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Rupali Pruthi
Deputy Manager - Editorial
Updated on Feb 10, 2026 18:08 IST
NEET qualifying exam code refers to the eligibility or education qualification level for the applicants of the exam, which has to be entered while filling the NEET application form. This article of Shiksha brings the list of qualifying exam code for NEET 2026- 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 and 07 and their eligibility

NEET qualifying exam code 2026 details are shared here for Codes 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06 and 07. Candidates need to know the qualifying exam codes before applying for NEET UG exam. The qualifying exam code for NEET 2026 refers to the eligibility or educational qualification level of the applicants. The code needs to be entered on the NEET 2026 application form. Check below what is qualifying exam and the list of NEET qualifying exam codes along with the eligibility details.

NEET Qualifying Exam Code 2026

Qualifying Exam Code for NEET 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has published the list of qualifying exam code for NEET 2026 in the information brochure. Candidates need to enter the NEET code while filling the application form. The NEET qualifying exam codes refer to the eligibility code that determines the applicant's educational qualification level. Candidates need to carefully mention their qualifying code for NEET 2026 while applying online. It is one of the mandatory fields in the NEET 2026 application form

The NTA has announced seven qualifying exam codes in the NEET notification 2026. We have shared below the list of NEET 2026 qualifying exam codes and their eligibility factors. Check the details to select the right exam code and also know what is qualifying exam in NEET 2026.

The NTA is carrying out the NEET 2026 application process from February 8 to March 8, 2026

Table of contents
  • Qualifying Exam Code for NEET 2026: Eligibility Criteria
  • NEET Qualifying Exam Code 2026: Where & How to Fill?
  • NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
  • What is NEET Qualifying Exam Code for Droppers?
  • What is Qualifying Exam in NEET?

Qualifying Exam Code for NEET 2026: Eligibility Criteria

The qualifying exam code makes the candidates aware about their NEET eligibility 2026. Have a look at the code-wise details of the qualifying exam below.

NEET Code 01

  • A candidate who is appearing for the qualifying examination in 2026
  • A candidate whose Class 12 Board exam result is awaited

Such candidates can appear for NEET but will not be eligible for admission to any of the courses unless they pass the qualifying examination with the requisite percentage. If he/she does not pass the qualifying examination with the required pass percentage at the time of the first round of NEET counselling, he/she will not be eligible to attend the counselling rounds.

NEET Code 02

  • A candidate who has cleared the Higher/Senior Secondary Examination or the Indian School Certificate Examination which is equivalent to the Class 12 Board exam, after a period of 12 years of study
  • The last two years of such study must comprise Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology (including practical tests in these subjects) and English

Candidates who have passed Class 12 from Open School or as private candidates have to fill this code. Candidates who have studied Biology/Biotechnology as an Additional Subject at Class 11 and Class 12 also have to fill this code. However, their candidature is provisional and subject to the outcome of Special Leave Petitions/Appeals filed by the Medical Council of India.

NEET Code 03

  • A candidate who is pursuing an Intermediate/Pre-degree Examination in Science from an Indian University/Board with Physics, Chemistry, Biology /Biotechnology
  • This Board exam or equivalent qualifying exam should include practical tests in these subjects and also English as a compulsory subject

NEET Code 04

  • A candidate who is pursuing a pre-professional/pre-medical Examination in Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English.
  • He/ she must have passed either the Higher Secondary Examination/ Pre-University/ equivalent examination.
  • This pre-professional/ pre-medical examination shall include practical tests in all three subjects and also English as a compulsory subject.

NEET Code 05

  • A candidate who is in the first year of a three-year degree course at a recognised University with Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Biotechnology including practical tests in these subjects.
  • He/ she must have passed the earlier qualifying examination (Class 12 or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/ Biotechnology and English.

NEET Code 06

  • A candidate who has completed a BSc from a recognised Indian University
  • He/ she must have passed the qualifying exam of BSc with not less than two of the following subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology/ Biotechnology
  • Such a candidate must also have passed the earlier qualifying examination (Class 12) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English

NEET Code 07

  • A candidate who has appeared for any other examination (with Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Biotechnology) which in scope/ standard is equivalent to the Intermediate Science Examination of an Indian University/ Board.
  • This examination must include practical tests in Physics, Chemistry and Biology/ Biotechnology. It must also include the English language.
  • This code is for foreign nationals or NRIs who want to appear for the exam.

