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NEET Eligibility Criteria 2024

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All you Need to Know about NEET Eligibility, NEET 2024 Age Limit and More

The National Testing Agency (NTA) outlines the NEET Eligibility Criteria 2024 in the official information brochure, available at neet.nta.nic.in. As the year 2024 approaches, aspiring medical candidates must understand the NEET eligibility criteria to ensure their qualifications align with the requirements for success. Thoroughly reviewing the NEET eligibility criteria is vital for those aiming to participate in medical entrance tests.


Fulfilling all NEET eligibility criteria is imperative, as candidates failing to do so won't be permitted to appear for the entrance test. The eligibility criteria encompass factors such as age limits, maximum attempts, and other important aspects. These criteria define the mandatory educational qualifications, age thresholds, nationality prerequisites, and other pivotal factors determining NEET Exam Eligibility. Any updates regarding NEET 2024 eligibility criteria will be provided once released. Prospective candidates must review the eligibility criteria before completing the application form, as failure to meet these criteria will preclude them from applying for NEET 2024.


NEET is conducted for admission to various medical courses, including MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, BSc nursing, and more. Aspiring medical students planning to appear for NEET 2024 can refer to this article for details on conditions of admission, qualifying criteria, age limits, and other pertinent information.


Note: 👉Prepare for Your Future in Medicine with the NEET Rank and College Predictor 2024.


NEET 2024 Age Limit

In order to ensure NEET Eligibility Criteria 2024, candidates must meet specific age criteria. While there is a minimum age requirement, there is no longer a maximum NEET Age Limit for aspiring candidates. Understanding these age requirements is crucial for candidates planning to appear for the NEET exam. Below is a concise overview of the minimum age requirement and the NEET Exam Maximum Age Limit, providing clarity on these essential eligibility criteria.


Requirement

Description

Minimum NEET Age Requirement

A candidate should be 17 years of age at the time of admission or by December 31, 2024, to be eligible for NEET 2024 exam.

Maximum NEET Age Limit

There is no maximum age limit for NEET candidates. The previous upper age limit of 25 years (30 years for reserved categories) has been removed by the NMC.



Category-wise NEET Age Limit

The NEET Age Limit is slightly different for different categories. The table below explains specifically the age limit for appearing in NEET, offering a clear breakdown for different categories. 


Category

Minimum Age

Age Relaxation

Maximum Age

NEET Age Limit for General 

17 years old by December 31st of admission year

N/A

No upper age limit

NEET Age Limit for OBC - NCL

17 years old by December 31st of admission year

5 years

No upper age limit

Reserved Categories (SC, ST, PwBD)

17 years old by December 31st of admission year

5 years

No upper age limit



NEET Eligibility Criteria 2024 - Academic Qualification

  • Individuals who have successfully cleared their 12th-grade qualifying examination are deemed eligible to seek admission to NEET 2024.

  • Applicants should have completed their 12th-grade studies with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English, having secured passing grades in all subjects.

  • While the primary qualifying criterion for NEET is the 12th-grade examination, the requisite qualifying scores are contingent upon the candidate's respective category.

  • Prospective candidates are required to complete the comprehensive online application form, accurately inputting the relevant NEET Qualifying Examination Code.


How Many Percentage Required for NEET 2024?

The NEET Eligibility Criteria 2024 encompass specific requirements regarding the minimum percentage of marks candidates must attain in their qualifying examination. This table outlines the minimum required percentages for various categories of candidates, including Unreserved, Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and candidates with disability. These NEET Exam Eligibility criteria ensure a standardised evaluation process and uphold fairness in the admission procedure for medical aspirants across different backgrounds.


Category

Minimum Required Percentage (%)

Subjects

Unreserved

50%

Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology

SC/ST/OBC

40%

Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology

General-PH

45%

Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology

SC-PH/ST-PH/OBC-PH

40%

Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology



NEET Exam Eligibility - Qualifying Examination Codes Explained

For those interested in applying for NEET 2024, the selection of the appropriate qualifying examination code is crucial. The following table provides details about Codes 1 through 7.


NEET Qualifying Examination Code

Description

Code 01

Candidates awaiting Class 12 board results in 2024 should use this code. However, they must have already qualified their Class 12 exams before the admission stage to remain eligible.

Code 02

Aspirants who have completed the Indian School Certificate Examination (ISCE) or its equivalent after a 12-year study cycle, with the final two years involving science subjects, should choose this code. Those who cleared Class 12 in 2021 or earlier and haven't pursued any further courses should also select this code.

Code 03

Candidates passing the Intermediate/Pre-degree Examination in Science from a recognized Indian University/Board or equivalent, with main subjects including Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English along with practical tests, should opt for this code. This applies to those who completed a state board's Class 12 or equivalent.

Code 04

Aspirants who have completed a Pre-professional/Pre-medical Examination after the Higher Secondary Examination or its equivalent, with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English along with practical tests, should select this code.

Code 05

Candidates pursuing a three-year degree course with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology from a recognised University and have qualified the first year, including practical tests, should choose this code. They should have also passed their 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects.

