NIOS NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria, Age Limit, Minimum Qualifications
NIOS NEET 2026 Eligibility: NEET 2026 is a national level examination that is administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to students wishing to enroll in undergraduate medical programs like MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH programs in India. NEET is one of the most competitive exams as a huge number of students appear each year.
For students studying through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), understanding the NEET 2026 eligibility rules, age criteria and minimum qualification is very important. There has been ongoing confusion about whether NIOS students are eligible for NEET, as the guidelines set by the National Medical Commission (NMC) have changed over time.
Students should check the complete details about NIOS eligibility for NEET 2026, NMC clarification, application form process, subject requirements, and minimum marks below.
NIOS NEET 2026 Eligibility Overview
Students enrolled with the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) are eligible for NEET UG 2026, provided they meet the academic and age criteria set by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
NEET 2026 eligibility for NIOS students is aligned with regular school boards, allowing open school students an equal opportunity to apply for MBBS, BDS, and other undergraduate medical courses in India.
The Nation Medical Comission (NMC) has also clarified to support the eligibility of NIOS students for NEET 2026 so that the students of the open boards need not be sidelined due to the schooling mode. Students must still follow the standard requirements in terms of subjects, marks, and age.
Also Know: NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026, Age Limit, Qualification, No. of Attempts
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria For NIOS Students
According to the official NEET 2026 eligibility criteria released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and supported by the National Medical Commission (NMC), NIOS students are eligible for NEET 2026, as long as they meet the following conditions:
1. Academic Qualification
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Must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 or equivalent from a recognized board.
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NIOS is a recognized board, so its students are valid applicants.
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Must have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects.
2. Minimum Marks Required (PCB Aggregate)
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General Category: Minimum 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB).
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OBC/SC/ST Candidates: Minimum 40%.
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PwD Candidates (General Category): Minimum 45%.
3. Age Criteria
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Should be 17 years old on or before December 31, 2026 (i.e. born on or before December 31, 2009).
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There is no upper age limit for NEET 2026.
4. Number of Attempts
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Unlimited attempts are allowed, as long as the eligibility conditions are fulfilled.
5. Recognition of NIOS
It has been officially confirmed by the NMC (previously MCI) and NTA that NIOS students can apply to NEET UG 2026, following the ruling of the Supreme Court that permits open school candidates to take medical entrance exams in India.
Note: NIOS students intending to take up MBBS in India using NEET 2026 should make sure that their subject combinations, marks and exam pattern comply with the official requirement.For clarity, they should refer to the latest NMC updates and NEET eligibility brochure for clarity.
Also Know: NEET 2026 Registration, Dates (Expected), Step by Step Guide, Fees
NMC Clarification on NIOS NEET Eligibility 2026
NMC has clearly stated that NIOS students are eligible for NEET UG 2026, as per the updated Graduate Medical Education Regulations (GMER). This official clarification came in response to student concerns and RTI queries about whether open school students can appear for NEET.
According to the NMC, students who have completed their 10+2 from NIOS or any recognized open school, and have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology (or Biotechnology), and English, are allowed to apply for NEET 2026. This applies even if Biology was taken as an additional subject, as long as it was studied from a recognized study center.
This clarification ensures equal treatment for open school students, putting them on the same platform as regular board students for MBBS admissions in India.
Also Know: NEET Preparation Tips, Study Plan, Mistakes To Avoid
Can NIOS Students Apply For MBBS in India 2026?
Yes, NIOS students can apply for MBBS in India through NEET UG 2026, as long as they meet the academic and subject requirements. The latest rules under GMER 2023 and Supreme Court judgments support the eligibility of open school students for medical admissions.
This means NIOS students can apply for MBBS seats in India, provided they qualify NEET UG 2026 and meet the minimum eligibility marks. The focus is on subject knowledge and merit, not on the type of school board.
Also Know: NEET 5 Months Study Plan, Month Wise Preparation Tips
NIOS NEET 2026 Eligibility FAQs
Q1: Can PCM students give NEET 2026?
Ans: No, PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Math) students cannot give NEET unless they have also studied Biology or Biotechnology as an additional subject in Class 12.
Q2: Who is eligible for NEET exam 2026?
Ans: Any student who has passed or is appearing in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English from a recognized board is eligible for NEET 2026, including NIOS and open school students.
Q3: Is NIOS student eligible for NEET 2026?
Ans: Yes, NIOS students are eligible for NEET 2026 if they have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English from a recognized NIOS center, as per NMC NEET eligibility criteria.
Q4: Can NIOS students apply for MBBS through NEET 2026?
Ans: Yes, NIOS students can apply for MBBS in India through NEET UG 2026, provided they meet the subject and marks requirements outlined by the NMC and GMER 2023 guidelines.
Q5: Is open school valid for NEET 2026 admission?
Ans: Yes, open school boards like NIOS are valid for NEET 2026, as long as the candidate fulfills the official NEET 2026 eligibility criteria including required subjects and minimum marks.
