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Essential Eligibility Criteria for NEET UG 2026: Marks Required and Exam Details

The NEET UG exam is a crucial step for students aspiring to enter medical fields like MBBS and BDS. This article outlines the eligibility criteria, including the necessary marks in the 12th-grade examination, and provides insights into the exam structure and participation statistics. With NEET UG 2026 approaching, understanding these requirements is essential for prospective candidates. Learn more about the passing criteria and how many candidates participated in the previous exam.
 
Essential Eligibility Criteria for NEET UG 2026: Marks Required and Exam Details

Overview of NEET UG Exam


NEET UG: The NEET UG examination is held annually for those seeking admission into medical undergraduate programs like MBBS and BDS. This assessment is organized by the National Testing Agency at various centers nationwide. Last year, the exam took place on May 4th, and it is anticipated that NEET UG 2026 will also occur in May 2026. Here, we will explore the necessary marks required in the 12th-grade examination for eligibility to take this exam.


Eligibility Criteria for NEET UG

Students who have completed their 12th grade with a focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are eligible to sit for the NEET UG exam. Candidates from the general category must achieve at least 50% in the PCB subjects during their 12th grade. For those belonging to OBC, SC, and ST categories, the minimum requirement is 40%. Additionally, general category candidates with disabilities need a minimum of 45% in the PCB stream, while reserved category students with disabilities must secure at least 40%.


Biology Requirement for Medical Aspirants

Can someone become a doctor without Biology?
To pursue MBBS, BDS, or AYUSH courses, students must have studied Biology in their 12th grade. It is essential to have completed Physics, Chemistry, and Biology to qualify for the NEET UG exam. For further details, candidates can refer to the official notification for NEET UG 2025.


Exam Structure and Passing Criteria

How many marks is the NEET UG exam worth, and what is the passing criteria?
The NEET UG exam format has eliminated optional questions from Section B. It comprises 180 multiple-choice questions, with 45 questions each from Physics and Chemistry, and 90 from Biology. The total score for the exam is 720 marks. The marking scheme remains unchanged: four marks are awarded for each correct answer, while one mark is deducted for each incorrect response. The passing percentage for the General category is 50%, whereas it is set at 40% for SC and ST categories.


Participation Statistics for NEET UG 2025

How many candidates participated in NEET UG 2025?
In NEET UG 2025, around 22.76 lakh candidates registered, with 22.09 lakh actually taking the exam. Out of these, 12.36 lakh candidates successfully passed. The minimum age requirement to appear for the exam is 17 years, and there is no upper age limit currently in place.