Minimum 12th Percentage Required for NEET 2026 Eligibility

EOCL India
March 13, 2026

Every year, millions of students from India take part in NEET-UG, which is the only channel through which students can get a place in an undergraduate course for medical education in India. However, there are many students who will fill out the NEET 2026 online application form, and before starting this application, they must first answer the important question: What is the minimum 12th percentage required for NEET 2026 eligibility? If a student selects the wrong percentage, they may receive a rejection notice, causing them to lose one year of education. This guide will help clarify each requirement for NEET eligibility in India (by a determined number of categories), while also listing minimum overall percentage requirements, subject area requirements, and age limitations. Lastly, with this detailed guide, we present the reasons that many students are now selecting to pursue their medical education abroad (MBBS in Kazakhstan) and how they are choosing to do their MBBS in Russia because the number of Indian medical student entry places in India has increased too much.

What is the Minimum 12th Percentage Required for NEET 2026?

The minimum 12th marks that will be accepted by NTA for NEET 2026 will be set by NMC. It is important to remember that 12th-grade marks are calculated based on an aggregate of three subjects- Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB). Mathematics and all other subjects will NOT be considered when determining whether someone is eligible for NEET.

Your category determines the minimum PCB percent you must achieve, and whether or not you must pass each of your three subjects.

Category | Minimum % PCB to Qualify | Minimum % for each subject to Qualify | Qualifying Required?

General/EWS | 50% | Must pass | Required
OBC/SC/ST | 40% | Must pass | Required
PwD (General) | 45% | Must pass | Required
PwD (Reserved) | 40% | Must pass | Required

Important Note: If you have an overall percentage greater than 80%, but your overall PCB aggregate falls below the minimum required for your category, you will not be eligible for admission, regardless of any other reason. Your percentage will be checked on two different occasions… when you apply and again when you bring documents to verify eligibility during admission counselling.

NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria—Complete Overview

Candidates should have completed their higher secondary education (or its equivalent) from a Recognized Educational Institution that features Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects by June 2023. As per the latest notice from the NMC, candidates who have studied these subjects at an advanced level after secondary education are also eligible to sit for NEET UG 2026.

Candidates must have the following subjects at their Higher Secondary School to qualify for NEET 2026.

Physics—core subject.
Chemistry—core subject.
Biology—core subject or
Biotech as a second major.
English – core subject.
Mathematics—not required (but will not affect eligibility).

Minimum Age: To apply for the NEET, the candidate must be 17 years of age or older at the time of application, i.e., at least on/after 31 December of their year of application to NEET.
Maximum Age: No maximum age for NEET applicants has been established by the NMC in 2022, so there is no limit to the maximum age of applicants for NEET 2026, and any individuals who meet the academic and other required qualifications will be able to take the test.

There are no limits to the number of NEET UG tests that a candidate may take. Earlier limits were removed by the NMC in 2018.

In order to qualify to take the NEET test, candidates must be a citizen of India, a foreign citizen, or a person holding Overseas Citizenship of India or a Person of Indian Origin. This is especially important for students who wish to study medicine in Kazakhstan or in Russia and who need to pass the NEET prior to gaining admission to a foreign medical school.

How is the 12th PCB Percentage Calculated for NEET 2026?

Lots of students misinterpret their overall 12th-grade percentage and then cross-check it with eligibility due to NEET.

To find out your PCB percentage, take all of your scores in physics, chemistry & biology, put them together, and then divide this figure by the total possible for those subjects and multiply by 100.

For example, a general category student who scores 85 in physics, 78 in chemistry, and 82 in biology (all out of 100) would have a PCB aggregate of 81.67%. This is above the 50% NEET eligibility cutoff for 2026.

It is also important to know that this PCB percentage is not only a requirement for you to be able to appear for the NEET exam but is also a prerequisite for receiving a Medical Counselling Committee MBBS/BDS admission.

What Happens If You Score Below the Required 12th Percentage?

There is a critical piece of information that most students do not realize – The NTA does not state that you cannot register for the NEET exam if you do not meet the PCB threshold in the 2026 Information Bulletin.

So, although you will be able to sit for the NEET examination, you will be unable to receive a seat for your MBBS degree unless you have achieved the PCB percentage outlined in the information bulletin. Because of this, thousands of qualified students are now attempting to solidify their plans early to study MBBS abroad, and they are specifically focused on programs in countries such as MBBS in Kazakhstan and MBBS in Russia, where the number of available seats is considerably greater than in India, and the cost of tuition is much less than in many schools in India.

MBBS in Kazakhstan—The Smart Choice for NEET Aspirants in 2026

MBBS in Kazakhstan has become a popular choice among medical students from India. The universities in Kazakhstan are approved by the NMC, offer English-medium courses, provide globally recognized degrees, and the total cost of the MBBS program typically ranges between ₹17–25 lakhs. MBBS in Kazakhstan is an affordable option with good medical infrastructure and internationally accepted education standards, making it an attractive destination for Indian students pursuing a medical career.

Reasons Why MBBS in Kazakhstan is Popular Among Indian Students

NMC-approved Medical Universities Listed with WHO and Recognized Worldwide
English Courses: No Need for IELTS or TOEFL
Cost of Course: Rs. 17-25 Lakhs for a 6-year MBBS Course (Including Internship)
Living Costs are Low: Rs. 15,000-20,000/month.

