UP CNET Eligibility Criteria 2026, Age Limit, Educational Qualification, and INC Guidelines

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UP CNET Eligibility Criteria 2026 Overview

The UP CNET Eligibility criteria 2026 outlines specific conditions all applicants must fulfill. These requirements are set by Atal Bihari Vajpayee Medical University, Uttar Pradesh. Candidates must meet academic, age, and nationality standards to be considered eligible for the entrance exam.

Here is an overview of the key eligibility points:

• Nationality: Only Indian Nationals.

• Age Limit: Minimum 17 years, Maximum 35 years (with exceptions for PwD candidates).

• Educational Qualification: 10+2 with specific subjects and minimum marks.

• Additional Requirements: Medical fitness and specific PwD provisions.

UP CNET 2026 Nationality Criteria

Candidates must meet specific nationality requirements to be eligible for the UP CNET 2026 exam. The primary condition is that applicants must be citizens of India. No other nationality categories are permitted for this examination. This ensures that only Indian citizens apply for the available seats.

UP CNET Eligibility 2026 Age Limit 

Candidates must be of a certain age to apply for this nursing entrance exam. The following table shows the age requirements for UP CNET Eligibility 2026:

UP CNET Educational Qualification 2026 

UP CNET Educational Qualification 2026 requires candidates to have a strong academic background in specific science subjects. These qualifications are essential for pursuing a career in nursing. Candidates must have passed their higher secondary examination from a recognized board:

1. Candidates must have passed 10+2 (Intermediate) with Science stream from a recognized board.
2. They must secure a minimum of 45% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) taken together and must have passed English individually.
3. For SC/ST/OBC candidates, the minimum required marks in PCB is 40%.
4. English is a compulsory subject in 10+2 for eligibility in B.Sc. Nursing.
5. Candidates from State Open Schools or NIOS (recognized by the central/state government) with Science subjects and English are also eligible.
6. Colour-blind candidates are eligible, provided they use corrective lenses or spectacles.
7. Candidates must be declared medically fit by the Medical Board of a Government Medical College or District CMO.
8. Married candidates are also eligible to apply.

Also Check: UP CNET 2026 Application Form 

UP CNET 2026 Reservation Policy

1. Reservation will be applicable as per the Uttar Pradesh State Government norms and within the limits prescribed by the Indian Nursing Council (INC).
2. Any updates or changes in reservation rules will be implemented according to state government guidelines.
3. A 5% horizontal reservation for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) is applicable for candidates with 40%–50% locomotor disability of the lower extremity, as per official norms. Eligibility criteria remain the same as for unreserved candidates.

UP CNET 2026 Reservation & Certificate Guidelines

• PwD Candidates: Must undergo medical examination by an authorized Medical Board to verify 40–50% locomotor disability (lower limb).
• Caste Certificate:
  • Must be issued by Tehsildar/SDM of Uttar Pradesh.
  • Certificate should be verifiable online through an official government portal.
• EWS Reservation:
  • 10% quota applicable as per UP Government rules.
  • Valid EWS certificate is mandatory and must be online verifiable.
• OBC/EWS Certificate Validity:
  • Certificates must be issued on or after 1st April 2026.
• Dependent of Freedom Fighter:
  • Certificate issued by District Magistrate will be accepted.
• Ex-Servicemen:
  • Valid certificate from the competent authority is required.
• NCC Candidates:
  • Only ‘C’ Certificate with minimum Grade B is accepted.
  • ‘A’ and ‘B’ certificates are not eligible for reservation benefits.

UP CNET Eligibility Criteria 2026 Key Points

• Domicile Requirement:
  • Candidate must be a domicile of Uttar Pradesh, OR
  • Must have passed both 10th and 12th from Uttar Pradesh.
• Reservation Policy:
  • Applicable as per UP Government norms for all categories, including minority institutions.
• Nationality:
  • Only Indian citizens are eligible for admission.

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