Code 06

Candidates having passed the B.Sc. examination from a recognized Indian University, with at least two subjects among Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany, Zoology), or Biotechnology, along with prior qualification in 10+2 with English, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, should use this code.

Code 07

Candidates with qualifications equivalent to the last two years of 10+2 study, comprising Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology, including practical tests, and deemed equivalent to the Intermediate Science Examination of an Indian University/Board or a foreign equivalent, should select this code.


It is imperative to select the correct code during the application process to ensure an accurate representation of the candidate's qualifications.


NEET 2024 Eligibility Criteria: Attempts Allowed

Candidates are now unrestricted in the number of attempts they can make for the NEET examination, as long as they meet the remaining eligibility criteria. The imposition of limitations on NEET attempts was removed through modifications to the NEET 2024 eligibility prerequisites back in 2018. Consequently, candidates now enjoy the privilege of undertaking the NEET examination without any set limit on the number of attempts.


NEET Eligibility Criteria 2024 for B.Sc Nursing Admission

Prospective candidates aiming for B.Sc nursing admission through NEET scores should carefully examine the subsequent NTA NEET eligibility criteria 2024:


Age Requirement: The age prerequisites remain consistent for B.Sc aspirants. Candidates must attain the age of 17 by December 31, 2024.

Minimum Qualification: Prospective candidates need to clear the qualifying exam in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English separately.


  • Aspirants are required to pass the class 12th qualifying exam with a minimum combined score of 45%.

  • For candidates belonging to reserved categories, the stipulated passing score is 40%.

  • Mandatory Inclusion: All applicants must have English as a mandatory subject in their class 12th curriculum to qualify for NEET 2024.

  • Candidates who have completed their class 12th education from a State Open School recognized by NIOS in the aforementioned subjects are also eligible to participate in the examination.


Reservation Allocation: Physically disabled (PwD) candidates will be entitled to a 3% reservation quota.


NEET 2024 Eligibility for 15% All India Quota (AIQ):

  • Indian Nationals, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and Foreign Nationals are eligible for 15% All India Quota Seats.

  • Successful NEET 2024 candidates are entitled to the 15% All India Quota seats, as well as seats in Deemed Universities, Central Universities, ESIC, and AFMC. MCI will organize this pan-India NEET counseling.

  • Candidates from J&K can access the 15% All India Quota only if they submit a self-declaration form along with the NEET 2024 application. This choice relinquishes their home state counseling eligibility, enabling them to participate in the counseling for seats at Deemed Universities, ESIC, and AFMC based on NEET eligibility.


NEET 2024 Eligibility for 85% State Quota:

  • The 85% state quota pertains to seats in government colleges within respective states/union territories. Counselling for these seats will be conducted by state authorities.

  • Eligibility for state quota seats is contingent upon meeting the NEET 2024 criteria defined by each state or union territory, encompassing domicile and other requisites.

  • Admission to private medical and dental institutes via NEET is subject to state/union territory policies.


NEET Eligibility Criteria 2024: Applicability to NRI and Foreign Students

  • NEET (UG) - 2024 extends eligibility to Indian Nationals, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), and Foreign Nationals. This article outlines the NEET 2024 eligibility criteria specifically for NRI and Foreign Students.

  • Aspiring candidates who have pursued education abroad and aspire to study medicine in India must have attained a minimum of 50 percent marks in Chemistry, Physics, English, and Biology/Biotechnology in their Class XII examinations, including practical assessments in the mentioned science subjects. Additionally, their educational equivalence is evaluated by the Association of Indian Universities in line with MCI regulations and respective university norms.

  • Candidates who have completed their high school education under the International Baccalaureate (IB), GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education), or Advanced Placement curriculum are also deemed eligible for NEET.

  • Furthermore, the NEET Exam Eligibility also extends to Indian nationals who have completed the IB curriculum within India.

  • Foreign nationals aspiring to join medical/dental institutions in India must adhere to the regulations of state governments, institutions, and the Indian government where applicable. It is advisable for them to directly consult relevant state medical/dental institutions to verify their eligibility status.


NEET Eligibility Criteria 2024: 15% Allocation for NRI Quota

In addition to the All India Quota and State Quota, there exists a specific provision for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) called the NRI Quota, constituting 15% of the available seats. The Medical Council of India (MCI) has earmarked this quota for individuals who reside and study abroad but have an origin in India. NRI students are eligible to secure admission in the reserved 15% seats within Indian medical colleges through the NRI Quota. The NRI Quota encompasses not only Non-Resident Indians but also Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), provided they meet the criteria of qualifying the NEET UG Exam for admission consideration.


Qualification for NRI Quota in NEET 2024

Applicants falling within the subsequent groups qualify for the NRI quota:


  • Individuals of Indian origin (PIO), Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), and their offspring are categorized as NRIs.

  • Students who are the progeny of State or Central Government employees serving in a foreign nation are acknowledged as NRIs.

  • Indian-origin students living or studying abroad.

