Rupali
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:   Is Re NEET UG 2026 postponed?
A: 

No, the RE NEET 2026 was not postponed. The exam was held as scheduled on June 21.

Q:   What are the languages in which NEET will be conducted?
A: 

NEET will be conducted in 13 languages. Till 2020, NEET was held in 11 languages. NTA increased the number of languages or medium to 13 from 2021 onwards. Malayalam and Punjabi are the latest additions. The list of languages are as follows:

  1. English
  2. Hindi
  3. Bengali
  4. Urdu
  5. Assamese
  6. Gujarati
  7. Marathi
  8. Odia
  9. Kannada
  10. Tamil
  11. Malayalam
  12. Punjabi
  13. Telugu.
Q:   If I opt to participate in second round of NEET UG counseling, will my allotted seat of first round be cancelled?
A: 

In case candidates are not allotted any seat in the second round of the NEET UG counselling, the earlier allotted seat in Round 1 will be retained. However, on up-gradation of a seat in the second round, the earlier allotted seat in Round 1 will automatically be cancelled and allotted to another candidate. Therefore, candidates are advised to fill in only higher choices or any other choice which they prefer over the earlier allotted seat, for second round.

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.

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 Physics, Chemistry, Biology/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:   After I join a college allotted during the Second Round of NEET UG Counseling, can I leave or resign the seat?
A: 

Once a candidate joins second round seat allotted in the NEET UG counselling, he/she will not be allowed to vacate from the allotted second round seat. However if candidates are allotted a seat in Second Round and have not joined the college, then he/she can Exit with Forfeiture of security amount. Moreover, the candidates who have joined up to round 2 of AIQ or state quota will not be eligible to participate in the further rounds of AIQ or state quota.

Q:   What is the number of NEET exam centres in 2026?
A: 

The NTA will announce the number of NEET exam centres 2026 in the result PDF. As per the last year’s data, the exam centres were around 5,453. The exam was conducted in 566 cities. 

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:   Which is the best time to study: late night or early in the morning?
A: 
Day 1.After a good nights sleep, youll likely havemore energyand a higher ability to concentrate the next day. 2.Society is structured around beingactive during the day and sleeping at night, so by sticking to this norm there are undeniable benefits such as being able to go to the library or book shop. 3.Most people are contactable during the day so itseasier to communicate with your friends or teachersduring the day if you have any questions. 4.Natural light is better for your eyes. Artificial light hurts our eyes and can affect our natural sleep rhythm. 4 Benefits of Studying at Night 1.People are more active, louder and intense during the day. At night its only you and the night owls so you canstudy in peace and quiet. 2.If youre lucky enough to live near a library thats open late, you will notice that thelibrary isnear desertedwhen you want to study late. 3.At night there arefewer distractionsthan during the day. Most of your friends are asleep and your social networks will be less active. 4.It is true that things look different by night. The night canincrease your creative efficacyand help you see concepts differently.

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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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Answered Yesterday

Here is the table below showing some of the top BSc Nursing college without NEET in Delhi NCR, along with their tuition fees.

Top CollegesTuition Fee
Amity University, GurugramINR 7.52 lakh
Sharda School of Nursing Science & ResearchINR 11.08 lakh
SGT University, GurgaonINR 13 lakh
Holy Family College of NursingINR 2.4 lakh
SVSU - Swami Vivekanand Subharti UniversityINR 9.95 lakh

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

In many cases, yes. Some sources say NEET is not compulsory for BPT in Karnataka. Many private colleges admit students on 12th marks. Government and counselling seats may follow a different process. Rules change every year, so read the latest notice before you apply.

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Not always. While NEET is common, several Karnataka colleges also accept KCET scores, and some even offer direct admission based on 12th marks. This is different from MBBS, where NEET is compulsory everywhere. So if you missed NEET or didn't score well, you still have other routes into a good nursin

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The Kerala NEET UG Counselling Round 3 was conducted from September 16 to September 26. The deadline for candidates to report and join their allotted college/seat was October 1.

S

Sneha Singh

Beginner-Level 4

Answered a week ago

Yes, NEET UG is compulsory for any MBBS admission in India, including Bhopal. There is no other entrance exam or backdoor route allowed legally. After NEET, admission happens either via AIIMS-specific counselling or MP state counselling. Management quota seats also require a valid NEET score first.

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Hi.

Yes. You can do many paramedical/allied-health courses in Chennai without NEET.

For Tamil Nadu, the Directorate of Medical Education and Research has a separate admission process for Allied and Healthcare (AHS) UG degree courses, distinct from MBBS/BDS admission. The 2026–27 admission notification

...Read more

h

heena agrawal

Scholar-Level 17

Answered a week ago

Students need to attain a rank of at least 1746 in the NEET exam if they belong to the General AI category. The AIIMS Bathinda NEET Cutoff 2026 is released in the form of ranks. Candiates can check the table below to know the maximum rank required for other categories. 

CategoryAIIMS Bathinda NEET Cutoff 2026
General1746
OBC2185
SC18819
ST28998
EWS2928
PwD118549

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Most B.Sc Nursing programmes in Uttar Pradesh do require a NEET UG score for admission. Some diploma-level or Post Basic Nursing programmes may accept students through separate state entrance tests instead. Private colleges sometimes have their own entrance criteria too. It's best to check each coll

...Read more

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Possibly yes, if your college accepts the separate MH B.Sc Nursing CET exam. Not every student needs to clear NEET to get a nursing seat in Maharashtra. Some private institutes rely purely on this state-level test. So a weak NEET score doesn't automatically close the door on nursing.

T

Tasbiya Khan

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 3 weeks ago

Admission to medical and dental courses (like MBBS and BDS) in India is strictly based on your NEET rank and score not on your 12th grade board exam marks.
When you qualify for NEET and attend the counseling process you must carry the following documents in original along with photocopies:
NEET Admit

...Read more

S

Swati Pandey

Contributor-Level 10