Are you an aspiring medical student who wants to attempt NEET this year? The good news is that you are starting a significant journey in your career.
Let us be real, ‘How many attempts for NEET?’ this is a constant question that hovers in NEET aspirants. In this blog, let us look into the attempt limits that NEET has and how to make your white coat dreams come true!
How Many Attempts for NEET?
NEET has no attempt limit. You heard it, right? There are no restrictions on the number of times that a student can write the NEET examination. In 2017, when NEET commenced, the attempt limit was three.
Now, students can appear for NEET as many times as they want, as long as they meet the age and eligibility criteria
NEET Attempt Limits Over the Years
Year | Attempt Limit | Remarks |
2013 | No limit | NEET introduced as a single entrance exam for MBBS/BDS admissions. |
2017 | Maximum 3 attempts | Candidates could attempt NEET only thrice in their lifetime. |
2018 | No attempt limit (Removed) | MCI removed the attempt limits on the NEET examination. |
Present | No limit | Candidates should meet the age and eligibility criteria. |
NEET Age Limit & Eligibility Criteria
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Remarks |
| General (UR/EWS) | 17 years (as of Dec 31 of the exam year) | 25 years | Upper age limit is under review by the Supreme Court; candidates above 25 can apply provisionally. |
| OBC/SC/ST/PwD | 17 years (as of Dec 31 of the exam year) | 30 years | 5-year age relaxation for reserved category candidates. |
Final Thoughts
Are you checking your official NTA notifications? NEET rules can change at any time. But, if you are reading this article in 2025, it is sure that you don’t have an attempt limit.
What are you waiting for? Apply for the NEET examination and start your exciting white coat journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there only 3 attempts for NEET?
No, the rule restricting NEET to three attempts was removed in 2018. Now, candidates can attempt NEET as many times as they want, provided they meet the age limit and other eligibility criteria.
2. Can I attempt the NEET exam 4th time?
Yes, you can! Since there is no restriction on the number of attempts, you can take NEET a 4th time, 5th time, or even more, as long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
3. Does NEET have 2 attempts in a year?
No, NEET is currently conducted once a year by the National Testing Agency (NTA). Unlike JEE (which has multiple attempts in a year), NEET is held only once annually, so candidates must prepare accordingly.
4. Can a 30-year-old apply for NEET?
- If you belong to the General category, the upper age limit for NEET is 25 years, so a 30-year-old may not be eligible.
- However, if you belong to the OBC, SC, ST, or PwD categories, there is a 5-year relaxation, allowing candidates up to 30 years old to apply.
- The Supreme Court is currently reviewing the upper age limit, and candidates above 25 years can still apply provisionally until a final decision is made.