  • Offspring of Indian citizens engaged in studies or employment overseas are also recognized as NRIs.

  • Candidates born in another country with Indian parentage.

  • All the aforementioned candidates come under the NRI classification.


NRI Quota Eligibility Requirements:

  • Compliance with the aforementioned criteria is mandatory for the NRI quota.

  • Possession of a valid passport is a prerequisite.

  • Seats under the NRI Quota are exclusively reserved for genuine NRIs.

  • Qualification in the NEET 2024 exam is essential.

  • NRI-sponsored candidates should have a blood relation with the financial supporter, encompassing relationships like mother, sister, father, brother, aunt, or uncle.


Conclusion

The NEET eligibility criteria for 2024 form the fundamental benchmarks for aspiring medical candidates. Meeting the age limit, academic qualifications, and subject requirements are crucial prerequisites. The criteria also consider nationality, enabling Indian citizens, Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), and foreign nationals to apply. Clear guidelines are established for subjects, minimum marks, and qualifying examinations. While these criteria ensure a fair selection process, candidates should thoroughly understand and fulfill the eligibility requirements to pursue their medical aspirations successfully in the NEET 2024 examination.

FAQs on NEET Eligibility Criteria 2024

1. What is the minimum NEET 2024 Age Limit?

The minimum age to appear for NEET 2024 is 17 years as of December 31, 2024.

2. Is there an upper NEET 2024 Age Limit?

As of the latest information available, there is no upper NEET 2024 Age Limit. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has eliminated the NEET Exam Maximum Age Limit, allowing candidates of all ages to apply without any restrictions. 

3. Are there any attempts limit for NEET?

Yes, candidates can attempt NEET a maximum of three times, starting from 2022. The attempts prior to 2022 will not be counted.

4. What are the academic qualifications required for NEET 2024?

Candidates must have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects. They should have secured a minimum of 50% marks (for general category) and 40% marks (for SC/ST/OBC-NCL) in PCB combined.

5. Is there any state-wise eligibility requirement for NEET 2024?

No, NEET is conducted at the national level, and there is no state-wise eligibility requirement. However, candidates must fulfill the age and academic criteria specified by the conducting authority.

6. Can candidates from Jammu and Kashmir apply for NEET 2024?

Yes, candidates from Jammu and Kashmir are eligible to apply for NEET 2024, irrespective of Article 370.

7. Can candidates with a gap year apply for NEET 2024?

Yes, candidates with a gap year between their 10+2 exams and NEET are eligible. The gap year won't affect eligibility.

8. Is there any change in NEET 2024?

As of now, any changes in NEET 2024 have not been officially announced. Candidates are advised to stay updated with official notifications and announcements from the National Testing Agency (NTA) or the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for any updates regarding NEET 2024.

9. Can I apply for NEET 2024 if I was born in 2007?

No, candidates born in 2007 would not be eligible to apply for NEET 2024. To be eligible for NEET, candidates must have completed 17 years of age at the time of admission or application. This means candidates must be born on or before December 31, 2006, to meet the minimum age requirement for NEET.

10. What is the rule of NEET eligibility?

The eligibility criteria for NEET include a minimum age requirement of 17 years at the time of application or admission, completion of 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English, and attainment of minimum qualifying marks in the qualifying examination. Additionally, candidates must adhere to any specific eligibility criteria as specified by the conducting authority.

11. Is PCM student eligible for NEET?

No, students who have completed their 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology are only eligible to apply for NEET. PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) students are not eligible for NEET as Biology/Biotechnology is a mandatory subject for the exam.

12. Who is not eligible for NEET?

Candidates who do not meet the specified eligibility criteria for NEET, such as age requirements, educational qualifications, or subject combinations, are not eligible to appear for the exam. Additionally, candidates who have not registered within the stipulated deadlines or have violated any rules or regulations set by the conducting authority may also be deemed ineligible for NEET.

13. What is the NEET Age Limit for OBC?

As of the latest information available, there is no maximum NEET Age Limit for OBC. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has removed the upper age limit for NEET, allowing candidates of all categories to apply without any age restrictions. However, candidates must meet the minimum age requirement, which is 17 years at the time of application or admission.

14. How Many Percentage Required for NEET 2024?

The percentage required for NEET 2024 varies depending on the category of the candidate. Here is a general overview:


  • For candidates belonging to the Unreserved category (UR), a minimum aggregate of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology combined is typically required in their Class 12 or HSC examination.

  • Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) or Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates are usually expected to attain a minimum of 40% passing marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology combined in their Class 12 examination.

  • Medical aspirants with locomotor disability of lower limbs (PH category) are often required to secure a minimum aggregate of 45% marks for General-PH and 40% marks for SC-PH/ST-PH/OBC-PH in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology.

15. What is the NEET Age Limit for General candidates?

Based on the most recent updates, there is no specified NEET Age Limit for General candidates. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has abolished the upper age restriction for NEET, permitting candidates from all categories, including General candidates, to apply without age constraints. Nonetheless, candidates must fulfill the minimum age criterion of 17 years at the time of application or admission.