NEET UG age limit 2026 at a glance
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 17 completed years on or before 31 December 2026 — born on or before 31 December 2009, same for every category |
| Upper age limit | None for NEET (UG) — NMC/UGMEB letters dated 09.03.2022 and 13.01.2026 |
| Exception | GGSIPU Delhi caps MBBS/BAMS/BHMS at 25 years as on 31 December 2026 (30 for SC/ST/OBC); state counselling authorities may set their own caps |
| Attempts | No cap on the number of attempts |
Source: NEET (UG) 2026 Information Bulletin (NTA) · NMC/UGMEB letters on upper age limit.
Why the crucial date matters more than your age today
Commissions do not measure your age when you fill the form or sit the paper. They measure it on one fixed day — the crucial date printed in the notification. A birthday two weeks after the crucial date belongs to the next cycle, not this one. And they count completed years: turning the limit age on the crucial date itself puts you out unless the notification states the limit is inclusive.
How to check your eligibility
- Enter the date of birth printed on your Class 10 / Matriculation certificate — that is the only document commissions accept.
- Keep the crucial date as shown (change it only if you are testing a different notification cycle).
- Pick your category so the relaxation is added to the upper limit correctly.
- Read the verdict, then confirm it against the official notification before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum age for NEET 2026?
17 completed years on or before 31 December 2026, i.e. born on or before 31 December 2009.
Is there an upper age limit for NEET 2026?
No national upper age limit for NEET (UG). Some institutions and state counselling authorities, such as GGSIPU Delhi (25 years, 30 for SC/ST/OBC), impose their own caps.
Is the age rule the same for OBC, SC/ST and PwBD?
The minimum of 17 years applies to every category; relaxations in NEET apply to marks and seats, not to age.
How many times can I attempt NEET?
There is no cap on the number of attempts for NEET (UG).
Which document proves my date of birth for NEET?
The Class 10 certificate is the most straightforward; a birth certificate, Aadhaar or passport are also accepted as age proof.
I turn 17 in January 2027 — can I appear for NEET 2026?
No. You must have completed 17 years on or before 31 December 2026.