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Written by Mumtaj Khan
Sep 22, 2025

NEET Exam Age Limit: Minimum & Maximum Age Criteria Explained

Why NEET Age Limit Matters?

The NEET exam age limit is one of the most discussed topics among medical aspirants in India. Every year, lakhs of students prepare for NEET with the dream of becoming doctors. To ensure fairness and equal opportunity, the National Medical Commission (NMC) and National Testing Agency (NTA) have set clear eligibility criteria, including minimum and maximum age limits. Knowing the exact NEET exam age limit 2025 & NEET exam age limit 2026 helps aspirants plan their preparation without confusion.

NEET Minimum Age Limit

The minimum age limit for NEET exam is:

  • 17 years as of 31st December of the admission year.
    👉 Example: For NEET 2026, the candidate must be 17 years old on or before 31st December 2026.

This rule applies to all categories (General, OBC, SC, ST, PwD, and Female candidates).

NEET Maximum Age Limit

Currently, there is no upper age limit for appearing in NEET as per the latest NMC notification. Earlier, the maximum age was 25 years for General and 30 years for OBC/SC/ST, but it was removed after court decisions.

👉 Students above 30 or even 40 years can now apply. This also answers common queries like:

  • NEET exam age limit for 40 years – Yes, candidates can apply.
  • NEET exam age limit for female – Same as male, no separate rules.

NEET Age Relaxation for Categories

Earlier, the NEET exam allowed relaxation for reserved categories in maximum age. While there is no maximum age now, if the rules are changed in future, the expected relaxation is:

  • OBC – 3 years
  • SC/ST – 5 years
  • PwD – 5 years

👉 For now, NEET age limit for OBC is also open (no maximum cap).

Attempts Allowed in NEET Exam

There is no restriction on the number of attempts in NEET. Students can appear as many times as they wish, provided they meet the NEET eligibility marks in 12th and age criteria.

NEET Age Limit – Category-Wise Table

Category

Minimum Age

Maximum Age (Current Rule)

General17 yearsNo Upper Age Limit
OBC17 yearsNo Upper Age Limit
SC/ST17 yearsNo Upper Age Limit
PwD17 yearsNo Upper Age Limit
Female17 yearsNo Upper Age Limit

Key Points About NEET Age Eligibility

  • NEET exam age limit for MBBS admission is the same as NEET exam age limit.
  • NEET age limit for General category: Minimum 17 years, no maximum limit.
  • NEET exam age limit for female candidates: Same rules as male, no separate relaxation.
  • NEET exam age limit 40 years: Candidates can apply without restriction.
  • Foreign nationals/NRI candidates: Same age rules apply.

NEET Age Limit – Latest Update & Court Decisions

  • In 2017, NMC fixed a maximum age of 25 years (General) and 30 years (Reserved categories).
  • In 2022, Delhi High Court allowed students above 25/30 years to appear.
  • In 2023, NMC officially removed the maximum age limit.
    👉 Therefore, for NEET 2025 and NEET exam age limit 2026, there is no maximum age restriction.

NEET Exam Age Limit for Female

Many aspirants ask whether there is a separate NEET exam age limit for female candidates. The answer is No. Both male and female aspirants follow the same NEET age criteria.

NEET Exam Age Limit 40 Years

If you are 40 years old and planning to attempt NEET, you are eligible. There is no barrier for MBBS admissions abroad or in India based on upper age.

NEET Age Limit for OBC

For OBC candidates, the minimum age is 17 years. Earlier, they had a 3-year relaxation in maximum age, but since the rule has been removed, OBC candidates of any age can apply.

NEET Exam Age Limit for MBBS

The NEET age limit for MBBS admission is exactly the same as the NEET exam age limit. If you qualify NEET and meet the eligibility marks in 12th, you can take admission in MBBS in India or abroad.

NEET Age Limit for General

For General category students, the age criteria are:

  • Minimum – 17 years (as of 31st December of admission year)
  • Maximum – No upper limit

NEET Eligibility Marks in 12th

Along with the NEET exam age limit, aspirants must also meet the academic criteria:

  • General Category: 50% in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
  • OBC/SC/ST: 40% in PCB
  • PwD: 45% in PCB

Conclusion – Who is Eligible for NEET 2025?

  • Minimum age: 17 years
  • Maximum age: No upper limit (even 40+ years can apply)
  • Attempts: Unlimited
  • Marks in 12th: 50% General, 40% OBC/SC/ST, 45% PwD

👉 So, whether you are 17 or 40 years old, you can still apply for NEET 2025 and study MBBS in India or abroad.

Ensure Education Consultancy – Your Trusted MBBS Abroad Partner

If you are planning for MBBS abroad, Ensure Education Consultancy is here to guide you under the expert mentorship of Mumtaz Ma’am.

📌 YouTube Channel: Ensure Medical Education

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Frequently Asked Questions

The minimum age limit for NEET 2026 is 17 years as of 31st December 2025 for all categories.
Currently, there is no maximum age limit for NEET. Candidates even above 30 or 40 years can apply.
For OBC, the minimum age is 17 years. There is no upper age limit as per latest NMC guidelines.
The NEET exam age limit for female candidates is the same as male: minimum 17 years, no maximum age restriction.
Yes, a 40-year-old candidate can appear for NEET and apply for MBBS admission in India or abroad.
General: 50% in PCB OBC/SC/ST: 40% in PCB PwD: 45% in PCB
No, there is no restriction on the number of attempts in NEET exam.
Yes, NEET qualification is mandatory for MBBS admission abroad as per NMC rules.