NEET Eligibility Criteria 2025: Age Limit, 12th Marks & More

If you are planning to appear for NEET 2025, understanding the eligibility criteria is the first step in your journey. Every year, thousands of students prepare for this highly competitive exam, but before starting your NEET preparation, it is essential to check whether you’re eligible for it or not.

From age limits and number of attempts to academic qualifications, there are a few important things that you need to keep in mind.

Let me break it down in a simple and clear way so you have all the information you need before filling out the application form.

Who can apply for NEET 2025? — Eligibility criteria

One of the most common questions students have is whether they are eligible to appear for NEET. The answer depends on a few key factors, such as age, nationality, and educational background.

Age requirement

You must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2025, to apply for NEET.

Also, earlier, there was a lot of discussion about the upper age limit. So this time there is no upper age limit for the NEET exam.

Nationality

NEET is open to Indian citizens, NRIs (Non-Resident Indians), OCIs (Overseas Citizens of India), PIOs (Persons of Indian Origin), and even foreign nationals. So, if you fall under any of these categories, you are good to go.

Educational qualifications

Now, let’s talk about the academic requirements. Since NEET is the gateway to medical colleges, your school subjects matter.

• You must have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English in your 12th grade.
• The minimum marks required vary based on your category. 

Category	Minimum marks required (PCB combined)
General	50%
OBC	40%
SC	40%
ST	40%
PwD	45%

One common doubt many students have is whether they can apply if they have a gap year. The answer is yes. Gap-year students are completely eligible for NEET, so if you took a break after your 12th, you don’t need to worry. 

Just avoid these mistakes during your NEET preparation and get started!

Number of attempts

Earlier there used to be a restriction on the number of times you could attempt NEET, but that rule has been removed. Now, you can take the exam as many times as you want, as long as you meet the age limit for NEET (min – 17 and max – none) and academic requirements.

Eligibility for different types of candidates

Every student’s situation is different, so let’s go over some specific cases:

Students from open schools

In previous years, there was some confusion about whether open-school students were eligible or not. So let me also answer that “students who have completed their schooling from open schools are also eligible for NEET.”

Foreign nationals and NRIs

If you are an NRI or foreign student, you can apply for NEET. But for that, you need to provide an equivalency certificate for your 12th-grade education. Also make sure that you meet other NEET eligibility criteria before applying.

PwD candidates

If you have a disability, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has set specific guidelines. You must fall under the disability percentage, and the required disability percentage is different based on your category:

• General Category: 50th percentile or above
• Physically Handicapped (PwD – General): 45th percentile or above
• Reserved Category (SC/ST/OBC): 40th percentile or above

NEET disability form link – https://gmch.gov.in/sites/default/files/documents/NEET_Disability.pdf 

Documents you will need to prove your eligibility

Once you clear NEET, you will need to provide documents during the counseling and admission process. Here are some of the key documents required:

• NEET 2025 Admit Cards of Exam issued by NTA.
• NEET 2025 Result/ Rank letter issued by NTA.
• Date of Birth Certificate (if Metric Certificate does not bear the same)
• Class 10th Certificate
• Class 10+2 Certificate / Class 10+2 Marks Sheet
• Eight (8) Passport size photograph same as affixed on the application form
• Provisional allotment letter generated on-line
• Valid ID proof (Aadhaar card, passport, or any government-issued ID)
• Category Certificate (if applicable)
• Disability Certificate (if applicable)

NOTE: Candidates without original certificates/documents shall not be allowed to take admission in allotted Medical/ Dental College. Candidates who have deposited their original documents with any other Institute/ College/University and come for admission with a certificate stating that “their original certificates are deposited with the Institute/College/University” shall not be allowed to take admission in allotted Medical/Dental College.

NEET 2025 important dates

• Application start date: February 7, 2025
• Last date to apply: March 7, 2025 (until 11:50 PM)
• Correction window: March 9 to March 11, 2025
• City intimation announcement: April 26, 2025
• Admit card release date: May 1, 2025
• Exam date: May 4, 2025 (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
• Result declaration: June 14, 2025 (Tentative)

NOTE: Exam will be conducted in pen-paper format (offline).

NEET 2025 application fee

• General Category: ₹1,700
• General-EWS/OBC-NCL: ₹1,600
• SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender: ₹1,000
• Outside India: ₹9,500

Your journey to NEET 2025 starts now

Understanding the NEET eligibility criteria is crucial because it helps you plan your preparation without any uncertainties. If you are eligible, you can focus entirely on studying and giving your best in the exam. 

If you have any doubts, always refer to the official NEET notification released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to get the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Now that you know the requirements, the next step is to focus on your preparation with a structured plan and expert support.

If you’re looking for the best coaching to help you achieve your medical dreams, Chaitanya’s Academy, one of the best coaching for NEET, is here to guide you every step of the way. 

With experienced faculty, a well-researched curriculum, and a proven track record of success, Chaitanya’s Academy ensures you are fully prepared to excel in NEET 2025.

Your NEET journey starts today—make sure you have the right support to turn your aspirations into reality. 

Join Chaitanya’s Academy and take a step closer to your dream medical college.

Good luck 👍 with your NEET 2025 preparation!

Frequently asked questions that students have about NEET eligibility

Many students have questions about their eligibility, and you might have the same concerns. Here are some of the most commonly asked questions: