NEET 2018 Eligibility Criteria is a set of conditions that clarify who are eligible for NEET 2018. Eligibility criteria for NEET 2018 consists of age limit, number of attempts, education of test taker. These criteria are as per MCI / DCI norms. CBSE enlists all points of NEET 2018 eligibility in information brochure which we strongly suggest applicants to read. In fact it is important to understand these before filling application form of NEET 2018. Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducts National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) 2018 for MBBS / BDS Admission for which NEET 2018 eligibility criteria apply. If question is Am I eligible for NEET 2018? then these points are the answer.
NEET 2018 Application Form can be filled online. Apply online for NEET 2018. Also, read how to apply for NEET 2018.
NEET 2018 Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for appearing in NEET (UG) is as stipulated in Indian Medical Council Act-1956/Regulations as amended in 2018 and the Dentists Act-1948/Regulations as amended in 2018. Eligibility as per related regulations is as follows:
NEET 2018 Age Limit
- He/she has to complete the age of 17 years at the time of admission or will be completing the age on or before 31st December 2018 of his/her admission to the 1st year MBBS/BDS Course.
- The upper age limit for NEET UG is 25 years as on the date of examination.
| NEET 2018 Lower Age Limit | 17 years |
| NEET 2018 Upper Age Limit | 25 years |
This upper age limit extends for 5 more years for candidates belonging to OBC/SC/ST category and persons entitled for reservation under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
The Age criteria for appearing in NEET UG 2018 is as follows:
| For Candidates of Unreserved Category (UR) | has born between May 07, 1993 to January 01, 2002 |
| For Candidates of SC/ST/OBC Category | has born between May 07, 1988 to January 01, 2002 |
Eligibility for seats under the control of States/ Deemed universities/ Central Universities / Seats of ESIC & AFMC including BHU & AMU/ Central Pool Quota
- Indian Nationals, Non Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizen of India (OCIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Foreign Nationals are eligible for admission in Medical/Dental Colleges subject to rules and regulations framed by the respective State Governments, Institution and the Government of India.
- Foreign nationals may confirm their eligibility from the concerned Medical/Dentals college/state.
Eligibility for 15% All India Quota Seats
Indian Nationals, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizen of India (OCIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) and Foreign Nationals are eligible for 15% All India Quota Seats.
Candidates from State of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and J & K
Students from State of J & K are NOT ELIGIBLE for 15% all India quota seats as the State of J&K has opted out of All India Scheme since its inception. If they claim eligibility, they must submit online Self Declaration which will be generated and printed automatically along with confirmation page for the record and to present during counselling.
The online Self Declaration of the candidates will be verified at the time of counselling and if found to be false at any time, the candidature/admission of such candidates shall be cancelled and criminal proceedings may be initiated against them.
Candidates from the States of J & K can appear in NEET (UG) for admission to Private Medical/Dental Colleges or any Private/Deemed University and Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune subject to the fulfilment of eligibility conditions.
The government of Andhra Pradesh and Government of Telangana have decided to join and contribute to the All India Quota seats. Accordingly, the candidates of these States have also become eligible for 15% All India Quota seats
NEET 2018 Education / Academic Qualification
In regards to education which candidates must have in order to be eligible for NEET 2018 is likely to be following.
Code: 01
A candidate who is appearing in the qualifying examination, i.e., 12th Standard in 2018, whose result is awaited, may apply and take up the said test but he/she shall not be eligible for admission to the MBBS or BDS, if he/she does not pass the qualifying examination with the required pass percentage of marks at the time of first round of Counselling. OR
Code: 02
The Higher/Senior Secondary Examination or the Indian School Certificate Examination which is equivalent to 10+2 Higher/Senior Secondary Examination after a period of 12 years study, the last two years of such study comprising of Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Bio-technology (which shall include practical tests in these subjects) and Mathematics or any other elective subject with English at a level not less than the core course for English as prescribed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training after introduction of the 10+2+3 educational structure as recommended by the National Committee on Education. Provided that 2 year of regular and continuous study of Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Bio-technology taking together shall be required at 10+2 level for all the candidates. Candidates who have passed 10+2 from Open Schools or as private candidate shall not be eligible to appear for NEET (UG). Furthermore, study of Biology/Bio-technology as an additional subject at 10+2 level also shall not permissible.
Note: where the course content is not as prescribed for 10+2 education structure of the National Committee, the candidates will have to undergo a period of one year pre – professional training before admission to the Medical Colleges. OR
Code: 03
The Intermediate/Pre-degree Examination in Science of an Indian University/Board or other recognised examining body with Physics, Chemistry, Biology /Bio-technology (which shall include practical test in these subjects) and also English as a compulsory subject. OR
Code: 04
The Pre-professional/Pre-medical Examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Bio-technology & English after passing either the Higher Secondary Examination or the Pre-University or an equivalent examination. The Pre-professional/Pre-medical examination shall include practical test in these subjects and also English as a compulsory subject. OR
Code: 05
The first year of the three years’ degree course of a recognised University with Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Bio-Technology including practical tests in these subjects provided the examination is a University Examination and candidate has passed the earlier qualifying examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/ Bio-Technology with English at a level not less than a core course. OR
Code: 06
B.Sc. Examination of an Indian University provided that he/she has passed the B.Sc. Examination with not less than two of the subjects Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany, Zoology)/Bio-technology and further that he/ she has passed the earlier qualifying examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English. OR
Code: 07
Any other examination which in scope and standard (Last 02 years of 10+2 Study comprising of Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Bio-Technology; Which shall include practical test in these subjects) is found to be equivalent to the Intermediate Science Examination of an Indian University/Board, taking Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Bio-Technology including practical tests in each of these subjects and English.