NEET Qualifying Exam Code 2026: Where & How to Fill?

The qualifying exam code for the NEET 2026 exam has to be entered in the NEET application form, in the Qualification section comprising Class 10, Class 11 and Class 12 details. Candidates need to enter the NEET qualifying exam code under the Class 12 or equivalent Qualification details. Candidates need to ensure that they enter the correct code.

How to Fill Qualifying Exam Code on NEET 2026 Application Form?

Candidates can fill the NEET qualifying exam code on the online form using the process shared below- 

  • Visit the official website of NEET - www.neet.nta.nic.in.
  • Click on the Registration tab.
  • Enter the personal and contact details.
  • Create a password.
  • Validate with OTP.
  • Go back to the Homepage and click on Login tab
  • Enter the Application Number and Password.
  • Fill up the mandatory details.
  • Enter the exam code under qualification details.
  • Upload documents such as photograph, signature and thumb impressions and category certificates (if applicable).
  • Enter exam city choice and medium of NEET question paper.
  • Pay the application fee.
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Will there be NEET exam in 2026?
A: 

There will be NEET exam in 2026. The NEET UG exam will be held on May 3. The NTA has announced the dates and schedule for the exam. 

Q:   What is the procedure to challenge NEET OMR sheets?
A: 

The responses marked on the OMR Sheet of NEET are scanned and uploaded on the official website of NTA. The responses marked are read and captured by the machines, which can sometimes lead to smudging of the responses. Therefore, there can be errors in the scanned copy of NEET OMR sheet. If a student finds any such error in their OMR sheet, they have the provision to challenge them. Candidates have to pay a processing fee of INR 200 per response challenged. The steps for challenging the OMR sheet of NEET are given below:

  1. Go to the official website of NTA NEET
  2. Login using the NEET application number and password or date of birth
  3. Click on “OMR Challenge”
  4. You will see the questions in sequential order
  5. Select Question (s) for which you wish to challenge the Recorded Response.
  6. Once you select any Question for Challenge, you will see three options under the column ‘Candidate’s Claim’.
  7. If you wish to challenge this option, you may use the Options given in the ‘Candidate’s Claim’ column.
  8. After clicking your desired option, for Physics / Chemistry / Botany / Zoology for NEET (UG) - 2023, scroll down, ‘Submit’, and move to the next screen.
  9. You will see a screen displaying your challenges.
  10. Click on ‘Submit' and Pay Fee Finally’.
  11. Select Mode of Payment and Pay a processing fee of INR 200 for each question/grade challenged. Make payment through Debit/Credit Card/Net Banking/Paytm.
  12. After successful payment, download/print the Answer Key challenge receipt
Q:   Is APAAR ID mandatory for NEET 2026?
A: 

The APAAR ID is not mandatory for NEET UG 2026 exam. It is an optional documents required for NEET 2026 application form. However, having the APAAR ID makes it easier for applicants to apply for the exam.

NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Other than the exam code, candidates need to fulfill the NEET eligibility in terms of nationality, age limit and qualification. Have a look at the eligibility criteria below-

Nationality: Candidates must be citizens of India. Non-resident Indians (NRI), Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), Persons of India Origin (PIO) and foreign nationals are also eligible to appear for NEET if they wish to pursue MBBS or any other medical courses accepting NEET scores from an institute in India.

Age Limit: Candidates must have attained the age of 17 years at the time of admission or will attain the same by December 31, 2026, or the last date of the year. Accordingly, the minimum date of birth of candidates should be December 31, 2007. There is no upper age limit for NEET.

Educational and Qualifying Marks Criteria: Candidates must have passed PhysicsChemistryBiology/Biotechnology and English subjects individually in the qualifying examination. The qualifying aggregate for General, General-PWD and Reserved category candidates is 50 per cent, 45 per cent and 40 per cent, respectively.

Candidates who have completed their schooling from Open Schools are also considered eligible. 

