Who Is Eligible for NEET Counselling 2026?
Before participating in the counselling process, candidates must understand the eligibility requirements prescribed by the respective counselling authorities. Qualifying NEET is one of the most important conditions, but eligibility is influenced by several additional factors, including counselling authority rules, domicile requirements, category provisions, and institutional policies.
Understanding these requirements in advance can prevent unnecessary confusion and help students avoid participating in counselling processes for which they may not be eligible.
NEET Qualification Requirement
Candidates must qualify the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) conducted for the relevant academic session to participate in medical admission counselling.
Only candidates who obtain the prescribed qualifying percentile are generally considered eligible for counselling and admission processes.
Qualifying NEET does not guarantee admission. It simply makes candidates eligible to participate in counselling, subject to the rules and seat availability applicable to different authorities.
Minimum Qualifying Percentile
The qualifying percentile may vary depending on the candidate's category.
Generally, qualifying criteria are prescribed separately for:
- General Category,
- OBC Category,
- SC Category,
- ST Category,
- EWS Category,
- PwD Category.
Candidates should always refer to official notifications to verify the latest qualifying criteria applicable for the admission year.
Eligibility for MCC Counselling
Candidates who qualify NEET may be eligible to participate in counselling conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), subject to applicable rules.
MCC counselling generally covers admissions to:
- 15% All India Quota seats in government medical colleges,
- Deemed Universities,
- Central Universities,
- AIIMS institutions,
- JIPMER institutions,
- Other participating institutions.
Candidates should carefully review MCC eligibility conditions before registration.