NEET Age Limit 2026, Check Minimum and Maximum Criteria

NEET Age Limit 2026: The National Testing Agency (NTA) defines the NEET age eligibility criteria for students aspiring to secure admission into MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses in India. Understanding the NEET UG age rules 2026 is the first step for every medical aspirant to ensure their application is valid.

As per the NEET age criteria latest update, while there is a strictly defined minimum age for NEET UG, the regulations regarding the upper age limit have seen significant changes in recent years. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the NEET age limit 2026 for all categories, including General, OBC, SC, and ST.

NEET Age Limit 2026 Overview

NEET age limit 2026 ensures that candidates have reached a certain level of maturity and academic readiness before entering the medical profession.

 Minimum Age for NEET UG 2026

Under the NEET Age Limit 2026, to be eligible for the exam, the minimum age for NEET UG is 17 years. For the 2026 academic session, candidates must be 17 years of age on or before December 31, 2026.

NEET Date of Birth Eligibility

To meet the NEET date of birth eligibility, a candidate’s birth date should fall on or before December 31, 2009. If a candidate is even a day younger than this requirement, they will not be eligible to appear for the 2026 exam.

Maximum Age Limit for NEET 2026

One of the most frequent queries is regarding the maximum age limit for NEET. Previously, there were restrictions for different categories, but the current rules have simplified this.

• NEET Age Limit for General Category: There is currently no upper age limit for candidates in the general category.

• NEET Age Limit for OBC, SC, and ST: Similar to the general category, there is no maximum age limit for reserved category candidates.

This "no upper limit" policy allows aspirants of various ages to pursue their dream of becoming a doctor, provided they meet the basic academic qualification of having passed Class 12 with the required subjects.

NEET Age Relaxation Rules

While there is no upper age limit, NEET age relaxation rules historically applied to the maximum age criteria. Since the removal of the upper age cap, the concept of relaxation mostly pertains to the qualifying marks in the Class 12 examination rather than the age itself.

However, candidates should stay updated with the NEET age criteria latest update from the official NTA website, as policies are subject to judicial reviews and official notifications.

NEET Age Eligibility Criteria for Different Categories

The NEET age eligibility criteria remain uniform across categories regarding the starting age, but it is essential to note the specific requirements:

1. General Category: Must be at least 17 years old. No upper limit.

2. OBC/SC/ST Category: Must be at least 17 years old. No upper limit. NEET age limit for OBC SC ST is the same as the general category in terms of the minimum requirement.

3. PwD Candidates: The same minimum age of 17 years applies.

NEET UG Age Limit 2026 Key Points to Remember

Before applying for NEET UG 2026, candidates must clearly understand the official age eligibility criteria set by NTA. Below are the key points you should remember regarding the NEET UG age rules 2026:

• Minimum Age Requirement: Candidates must be 17 years old on or before December 31, 2026.

• Date of Birth Criteria: Applicants should be born on or before December 31, 2009.

• No Maximum Age Limit: There is no upper age limit for any category as per current guidelines.

• Same Rule for All Categories: General, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, and PwD candidates follow the same minimum age requirement.

• Valid DOB Proof Required: The date of birth mentioned in the Class 10 certificate or birth certificate will be considered final.

• Academic Eligibility Also Required: Candidates must also meet the required Class 12 subject and percentage criteria.