NEET-PG Eligibility 2026 — Complete Criteria

NEET-PG eligibility centres on three things: an NMC-recognised MBBS, completed compulsory rotating internship, and valid medical-council registration. No upper age limit. Unlimited attempts. Foreign medical graduates can appear only after clearing FMGE.

Last verified: 29 May 2026 against NBEMS NEET-PG Information Bulletin and NMC Regulations. natboard.edu.in · nmc.org.in

Quick Answer

NEET-PG 2026 eligibility: MBBS from an NMC-recognised college (Indian or foreign), completed (or about-to-complete) one year of compulsory rotating internship, and valid registration with a State Medical Council / NMC. There is no upper age limit and unlimited attempts. Foreign medical graduates must clear FMGE first.

Three-Pillar Eligibility

1. MBBS Qualification

From an NMC-recognised Indian medical college OR an NMC-recognised foreign medical institute (FMG holders need FMGE clearance first).

2. Internship Completion

Completed (or completing by the NBEMS cutoff date — typically 31 July or 15 August) one full year of compulsory rotating internship.

3. Medical-Council Registration

Provisional registration with a State Medical Council / NMC is sufficient at application; permanent registration is required for counselling and seat allotment.

Quick Eligibility Checklist

  • Indian citizen, OCI cardholder, or eligible foreign national
  • MBBS from an NMC-recognised institute
  • Completed (or completing by cutoff) one year compulsory rotating internship
  • Valid State Medical Council / NMC registration (provisional or permanent)
  • Valid government photo ID + email + mobile number for NBEMS portal
  • No upper age limit applies
  • No restriction on number of attempts

Foreign Medical Graduates — Sequence

StepRequirementConducting Body
1MBBS from NMC-recognised foreign instituteForeign university
2Obtain Eligibility Certificate from NMCNMC
3Clear FMGE (300 MCQs, pass 150/300)NBEMS
4Complete compulsory rotating internshipApproved Indian hospital
5Obtain permanent State Medical Council registrationState Medical Council
6Appear for NEET-PGNBEMS

Reservation policy: NEET-PG follows standard central-government reservation — SC (15%), ST (7.5%), OBC-NCL (27%), EWS (10%), PwD (5%). Reservation applies to the All India Quota (50%); state quota reservation follows respective state rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for NEET-PG 2026?
Indian citizens, OCI cardholders and foreign nationals with: (1) MBBS from an NMC-recognised Indian medical college OR an NMC-recognised foreign medical institute (FMG holders must have cleared FMGE first); (2) completed (or completing by the cutoff date specified by NBEMS) one year of compulsory rotating internship; (3) valid registration with a State Medical Council or NMC.
Is there an upper age limit for NEET-PG?
No. NEET-PG 2026 has no upper age limit. Candidates of any age can apply provided they meet the MBBS + internship + registration criteria. The Supreme Court struck down the previous age cap in 2018; NBEMS has not reinstated it since.
Can foreign medical graduates (FMG) appear for NEET-PG?
Yes, but only after clearing FMGE. The sequence for FMG holders is: (1) qualify FMGE (the licensure exam conducted by NBEMS for foreign MBBS holders); (2) obtain permanent registration with a State Medical Council; (3) complete compulsory rotating internship as per NMC rules; (4) only then become eligible for NEET-PG.
When does the internship need to be completed by?
Candidates must complete their compulsory rotating internship on or before the cutoff date specified in the NEET-PG Information Bulletin (typically 31 July or 15 August of the exam year). Internship-completion certificates must be uploaded at counselling.
How many attempts are allowed in NEET-PG?
Unlimited. There is no cap on the number of NEET-PG attempts. Candidates can re-appear as many times as needed, subject to eligibility being maintained each cycle.
Is a State Medical Council registration mandatory at the time of application?
Provisional registration is sufficient at the time of NEET-PG application. However, permanent registration is required for counselling and seat allotment. Foreign medical graduates need their post-FMGE permanent registration.
No age limit
Unlimited attempts
Sourced from NBEMS bulletin

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