Provided that to be eligible for Competitive Entrance Examination, candidate must have passed any of the qualifying examinations as enumerated above or appearing in the qualifying examination in 2018. Provided also that to be eligible for Competitive Entrance Test, the candidate must have passed in the subjects of Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Bio-technology and English individually and must have obtained a minimum of 50% marks taken together in Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Bio-technology at the qualifying examination as mentioned in clause (2) of regulation 4 on Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 1997 as amended in 2018 and in addition must have come in the merit list of NATIONAL ELIGIBILITY ENTRANCE TEST (UG) – 2018 for admission to MBBS/BDS courses.
In respect of the candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes or Other Backward Classes, the marks obtained in Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Bio-technology taken together in qualifying examination shall be 40% marks instead of 50% marks for General Candidates. In respect of candidates with Bench Mark Disabilities specified under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, the minimum marks in qualifying examination in Physics, Chemistry and Biology (or Botany & Zoology)/Bio-technology taken together in qualifying examination shall be 45% instead of 50% for General category candidates and 40% for SC/ST/OBC candidates.
Provided further that the students educated abroad seeking admission into medical colleges in India must have passed in the subjects of Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Bio-technology and English up to the 12th standard level with 50% marks and their equivalency determined as per regulations of the Medical Council of India and the concerned University. If a candidate does not fall within the qualifications prescribed as per Code number 01-07, he/she should furnish complete details to determine eligibility.
| Subjects in 10+2 | Physics, Chemistry, Biology / Bio-technology and Mathematics or any other elective subject with English |
| Minimum marks in PCB for General candidates | 50% |
| Minimum marks in PCB for SC/ST candidates | 40% |
| Minimum marks in PCB for General-PH candidates | 45% |
Note:
- The Pre-medical course may be conducted either at a Medical College or at a Science College.
- Marks obtained in Mathematics are not to be considered for admission to MBBS/BDS Courses.
- The candidates who have studied from the Foreign/International Board may ensure that the qualifying examination passed by them should, in scope and standard, be as explained in Code: 07.
If you want to go to NEET 2018 Application Form, click here.
Frequently Asked Questions regarding NEET Eligibility 2018
What are the eligibility criteria for appearing in NEET-UG, 2018?
He/she has completed age of 17 years at the time of admission or will complete the age on or before 31st December of the year of his/her admission to the 1st year MBBS/BDS Course.
The upper age limit for NEET-UG is 25 years as on the date of examination with the relaxation of 5 years for the candidates belonging to SC/ST/ OBC category.
Indian Nationals, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizen of India (OCIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) & Foreign Nationals are eligible to appear in NEET (UG)-2018.
The number of attempts which a candidate can avail at NEET-UG examination is no longer limited to 3 (three).
What is the minimum qualification for appearing in NEET-UG, 2018 for candidates of unreserved category?
The Higher/Senior Secondary Examination or the Indian School Certificate Examination which is equivalent to 10+2 Higher/Senior Secondary Examination after a period of 12 years study, the last two years of such study comprising of Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Bio-technology (which shall include practical tests in these subjects) and Mathematics or any other elective subject with English at a level not less than the core course for English as prescribed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training after introduction of the 10+2+3 educational structure as recommended by the National Committee on Education.
Provided that 2 year of regular and continuous study of Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Bio-technology taking together shall be required at 10+2 level for all the candidates. Candidates who have passed 10+2 from Open Schools or as private candidate shall not be eligible to appear for NEET (UG). Furthermore, study of Biology/Bio-technology as an additional subject at 10+2 level also shall not permissible.
Note: where the course content is not as prescribed for 10+2 education structure of the National Committee, the candidates will have to undergo a period of one year pre – professional training before admission to the Medical Colleges.
Can a candidate from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana eligible for 15% All India Quota seats?
Yes. The Government of Andhra Pradesh and Government of Telangana have decided to join and contribute to the All India Quota seats. Accordingly, the candidates of these States have also become eligible for 15% All India Quota seats.
Who can appear in NEET-UG, 2018?
- Indian Nationals
- Non Resident Indians (NRIs)
- Oversees Citizen of India (OCIs)
- Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)
- Foreign Nationals are eligible to appear in NEET (UG)-2018.
If a candidate is opting Oriya as medium of question paper, would he be eligible for 15% All India Quota?
Candidates qualifying NEET would be eligible for All India Quota and other quotas under the State Governments/Institutes, irrespective of the medium in which the examination is taken by a candidate, subject to other eligibility criteria.
What is the minimum age for appearing in NEET-UG, 2018?
He/she has completed age of 17 years at the time of admission or will complete the age on or before 31st December of the year of his/her admission to the 1st year MBBS/BDS Course.
What is the number of attempts for appearing in NEET-UG?
There is no cap for the number of attempts.
What is the maximum age for appearing in NEET-UG, 2018?
The upper age limit for NEET-UG is 25 years as on the date of examination with relaxation of 5 years for the candidates belonging to SC/ST/ OBC category.
What are the cut off dates for calculating the age of a candidate?
| For Candidates of Unreserved Category (UR) | born on or between 07.05.1993 and 01.01.2002 |
| For Candidates of SC/ST/OBC Category | born on or between 07.05.1988 and 01.01.2002 |
If you have any queries on NEET 2018 Eligibility Criteria for Age, Attempts, Education please ask in comments below.
