NEET 2026 Reservation Criteria: Category-Wise Seats, NTA Rules & Eligibility
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The National Eligibility cum cum Entrance Test (NEET) serves as a single window medical entrance exam in India for admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other medical courses. Every year lakhs of students appear for NEET to secure seats in top government and private medical colleges. For candidates planning to appear for the exam reservation criteria play a crucial role in the admissions process as they ensure fair and transparent access to medical education. Scroll through the article to know the complete details on the eligibility criteria for NEET.
What is NEET?
Candidates who dream of becoming doctors must qualify the NEET entrance exam. It is a national-level medical entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Qualifying NEET test is mandatory to get admission to undergraduate medical courses such as MBBS, BDS and other medical programs offered by government, private and other deemed universities in India. For NEET 2026, admission will be carried out through a centralised counselling under the All India Quota (AIQ) and State Quota Seats. Scores obtained in the NEET exam decide college allotment, while the reservation policy directly affects seat distribution, cut-off marks and counselling outcomes.
NEET 2026 Reservation Categories
The reservation system follows the policy described by the Government of India for admissions to undergraduate medical courses. Reservation is applicable to All India Quota seats and Central Institutes, while state quota medical colleges follow their own respective state policies. Candidates must have valid category certificates to claim reservation benefits. Check the table given below for category-wise reservation details.
NEET 2026 Reservation Criteria in Private Medical Colleges
There are different rules followed in the private colleges as compared to the government colleges. These colleges offer seats under various quotas and the applicability depends on the type of seat and authority conducting the counselling.
Reservation in Private Institutions
For state quota seats in private medical colleges, the reservation policy of the respective state government is applicable. This means categories such as SC, ST, OBC, EWS and others are considered as per state-specific rules. However, for management quota seat,s reservation is governed by the institutional norms of the concerned college or university. As a result, reservation benefits applicable in government colleges may not apply in the same way to private institutions.
NRI Reservation and Management Quota
Some Private and deemed universities may also offer NRI quota seats for Non Indian Residents. These seats are filled as per guidelines set by institutions, and they usually have a separate eligibility and fee structure. In addition, the management quota seats are available in many private colleges where admissions are based on NEET scores but are not considered under standard reservation norms. Candidates applying under these quotas should carefully check the rules of counselling and fee details as decided by the authorities.
Key Changes in NEET 2026 Reservation Policy
Candidates must not be surprised as there are no major changes in the NEET 2026 reservation policy compared to previous years as per the official NEET UG 2026 Information Bulletin. The percentages of reservation in different for various categories like SC, ST, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), EWS, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) but same and continue to apply to All India Quota (AIQ) seats and Central Institutions. The existing rules related to eligibility, category certificates and counselling procedures remain unchanged. However, candidates are advised to keep checking the official NTA website to stay updated in case the conducting body makes any last-minute changes.
How to Apply for Reservation in NEET 2026
Candidates who fall under a certain category must apply for the reservation under NEET 2026 and follow the prescribed process carefully by submitting valid documents during counselling. Any mistake or incorrect information may result in the rejection of reservation benefits.
- Candidates need to select the correct reservation category while filling applying for NEET application form
- Enter accurate details as mentioned in the category certificate
- Carry original reservation documents during the NEET counselling process
- Get all documents verified at the allotted counselling or reporting centre for securing a seat through NEET
Documents Required for Reservation Claim
To apply for reservation, a candidate must produce the following documents at the time of counselling
- Original Category or Caste certificate for ST/ SC / OBC / EWS
- OBC–NCL certificate valid for the current financial year (if applicable)
- PwD disability certificate issued by an authorised medical board (if applicable)
- NEET 2026 admit card and a valid government identity proof like an Aadhar card, PAN Card or any other.