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What is NEET Qualifying Exam Code for Droppers?

The official notification mentioned the code-wise eligibility for NEET aspirants. The qualifying exam code for appearing students, droppers, foriegn nationals and others is explained in detail. As per the notification, the NEET qualifying exam code for droppers is 02. For example, candidates who cleared the qualifying exam in 2020, but want to appear for NEET 2026, they can apply for the exam using NEET Code 02.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   <p>What are the exam day instructions for NEET 2026?</p>
A: 

The NTA publishes the exam day instructions on the NEET admit card 2026. Candidates need to follow the given instructions on the NEET exam day-

1.    The candidate must reach the Centre well in advance by 11:00 AM.

2.    No candidate shall be permitted to enter the Centre after the Gate Closing- Time (01:30 PM).

3.    No candidate shall be permitted to leave the Examination Room/Hall before the end of the examination

4.    Candidates are advised to verify the location of the examination venue, at least a day in advance so that they do not face any problem on the day of examination.

5.    Candidates are advised to bring the updated copy of their Aadhaar Card to the centre.

6.    Candidates will be permitted to carry only the following items with them into the examination venue:
a) A personal transparent water bottle.
b) Additional photograph same as uploaded on Application Form, to be pasted on Attendance Sheet.
c) Admit Card (to be issued separately) along with Self Declaration (Undertaking) with Postcard size photograph affixed on the designated space downloaded from the NTA website (a clear printout on A4 size paper) duly filled in
d) PwD Certificate and Scribe-related documents, if applicable.

7.    Candidates are NOT allowed to carry any personal belongings including electronic devices, mobile phones, and other banned/ prohibited items listed in the Information Bulletin to the Examination Centre. Examination Officials will not be responsible for the safe keep of personal belongings and there will be no facility at the centre to keep the belongings.

8.    All candidates shall be under CCTV surveillance during the examination.

9. Candidates have to bring updated Aadhaar Card to the centre

10. Test-takers have to paste postcard-size and passport-size photograph and left-hand thumb impression to the designated spaces provided on the NEET 2026 admit card

11. No bio-breaks will be allowed within first one hour after the beginning of the test and in the last half an hour. Frisking and biometric checking may be conducted again after returning from bio-breaks. 

12. Test-takers will not be allowed to leave the exam centre before the stipulated time period. 

Q:   Will candidates be provided with face masks at the NEET exam centres?
A: 

Till last year, candidates were provided N95 masks at the NEET exam centre which was mandatory to be used by candidates. They had to dispose of their own masks before entering the exam centre at the designated bin. However, since the intensity of Covid has reduced as compared to the last two years, this year candidates may not be provided masks at the centre. The information will be confirmed after the release of the NEET admit card. However, it is recommended that they wear face masks for the entire duration. This should be done to ensure their and other test-takers' safety.

Q:   What is NEET exam timing?
A: 

The NEET exam is conducted from 2.00 to 5.00 pm. Have a look at the NEET exam timing 2026 below-

EventsTiming
Exam Centre Entry Begins11.00 AM
Exam Centre Last Entry1.30 PM
Sitting on the Exam Hall1.15 PM
Announcement of Important Instructions1.15 PM to 1.30 PM
Distribution of NEET Test Booklet 1.45 PM
Writing of particulars on the NEET Test Booklet1.50 PM
NEET Exam Timing2 PM to 5 PM

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What is Qualifying Exam in NEET?

The qualifying exam is NEET UG exam refers to any one of the following-

  • Class 12 exam.
  • Higher/ Senior Secondary Examination.
  • Intermediate/ Pre-degree Examination.
  • Pre-professional/ Pre-medical Examination.
  • First year of the three-years’ degree course of a recognised University.
  • B.Sc. Examination of an Indian University.
  • Any other exam equivalent to Intermediate Science Examination of an Indian University/ Board.

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About the Author
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Rupali Pruthi
Deputy Manager - Editorial

With MA in English, Rupali has more than 15 years of editorial experience. At Shiksha.com, a subsidiary of Info Edge (India) Limited, she creates content and make prep guides for students preparing for competitive e

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