Physics Wallah

NEET Criteria for 12th Percentage: Category- Wise Minimum Percentage

Many students have applied for NEET 2026 while appearing in class 12. NEET eligibility demands specific 12th-grade percentages. General category students need 50% in PCB, while OBC/SC/ST/PwD candidates require 40% (PwD General: 45%). Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology marks determine this. English is a mandatory subject.
authorImagePriyanka Yadav1 Apr, 2026
Share

Share

NEET Criteria for 12th Percentage

Understanding the NEET Criteria for 12th Percentage is crucial for aspirants, especially those who have applied for NEET 2026 while appearing in 12th class. Students should specifically fulfill the NEET Criteria for 12th Percentage.  

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the entry gate to MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses in India. Knowing the exact minimum percentage required for NEET in Class 12 helps students plan their academic path effectively. 

 

We will clarify the NEET eligibility criteria 2026 12th marks across categories, ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria.

 

NEET Eligibility Marks in 12th Class

The NTA outlines specific NEET eligibility marks in 12th class. These marks are considered from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology. English is also a compulsory subject, but its marks are not included in the aggregate percentage calculation for PCB. Candidates must pass these subjects individually. The NEET 12th percentage criteria for MBBS differ based on the applicant's category.

 

Category-wise Minimum Percentage Required for NEET

The 12th marks requirement for NEET UG varies based on the student's category. This ensures fairness and opportunity for all. Understanding these category-wise distinctions is important for every aspirant. 

 

The calculation for the required marks in PCB for NEET strictly counts marks from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology only.

Category

Minimum Percentage Marks

General (Unreserved)

50%

OBC/ SC/ ST

40%

PwD (General Category)

45%

PwD (Reserved Category)

40%

 

Here clearly shows the NEET qualification marks for general category and the NEET eligibility for SC, ST, and OBC percentages.

Can I Apply for NEET with Low Percentage?

Yes, you can apply for NEET even with a low percentage, as long as you meet the minimum PCB percentage for NEET exam, which is given above as per the different categories.

So, even with lower marks, you are eligible. Students are advised to focus on scoring well in NEET, as their admission depends mainly on their entrance exam rank, but not to ignore the class 12th score.

Other Important NEET Eligibility Criteria

Beyond the NEET 12th percentage criteria for MBBS, several other factors determine NEET eligibility. These general criteria ensure candidates meet all basic requirements to sit for the exam.

Nationality Requirements

Candidates must be Indian citizens, Non-Resident Indians (NRI), Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), or foreign nationals.

Age Limit

Aspirants must be at least 17 years old by December 31 of the admission year. For NEET 2026, this means born on or before December 31, 2009. There is no upper age limit as per current rules.

Educational Qualifications

Students must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 or an equivalent exam. The required subjects are Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English. Candidates need to pass each of these subjects separately.

Number of Attempts

There is no limit on the number of attempts for the NEET UG exam. Students can attempt the exam as many times as they wish.

Qualifying Exam Boards

Marks from recognized boards are accepted. This includes CBSE, ICSE, state boards, and international boards that are equivalent to Indian standards.

NEET Preparation Tips

Preparing for NEET requires a clear strategy, consistent effort, and strong conceptual understanding. Since the competition is high and the syllabus is vast, focusing on the right study approach can significantly improve your score and confidence.

  • Understand the syllabus and exam pattern
    Go through the complete syllabus and focus on high-weightage topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

  • Build strong concepts
    Clear your basics using NCERT books, especially for Biology and Chemistry, as most questions are directly based on them.

  • Make a realistic study timetable
    Divide your time properly among subjects and include revision slots to avoid last-minute stress.

  • Practice regularly with mock tests
    Attempt full-length tests and previous year papers to improve speed, accuracy, and time management.

  • Revise multiple times
    Regular revision helps in retaining concepts and formulas for a longer time.

  • Work on weak areas
    Identify your weak topics and dedicate extra time to improve them instead of avoiding them. 

NEET preparation is easier with PW batches. Enroll now and boost your preparation.

Batch

Features

Lakshya NEET 2026

Completing the 12th syllabus while revising the 11th

Yakeen NEET 2026

Focused preparation for students re-attempting the exam

 

NEET Criteria for 12th Percentage FAQs

What is the NEET 12th percentage criteria for MBBS for general category students?

General category students need a minimum of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology combined in their Class 12 board exams.

Are grace marks in Class 12 considered for NEET eligibility?

Yes, if a student passes a subject with grace marks and meets the minimum aggregate percentage, they are considered eligible for NEET.

Is English counted in the minimum PCB percentage for NEET exam?

No, English is a mandatory subject but its marks are not included when calculating the aggregate percentage in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology for NEET eligibility.

Can I apply for NEET with less than 50% in 12th if I belong to an OBC category?

Yes, for OBC, SC, and ST categories, the minimum aggregate percentage required in PCB is 40%.
Free Learning Resources
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others

Copyright © 2026 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.