New Eligibility Rules for NEET UG 2026: Open Doors for PCM Students

The National Medical Council has revised the eligibility criteria for NEET UG 2026, allowing students from the PCM stream to enter the medical field by taking Biology as an additional subject. This significant change opens up opportunities for many aspiring doctors who previously felt limited by traditional requirements. The new rules also provide flexibility for students wishing to switch streams without repeating grades. Learn more about the age limits and score requirements that accompany these changes, making the dream of becoming a doctor more accessible than ever.

By Ambika Singh Feb 17, 2026, 10:48 IST

NEET UG 2026: A New Era for Medical Aspirants

NEET UG 2026: The traditional notion that only students who studied biology in their 12th grade can pursue a career in medicine has evolved. The National Medical Council (NMC) has introduced significant modifications to the eligibility criteria, now permitting students from the Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) stream to enter the medical profession. Students who have taken math can now opt for biology as an additional subject and sit for the medical entrance examination. This pivotal change has opened avenues for countless students aspiring to become doctors.

What are the New Changes?

In the past, biology was a mandatory core subject for both 11th and 12th grades to qualify for the medical entrance exam. However, the NMC has relaxed this requirement. Students who have completed their 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Math can now qualify for medical studies by passing Biology or Biotechnology as an additional subject from an accredited board.

How to Qualify for NEET?

To gain admission into medical courses, passing the NEET-UG exam is essential. Under the new guidelines, students who have successfully completed Biology as an additional subject after their 12th grade can take the NEET exam. A successful score allows them to enroll in MBBS and BDS programs at medical institutions in India and abroad.

Flexibility in Stream Change

This decision is a significant relief for students who, due to various pressures, opted for PCM after 10th grade. They can now pursue a medical career even after completing their 12th grade. Previously, switching streams necessitated repeating the entire 11th and 12th grades with Biology, which was time-consuming. Now, students can clear the path by taking just one additional subject exam, keeping both engineering and medical options viable.

Age Limit and Score Requirements

Certain fundamental criteria for medical admissions remain in place:

Minimum Age: Candidates must be at least 17 years old by December 31st of the admission year. The maximum age limit is currently unspecified.

Score Requirement: General category students need a minimum of 50% marks in PCB subjects in their 12th grade.

Reserved Category Exemptions: OBC, SC, and ST students require at least 40% marks, while those with disabilities need 45% marks.

If Biology is taken as an additional subject, its marks will also factor into the eligibility criteria.

This change has introduced greater flexibility into medical education, making the aspiration of becoming a doctor more attainable for a larger number of students.