NEET Attempt Limit - How Many Attempts in NEET?

NEET attempt limit is a common concern for many aspirants preparing for this highly competitive medical entrance exam. A lot of aspirants worry about how many attempts for NEET they have left. The good news is that there is no limit on the number of attempts for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).

The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the exam, has clearly confirmed that aspirants can attempt NEET multiple times as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. Keep reading to understand the number of attempts for NEET and tips for better exam preparation.

Check Out: PW NEET Books

Number of Attempts for NEET UG

As announced by NTA, there is no limit on the number of attempts for NEET UG. This means aspirants can appear for the exam as many times as they wish until they get a good score and meet the admission requirements.

With unlimited attempts, aspirants get a fair chance to improve every year by focusing on their NEET exam preparation, practicing more questions, and using the right NEET study material.

• To appear for NEET, aspirants must first meet the eligibility rules. Aspirants must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026 to sit for NEET 2026.

• There is no upper age limit, so even older aspirants can apply. They must also be appearing for or have passed their Class 12 exams with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology as main subjects.

• For the General/EWS category, a minimum of 50% marks is required in PCB subjects.

• For OBC, SC, and ST aspirants, the requirement is 40%, and for PwD aspirants, it is 45%. Indian nationals, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and foreign nationals are all eligible to apply for NEET UG.

With no restriction on the number of attempts for NEET, aspirants can take their time to prepare well, learn from each attempt, and work hard towards getting a better rank in the upcoming NEET 2026.

Check Out: NEET Previous Year Papers

How Many Attempts in NEET: Changes in Attempt Rules Over the Years

The rules about how many attempts in NEET are allowed have changed over the years, as explained here:

• In 2017, there was a limit of 3 attempts for NEET. Aspirants in the general category had to be below 25 years, and reserved category aspirants below 30 years, to appear for the exam.

• But from 2018 onwards, the NEET attempt limit was removed. Since then, there has been no restriction on the number of attempts.

• NEET was conducted without any attempt limit in 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.

• The same rule is expected to continue for NEET 2026. Aspirants can appear as many times as they want, as long as they meet the age and subject eligibility.

This removal of the NEET attempt limit has helped aspirants a lot in improving their overall NEET exam preparation without worrying about limited chances.

Check Out: NEET Question Banks

NEET Age Limit

To appear for NEET, aspirants must meet the minimum age rule. The minimum age limit for NEET is 17 years. This means an aspirant must be 17 years old on or before 31st December of the same year in which they want to take admission in MBBS or BDS courses. There is no upper age limit for NEET. 

Previously, there was a rule that general category aspirants should be below 25 years and reserved category aspirants below 30 years. But now, that rule has been removed. So, anyone who is 17 or older can appear for NEET, no matter how old they are. This gives aspirants more time and chances to prepare better using the right NEET exam preparation books, without the fear of missing their last chance.

Subject-Wise NEET Exam Preparation Tips

Preparing for NEET becomes easier when aspirants focus on each subject with a different approach. Here are some effective NEET exam preparation tips to help aspirants do better in each subject and manage time well.

• NEET Biology Preparation Tips (Botany + Zoology)

• Biology has the highest weightage, so spend more time on this subject daily.

• Read NCERT line by line because most questions are directly asked from it.

• Make short notes for each chapter. Write down facts, definitions, and important points.

• Practice diagrams regularly, as many questions are based on them.

• Try solving at least 50 MCQs daily from Biology, especially from important chapters.

• NEET Physics Preparation Tips

• Physics can feel tough because it includes formulas and calculations.

• Start with Class 11 basics, as they help build strong understanding.

• Make a list of important formulas and revise them daily.

• Solve numerical problems every day because this improves accuracy and speed.

• Use books that include solved previous years NEET Physics questions to practice better.

• NEET Chemistry Preparation Tips

• Divide Chemistry into Physical, Organic, and Inorganic parts.

• For Physical Chemistry, practice numerical problems like in Physics.

• For Inorganic Chemistry, focus on NCERT-based learning and revise facts regularly.

• For Organic Chemistry, understand reactions and mechanisms; do not just memorize.

• Make reaction charts or flashcards for quick revision.

Also Check, NEET Revision Books

NEET Exam Preparation Books

To prepare effectively for NEET, it is important for aspirants to use the right NEET exam preparation books. While NCERT textbooks for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are a must, aspirants also need additional books for solving more questions and understanding tough topics better. These books help in building strong concepts and give extra practice through solved and unsolved questions.

Many good NEET study material options are available that include chapter-wise questions, past year papers, and topic-wise practice. Find some books that cover previous years NEET questions and are useful for subject-wise practice here:

NEET Attempt Limit FAQs

Q.1. How many attempts for NEET?

Ans. There is no limit on the number of attempts for NEET. Aspirants can appear for the exam as many times as they want, as long as they meet the age and eligibility criteria.

Q.2. Is the NEET attempt limit different for each category?

Ans. No, the NEET attempt limit is the same for all categories. General, OBC, SC, and ST aspirants can all appear for NEET as many times as they want.

Q.3. Who decides the number of attempts for NEET?

Ans. The number of attempts for NEET is decided by the National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts the exam every year.

Q.4. Is NCERT enough or do I need extra NEET exam preparation books?

Ans. NCERT books are very important and must be read properly. But along with that, using extra NEET exam preparation books helps aspirants practice more questions and understand tough topics better. Good NEET study material can make revision faster and easier.