Direct Admission for Indian Students Who Have Qualified NEET (No Separate Admission Test)

Eligibility Requirements for Indian Students to Study MBBS in Kazakhstan in 2026

Eligibility Parameter	Requirement
12th PCB Percentage (General)	Minimum 50%
12th PCB Percentage (SC/ST/OBC)	Minimum 40%
NEET Score	Mandatory (NMC Requirement)
Age Requirement	Minimum 17 years by Dec 31, 2026
English Proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL)	Not Required
Course Duration	5 years + 1 year internship (6 years total)

Top NMC-Recognized Medical Colleges in Kazakhstan

Al-Farabi Kazakh National University — A well-known university in Central Asia
Astana Medical University — Provides New Facilities and Access to a Comprehensive Clinical Environment
Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University — Long-Standing University with WHO Recognition
West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov State Medical University — Low Prices, High Quality

MBBS in Russia—World-Class Medical Education at Affordable Costs

Our experience shows that medical universities in Russia are frequently ranked as some of the best in the world. Russia’s universities provide outstanding value to Indian students who meet the eligibility requirements by charging between Rs. 20-35 lakh to study MBBS in Russia. NMC and WHO-recognized institutions provide high-quality education with a chance of obtaining an MBBS degree in India, and students who qualify for NEET can apply to MBBS programs without waiting for an opening in India.

Benefits of MBBS in Russia for Indian Students

The top medical universities in Russia are recognized by NMC, WHO, WFME, and ECFMG.
Tuition costs range from Rs. 2.5 lakh to Rs. 5 lakh per academic year, significantly less than the fees at Indian private universities.
The duration of the program is generally 6 years: 5 years academic and 1 year clinical internship.
Indian students who qualify for NEET can apply for admission directly without needing to provide proof of scholarship, capitation payments, or donations.
The NEET score will be valid for a period of 3 years for studying MBBS in Russia.
Most universities in Russia do not require either the IELTS or the TOEFL.
Eligibility Requirements for MBBS in Russia for Indian Students in 2026

Eligibility to study MBBS in Russia for Indian students is based on the following criteria

General 50% or 12th PCB
SC/ST/OBC 40% or 12th PCB

Minimum NEET Marks (General): 145 (NEET 2026)
Minimum NEET Marks (Reserved): 115 (NEET 2026)
Minimum Age 17 years old by Dec 31, 2026
Duration of Program: 6 years (5+1)
Licensing Exam for India NExT (Replacing FMGE)

NMC-Approved Top Medical Universities in Russia

Tver State Medical University is the most prestigious and oldest medical university in Russia.
Chechen State University is the best university in Russia. It is renowned for both its research capabilities and Clinical training; therefore, it is ranked as one of the best universities globally.
Kazan State Medical University has the highest NExT success rates in Russia and offers excellent pass percentages.
Voronezh State Medical University’s affordability and quality educational opportunities make it a popular choice for Indian students.
Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University Fee Structure offers exceptional academic programs in many different fields, including medicine.

Documents required for the MBBS program admission (Post-NEET) in Kazakhstan and Russia

Students applying for MBBS in Kazakhstan or MBBS in Russia must present their NEET documents dated 2026 as stated here:

NEET Score (2026)
Class 10 Transfer Certificate
Class 10 Marks
Class 12 Transfer Certificate
Class 12 Marks
Valid Passport (18 months)
Birth Certificate
Character Reference from School/College
Medical Certificate of Health
Passport-sized photos (last 6 months, 4 with white background)
Migration Certificate (if applicable)

Education Orbit Counseling & Link India

The team at EOCL India provides you with complete guidance from the beginning to the end of the entire application process, offering guidance on NEET Counselling, selecting a college or university, applying to that college or university, documentation, career path, and much more to help you find all the necessary information to make an informed choice regarding medical education.

Conclusion

The first and most important decision point for any student on their journey through the medical career is to know the minimum percentage score in 12th for NEET 2026 eligibility. For students from the General category, there is no escaping the minimum 50% requirement in PCB. The reserved category requires only 40%. It is also the minimum requirement to gain entry into a medical college in India (both government and private) and the only way to be eligible to pursue an MBBS degree at NMC-recognised universities in Kazakhstan and Russia.

The number of MBBS seats available for students at Indian government medical colleges is very low (limited), while the fees to study at Indian private medical colleges can be between 50 and 80 lakhs. Thus, many students from India are looking to study MBBS abroad

FAQs About 12 Percentage Required For Neet

What is the minimum 12th percentage required for NEET 2026?

The required minimum percentage in PCB subjects for general category students is 50%. OBC, SC and ST candidates require a minimum of 40% in PCB subjects. PwD candidates in the general category require a minimum of 45% in PCB subjects, while reserved category candidates require a minimum of 40% in PCB subjects. All of these percentage figures are based solely on the Physics, Chemistry, and Biology marks.

Is NEET mandatory for MBBS in Kazakhstan and Russia?

Yes. According to the NMC guidelines, you will be required to take NEET before you may receive your degree from any foreign medical school.

Can I apply for MBBS in Kazakhstan with 40% in 12th?

Yes, if your caste is SC/ST or OBC. If you are from a general category and you have only received a 50% in your PCB subjects, then it would not be possible to apply for MBBS. Additionally, in order for you to apply to medical universities, all applicants are required to have a valid NEET score according to NMC guidelines.

What is the NEET cutoff score for MBBS in Russia in 2026?

The minimum requirement for a general category applicant with a score on NEET in 2026 to receive an MBBS in Russia will be a total of 145 marks. The minimum requirement for a reserved category applicant with a score on NEET in 2026 to receive an MBBS in Russia is a total of 115 marks. Depending upon the university where you want to attend, you may find that some universities require a higher score due to the school’s expectations based on merit.

Is the 12th percentage calculated from all subjects or only PCB?

Only the marks you obtained in PCB-Physics, Chemistry, and Biology will be considered. Your overall percentage from all subjects in 12th grade, which would include Mathematics and other subjects, will not be considered for NEET eligibility.