The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is a highly competitive medical entrance examination conducted in India for students seeking admission to MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses at various government and private medical colleges across the country. To be eligible for the NEET exam, candidates must meet the following criteria:
1. Educational Qualification:
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- Candidates must have passed Class 12 or an equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects.
- The minimum qualifying marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology is 50% for General category candidates and 45% for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories.
- Candidates should have secured English as a compulsory subject in Class 12 or any other qualifying examination.
2. Age Limit:
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- Candidates must complete 17 years of age as on December 31 of the year of admission.
- There is an upper age limit of 25 years for candidates belonging to the General category and 30 years for candidates belonging to SC, ST, and OBC categories.
3. Nationality:
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- Candidates must be Indian citizens or Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) or Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs).
- Foreign nationals are also eligible to appear in NEET if they fulfill specific requirements related to academic qualifications, residency, and other eligibility criteria.
4. Number of Attempts:
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- Candidates can appear for NEET a maximum of three times.
- The restriction on the number of attempts does not apply to candidates belonging to SC, ST, and OBC categories, who can appear for the exam multiple times.
5. Reservation of Seats:
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- There is a reservation of seats in medical and dental colleges for candidates belonging to SC, ST, and OBC categories, as per the government’s reservation policy.
6. Other Eligibility Criteria:
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- Candidates must be medically fit and not suffering from any disability or disease that may hinder their ability to pursue medical education.
- Candidates should not have been convicted of any criminal offense.
It is essential for candidates to thoroughly check the eligibility criteria and requirements for NEET before applying for the exam. Meeting all the eligibility conditions ensures that candidates are qualified to participate in the examination and compete for admission to medical colleges in India.
