Can PwD candidates also claim category reservation (SC/ST/OBC)?

Yes. PwD reservation is horizontal — it applies across all categories. An SC PwD candidate gets both SC and PwD benefits.

What if my disability is less than 40%?

You are not eligible for PwD reservation in NEET counselling. You will be considered under your general category (UR/OBC/SC/ST).

Is PwD certificate from any government doctor valid?

No. Only certificates issued by a government medical board (with at least 3 members) are valid for NEET counselling.

Can I get an MBBS seat with low marks under PwD quota?

Yes, PwD candidates have lower qualifying cutoffs and reserved seats. The actual rank needed depends on category and seat availability.

Can PwD candidates also claim category reservation (SC/ST/OBC)?

Yes. PwD reservation is horizontal — it applies across all categories. An SC PwD candidate gets both SC and PwD benefits.

What if my disability is less than 40%?

You are not eligible for PwD reservation in NEET counselling. You will be considered under your general category (UR/OBC/SC/ST).

Is PwD certificate from any government doctor valid?

No. Only certificates issued by a government medical board (with at least 3 members) are valid for NEET counselling.

Can I get an MBBS seat with low marks under PwD quota?

Yes, PwD candidates have lower qualifying cutoffs and reserved seats. The actual rank needed depends on category and seat availability.

PwD Category NEET Counselling 2026: Reservation, Benefits & Guide

The Persons with Disabilities (PwD) category provides reservation benefits to candidates with specified disabilities in NEET counselling. This comprehensive guide covers everything about PwD category NEET counselling 2026.

What Is PwD Category in NEET?

PwD (Persons with Disabilities) reservation was introduced under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. It provides 4% horizontal reservation across all categories in NEET counselling.

Eligible Disabilities

Disability Type	Benchmark
Locomotor disability	40% or more
Visual impairment	40% or more
Hearing impairment	40% or more
Multiple disabilities	40% or more
Specific learning disabilities	Certified by authorized board
Mental illness	Certified by psychiatrist
Autism spectrum disorder	Certified by authorized board

PwD Reservation in NEET Counselling 2026

Reservation Type	Percentage
Horizontal reservation across all categories	4%
Within General category	4% of General seats
Within OBC category	4% of OBC seats
Within SC category	4% of SC seats
Within ST category	4% of ST seats

NEET 2026 PwD Qualifying Criteria

Category	Qualifying Percentile for PwD
General PwD	45th percentile
OBC PwD	45th percentile
SC PwD	40th percentile
ST PwD	40th percentile
EWS PwD	45th percentile

How to Get Disability Certificate for NEET

Step 1: Visit a Recognized Medical Authority

Disability certificates must be issued by:

Civil Surgeon/District Medical Board
Government hospital medical board
Authorized medical college board

Step 2: Medical Examination

Submit application to the medical board
Undergo necessary medical tests
Disability assessment by specialist doctors
Board decision on disability percentage

Step 3: Obtain Certificate

Certificate issued on prescribed GOI format
Contains disability type and percentage
Signed by board members with official seal

Documents Required for PwD Certificate

Aadhaar card
Medical reports and history
Previous medical certificates (if any)
Photographs
Identity proof
Referral letter from doctor (if required)

PwD Certificate Validity for NEET Counselling

Certificate Type	Validity
Permanent disability	Lifetime
Temporary disability	As mentioned in certificate
For NEET counselling	Valid if issued before counselling deadline

PwD Benefits in NEET Counselling

1. Lower Qualifying Cutoff

PwD candidates need lower qualifying percentiles compared to general candidates.

2. Reserved Seats

4% of total MBBS/BDS seats are reserved for PwD candidates across all categories.

3. Scribe Facility

PwD candidates with specific disabilities can avail scribe facility during NEET exam.

4. Compensatory Time

Extra time provided during the exam (20 minutes per hour for certain disabilities).

Important Guidelines for PwD Candidates

**Disability type must be recognized** — Only disabilities covered under RPwD Act 2016 qualify
**Minimum 40% disability** — Required for PwD category benefits
**Certificate from authorized medical board** — Certificates from private doctors are not accepted
**Benchmark disabilities** — 40% and above qualify
**Self-declaration not valid** — Formal medical certificate is mandatory

PwD Reservation in Admission Process

Stage	PwD Accommodation
NEET 2026 exam	Scribe, extra time, large font paper
Counselling registration	Separate PwD category selection
Choice filling	PwD reservation seats visible
Seat allotment	Reserved seats allocated within category
College reporting	Original certificate verification

Common Mistakes to Avoid

**Incorrect disability certificate format** — Must be GOI format
**Disability below 40%** — Does not qualify for reservation
**Certificate from unauthorized board** — Only government medical board certificates accepted
**Not mentioning category correctly** — Must select PwD during NEET application
**Old certificates** — Check validity period

College Accommodations for PwD Students

Wheelchair accessible infrastructure
Reserved hostel rooms (ground floor)
Special examination arrangements
Assistive technology support
Reader/scribe facilities during exams