NEET UG 2025 Eligibility Criteria: Who Can Apply for the Exam?
Introduction
The NEET UG 2025 exam dates is scheduled for May 4, 2025, and many applicants are eager to gain admission to medical and dental colleges across India. It is essential for students to carefully review the eligibility criteria set by the National Testing Agency (NTA) before applying.
This article provides a detailed summary of the eligibility criteria for NEET UG 2025, including age limits, educational qualifications, nationality requirements, and other significant conditions.
Age Requirements for NEET UG 2025
Minimum Age: Applicants must be at least 17 years of age as of December 31, 2025. Therefore, individuals born on or before December 31, 2008, qualify.
Maximum Age: There is no established upper age limit, following a Supreme Court decision in 2022. Candidates of any age are permitted to apply as long as they meet the other requirements.
Nationality Criteria
The exam is open to:
Indian Nationals
Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)
Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)
Foreign Nationals
However, foreign nationals and OCI applicants might face specific admission restrictions in various states or institutions, depending on local regulations. It is advisable for candidates to check the requirements of each college prior to submitting their applications.
Educational Qualifications
To be eligible for the NEET UG 2025 exam dates, candidates must meet the following educational criteria:
Required Subjects: Candidates are required to have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects in Classes 11 and 12.
Qualifying Exam: Candidates must have completed the Class 12 board examination or an equivalent assessment from a recognized board.
Minimum Marks Required:
General category: An aggregate of 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
Reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC): An aggregate of 40%.
PwD (Persons with Disabilities): An aggregate of 45%.
Candidates who are sitting for their Class 12 exams in 2025 are also eligible to apply, provided they achieve the necessary scores during counseling.
Number of Attempts
Previously, there was a ceiling on the number of attempts allowed. However, under the current rules, there are no limits on attempts.
Additional Eligibility Regulations
Open School Candidates: Candidates from open schools or private candidates can apply, subject to conditions set by the NMC and NTA.
Biology as an Additional Subject: Applicants who have taken Biology/Biotechnology as an additional subject are eligible.
Foreign Students: Students who have studied internationally must pass equivalent Class 12 exams, meeting the required subjects and marks.
Significance of Meeting Eligibility
If a candidate passes the exam but fails to meet any eligibility criteria, their application will be rejected during the counseling or admission phase. It is advisable to check crucial documents such as copyright, Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, and category certificates (if applicable) before proceeding with the application.
Final Thoughts
The eligibility criteria for the NEET UG 2025 exam dates are designed to ensure that only adequately qualified candidates with the appropriate educational background sit for the exam.
Students must ensure that they meet all requirements before registering to avoid disqualification later on. By understanding these criteria well in advance, candidates can focus their efforts on preparing for the exam and achieving their dream of entering the medical profession.