Are you preparing for the NEET 2026 exam? Have a look at the eligibility criteria for the NEET and explore the exam pattern before starting your preparation. Every year, lakhs of students apply for NEET, but many face confusion regarding age limit, qualifying marks, attempt limits, and paper structure.
This article will simplify everything you need to know about the NEET exam eligibility criteria and exam pattern.
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The NEET Eligibility Criteria are as follows:
Age Limit
Minimum Age Limit
Candidates must be 17 years old on or before 31 December 2026. This applies to all categories.
Maximum Age Limit
There is no upper age limit for the NEET application candidate
Nationality
Eligible candidates include:
Indian Citizens
Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)
Non-Resident Indians (NRI)
Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)
Foreign Nationals
Educational Qualification
You must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 or equivalent with:
Physics
Chemistry
Biology/Biotechnology
English (core/regular)
Minimum Qualifying Marks (Class 12)
General Category: 50% in PCB
OBC/SC/ST: 40% in PCB
PwD (General): 45% in PCB
Number of Attempts
Unlimited attempts — you can take NEET as many times as you want.
Additional Requirements
Must have separate marks for theory & practical in PCB subjects.
Students appearing for boards in 2026 are fully eligible.
Check out Best NEET Coaching Classes Hadapsar Pune
NEET 2026 Exam Pattern
Understanding the NEET exam structure helps you plan time management, mock tests, and strategy effectively.
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen & Paper) — OMR-based |
| Exam Duration | 200 minutes (3 hours 20 minutes) |
| Total Marks | 720 marks |
| Total Questions | 180 Questions |
| Subjects | PhysicsChemistryBotanyZoology |
| Number of Sections | Section A: 35 QuestionsSection B: 5 Questions |
| Marking Scheme | +4 marks for every correct answer–1 mark for every wrong answer0 marks for unattempted questions |
NEET Subject-wise Marking Distribution
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
| Physics | 45 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 45 | 180 |
| Biology | 90 | 360 |
| Total | 180 | 720 |
Important Documents Required for NEET 2026 Application
Aadhaar/ID proof
Class 10 & 12 mark sheets
Category certificate (if applicable)
Passport-size photographs
Signature & left-hand thumb impression
Disability certificate (for PwD)
Syllabus for NEET 2026 (Brief Snapshot)
The NEET 2026 syllabus is based on the class 11th & 12th curriculum for the CBSE board. Most of the topics are aligned with the NCERT books; therefore, it is recommended to use the NCERT books of class 11th &12th for the NEET exam preparation. A brief note of the syllabus is given below:
Physics Syllabus for NEET 2026
| Class 11 | Class 12 |
| Physical World & MeasurementKinematicsLaws of MotionWork, Energy & PowerMotion of System of Particles & Rigid BodyGravitationProperties of Bulk MatterThermodynamicsBehaviour of Perfect Gas & Kinetic TheoryOscillations & Waves | ElectrostaticsCurrent ElectricityMagnetic Effects of Current & MagnetismElectromagnetic Induction & Alternating CurrentElectromagnetic WavesOpticsDual Nature of Radiation & MatterAtoms & NucleiElectronic Devices |
High-Weightage Physics Chapters
- Current Electricity
- Electrostatics
- Semiconductor Electronics
- Magnetism
- Optics (Ray + Wave)
- Work, Energy & Power
- Thermodynamics
- Modern Physics (Dual Nature, Atoms & Nuclei)
These topics together form 45–50% of Physics questions in NEET.
Chemistry Syllabus for NEET 2026
| Class 11 | Class 12 |
| Physical Chemistry Structure of AtomStates of MatterThermodynamicsEquilibriumRedox Reactions Organic Chemistry Basic Principles & TechniquesHydrocarbons Inorganic Chemistry Classification of Elements & PeriodicityChemical Bondings-Block & p-Block Elements | Physical Chemistry Solid StateSolutionsElectrochemistryChemical KineticsSurface Chemistry Inorganic Chemistry p-Block, d-Block, f-Block ElementsCoordination CompoundsMetallurgyEnvironmental Chemistry Organic Chemistry Haloalkanes & HaloarenesAlcohols, Phenols & EthersAldehydes, Ketones & Carboxylic AcidsAminesBiomoleculesPolymersChemistry in Everyday Life |
High-Weightage Chemistry Chapters
- Chemical Bonding
- Thermodynamics
- Equilibrium
- Electrochemistry
- Coordination Compounds
- Organic Chemistry: GOC, Alcohols, Phenols & Ethers, Amines
- p-Block elements
- Biomolecules
Chemistry is the most scoring section; major weightage comes from Organic + Inorganic basics + NCERT theory.
Biology Syllabus for NEET 2026
| Class 11 | Class 12 |
| Diversity in the Living WorldStructural Organisation in Plants & AnimalsCell: Structure & FunctionsPlant PhysiologyHuman Physiology | ReproductionGenetics & EvolutionBiology in Human WelfareBiotechnologyEcology & Environment |
High-Weightage Biology Chapters
Human Physiology
Genetics & Evolution
Ecology (always high-scoring)
Reproduction (Plants + Animals)
Cell Structure & Functions
Biotechnology: Principles & Applications
Plant Physiology
Tips for NEET 2026 Aspirants
- Start early planning: Class 11 & 12 integrated prep
- Focus on NCERT mastery
- Attempt regular mock tests
- Follow NMC/NTA official notifications regularly
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any upper age limit for NEET 2026?
Answer: No, as per current guidelines, there is no maximum age limit. However, the candidate must be 17 years old while seeking admission to the MBBS program in India.
Are Class 12 board marks important for NEET?
Answer:>Yes, to be eligible for the NEET exam, the candidate must have scored a minimum of 50% marks in class 12th for the general category and 45% for the reserved category.
How many questions do I need to attempt in NEET 2026?
AnswerThere are a total of 180 questions in the NEET exam paper. 45 questions are from the Physics and Chemistry section, and 90 questions from Biology for classes 11th & 12. The NEET curriculum is based on the NCERT course for classes 11th & 12th.