The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) is the sole entrance exam for all undergraduate medical programmes in colleges across India. The National Testing Agency (NTA) is the authority that prescribes the eligibility criteria for NEET UG. The eligibility criteria as prescribed by NTA includes factors like minimum marks required in Class XII board exams, age limit, nationality etc. Candidates need to fulfil the given conditions to stand eligible to appear in the NEET 2021 exam. The authority will release the eligibility criteria for NEET 2021 and the release of the application form (NEET 2021 registration). Candidates must go through these eligibility criteria before filling up the application form.
Eligibility Criteria for NEET 2021
Nationality:
- Indian Nationals
- Non-Resident Indians
- Overseas Citizen of India (OCI Cardholder)
- Person of Indian Origin (PIO)
- Foreign Nationals
Age Limit:
- The minimum age for appearing in the NEET 2021 should be 17 years (as of 31 December 2021).
- No Upper Age Limit.
Basic Qualification:
- Class XII or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English as a subject, from a recognised institute.
- Candidates who will be completing Class XII or equivalent in summer 2021 are also eligible to apply for NEET 2021.
Mandatory Subjects:
- Physics, Chemistry and Biology in Class XII or any other equivalent exam
- Candidates who have cleared the Class XII exam with Biology as an additional subject can also apply for NEET 2021.
Qualifying Examination Codes for NEET 2021
Candidates have to select a qualifying code from the list while filling in their NEET application form. Hence, candidates need to be aware of the qualifying codes and what they mean. The same has been given below.
Code 01: To candidates appearing for Class XII board examinations in this academic year (2021) and waiting for results. However, at the time of admission, candidates must have passed Class XII exams as per the eligibility norms, failing, which will make them ineligible.
Code 02: Candidates who have cleared their higher/senior secondary examination or Indian School Certificate Examination (ISCE) (equivalent to the Class XII board exams) after a 12-year study cycle. For such candidates, the final two years of study should include Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, or Mathematics or any other elective subject and English as prescribed by the NCERT.
Code 03: To candidates who have passed their intermediate/pre-degree exam in Science from a recognised Indian University or other such examining body with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology (which must include practical tests in the said subjects) and English as a compulsory subject.
Code 04: Candidates who have passed their Class XII board exams or other pre-professional exams with Physics, Chemistry and Biology (including practical subjects) and English are mandatory.
Code 05: Candidates studying in the first year of B.Sc or any other similar 3-year degree course with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology (including practical tests in these subjects) and English. The respective exam should be a university examination.
Code 06: For candidates who have passed their B.Sc. university examination from a recognised Indian University with at least two subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology. They must have cleared their qualifying examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English.
Code 07: Candidates who have cleared any other exam which in scope and standard is equivalent to the Intermediate Science Examination of a recognised Indian University will have to choose this code. However, the final two years of 10+2 study should comprise of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology, including practical exams in these subjects.
Note: Medical aspirants who have cleared the qualifying examination from an institute/board located in a foreign country must also select this code.
NEET Eligibility Criteria 2021 For All India Quota (AIQ) Seats
15% of the seats have been reserved under the All India Quota (AIQ) by the Union government in various dental and medical colleges across the country. The Medical Counselling Committee is mandated to conduct the counselling for the AIQ quota seats at the all India level. Candidates who want to claim seats under the All India Quota can be either one of the following.
- An Indian Citizen
- Person of Indian Origin
- Non-Resident Indian
- OCI cardholder
- Foreign National
However, Candidates from Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir are not eligible to avail seats under the 15% AIQ quota. However, they can still take admissions into the Armed Forces Medical College Pune.
Eligibility Criteria for State Quota seats in NEET 2021
The 85% seats under the state quota are reserved for India’s citizens who have domiciled in and have passed their Class XII in the respective states. The respective authorities (as designated by the state government) shall conduct the counselling for state quota seats in every state. The counselling includes admission into private medical and dental colleges/universities/institutions located inside the state.
Eligibility Criteria for Foreign Nationals in NEET 2021
Candidates who finished their school/higher secondary education in a foreign country can also apply for NEET 2021 if they fulfil the eligibility criteria. They must have passed the Class XII equivalent in the respective region with Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Biotechnology (including practical examinations in these subjects) and English as a mandatory subject.
Highlights of NEET 2021 Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
| Minimum Age and Maximum Age | 17 Years as of 31 December 2021No upper limit for maximum age |
| Qualification | A Class XII pass (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English (mandatory) from a recognised institute |
| Minimum Marks required in Class XII | General/Unreserved – 50%PwD – 45%OBC/SC/ST – 40% |
| Number of Attempts | No Upper limit |
| Nationality | Citizens of IndiaNon-Residential IndiansOverseas Citizen of IndiaForeign Nationals |