identification |
Final Words: Are You Eligible?
The NEET UG 2025 eligibility criteria are clearly defined to ensure fair access to medical education across India. If you:
- Are 17 years or older by December 31, 2025
- Have studied PCB and English in Class 12
- Achieve the required marks based on your category
- Are an Indian national, NRI, or foreign citizen (with valid documents)
Only then are you eligible to apply for NEET UG 2025!
Tips to Ensure Eligibility Compliance
- Start preparation early to meet the minimum mark requirements.
- Keep documents organized for quick upload and verification.
- Check reservation documents like caste certificates well in advance.
- Avoid fake or incorrect details in the application, it can lead to disqualification.
- Track official notifications regularly for changes in eligibility or application timelines.