Understanding NEET reservation: Key criteria and eligibility details

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the sole medical entrance examination for undergraduate (MBBS/BDS) and other allied medical courses in India. With intense competition, the reservation policy plays a crucial role in ensuring equitable access to medical education for students from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

This comprehensive guide explores the NEET reservation system, covering All India Quota (AIQ), State Quota, and special category reservations, along with the latest updates for 2025. We’ll break down eligibility criteria, required documents, and key statistics to help aspirants navigate the reservation process effectively. For more such NEET related updates, keep visiting futureMBBS website to stay ahead in the NEET competition.

Overview of NEET reservation system

NEET reservations are structured under two primary categories:

1. All India Quota (AIQ) – 15% of seats

2. State Quota – 85% of seats%

NEET reservation policy 2025- 15% AIQ

According to the NEET reservation policy 2025, the reservation under 15% All India Quota for categories are given below in the table:

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Initially, the NEET reservation system applied only to central universities, excluding state-run medical and dental colleges. However, the policy has since expanded, now allowing both state and central institutions to participate in reserved seat allocations. Now OBC and EWS candidates from anywhere in the country can participate under the AQI scheme.

Read: NEET exam pattern

Key admission parameters under NEET 2025

1. 15% All India Quota (AIQ):

   • Managed by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) on behalf of the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC).

   • Applies to government medical and dental colleges nationwide, except those in Jammu & Kashmir.

   • Open to OBC-NCL and EWS candidates from all states.

2. Remaining 85% seats:

   • Filled by state quotas and unreserved category candidates based on NEET merit.

This updated framework ensures broader accessibility while maintaining a balance between reserved and merit-based admissions.

Read: NEET attempt limit

NEET 2025 reservation breakdown (All India Quota - 15%)

Read: NEET exam date 2025 out by NTA

NEET EWS reservation criteria 2025

The 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) in NEET-UG was implemented in 2019 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. This quota applies to government medical college admissions.

Eligibility requirements:

• Annual family income must be below ₹8 lakh

• Must not own:

  • Agricultural land exceeding 5 acres

  • Residential property over 1000 sq. ft.

  • Plot area above:

    • 100 sq. yards (in municipal areas)

    • 200 sq. yards (non-municipal area)

Also read: Total marks in NEET

Medical institutes participating in NEET EWS reservation (2025)

The following categories of institutions participate in NEET admissions under the EWS quota:

• Central Universities/Institutes

• National Institutes

• State Government Medical Colleges

Notable colleges offering EWS quota seats:

1. Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi

2. University College of Medical Sciences, New Delhi

3. VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi

4. Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU, Varanasi

5. Medical College of RML Hospital, New Delhi

Important note: While these institutions reserve seats for EWS candidates, students from general/unreserved categories may also apply for admission to these colleges through regular merit-based seats

NEET Reservation policy for persons with disabilities (PwD)

Candidates with benchmark disabilities are eligible for a 5% horizontal reservation in NEET admissions, as per the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Required disability certificate issuing authorities

Applicants must submit a disability certificate from any of the following recognized medical boards:

• Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education & Research, Kolkata

• Madras Medical College, Chennai

• Grant Government Medical College, Mumbai

• Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

• Govt. Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh

• Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU, Varanasi

• SMS Medical College, Jaipur

• AIIMS, Nagpur, Maharashtra

• Goa Medical College, Goa

• Govt. Medical College, Agartala

• Vardhman Mahavir Medical College & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi

• All India Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mumbai (for locomotor disability only)

OBC reservation in NEET 2025

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) and NTA have announced the following guidelines for OBC-NCL reservation in NEET 2025:

Key provisions

• 27% reservation for OBC-Non Creamy Layer (NCL) candidates in MBBS/BDS admissions.

• Benefits approximately 2,700 OBC and 550 EWS candidates annually.

Important requirements

• Candidates must correctly fill their OBC-NCL category during NEET counselling.

• Valid OBC-NCL certificate (income < ₹8 lakh/year) must be submitted.

• Failure to provide documents will disqualify candidates from reservation benefits.

NEET reservation policy for 85% state quota seats

State governments administer their own reservation policies for 85% of MBBS/BDS seats in government colleges.

Key points

• Each state follows distinct reservation rules (may differ from central policies).

• Domicile requirements often apply for state quota eligibility.

• State counselling authorities oversee admissions (not MCC).

NEET reservation for deemed/central universities & ESIC Colleges

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) conducts counselling for:

• Deemed universities

• Central universities

• ESIC medical colleges

• AFMS institutions

Note:

• Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune follows separate admission rules set by the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.

Documents required to claim NEET 2025 reservation

Candidates applying under reserved categories must submit valid supporting documents to the NTA during the admission process. Failure to provide these documents will disqualify applicants from reservation benefits, though they may still compete under the unreserved category based on merit.

Approved nodal authorities for document verification

Key notes:

• Original certificates must be presented during counselling.

• Documents issued by unauthorized officials will be rejected.

• OBC-NCL/SC/ST candidates must ensure their certificates are recent and valid (typically issued within 6–12 month.

How to apply for NEET reserved seats

To claim reservation (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwD) in NEET 2025:

1. Check eligibility – Verify income/community/disability criteria for your category.

2. Get certificates – Obtain valid SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD certificates from authorized officials (e.g., District Magistrate for OBC-NCL, Medical Board for PwD).

3. Fill NEET form – Select the correct category and upload certificates.

4. Qualify NEET – Meet category-wise cutoffs (e.g., 40th percentile for SC/ST).

5. Counselling registration – Apply via MCC (for 15% AIQ) or state authorities (for 85% seats) and submit original documents.

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Conclusion

NEET 2025 follows a structured reservation policy to ensure equal opportunities for students from different categories. Candidates must carefully check their eligibility and prepare the required category certificates before counselling.