NEET UG 2025 Reservation Policy Explained
Introduction
The NEET UG 2025 reservation policy plays a vital role in ensuring equal & maximum opportunities for candidates from diverse backgrounds. Seats are allocated based on caste, category, and economic status in accordance with government regulations. Understanding the reservation structure is important for aspirants aiming to secure admission under the All India Quota (AIQ) or state quota seats.
Categories Covered Under Reservation
- Scheduled Castes (SC)
- Scheduled Tribes (ST)
- Other Backward Classes – Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL)
- Economically Weaker Section (EWS)
- Persons with Disability (PwD)
Each category has a fixed percentage of seats reserved in government medical and dental colleges.
All India Quota (AIQ) Reservation
| Category | Reservation % |
| SC | 15% |
| ST | 7.5% |
| OBC (NCL) | 27% |
| EWS | 10% |
| PwD | 5% (horizontal) |
The AIQ covers 15% of all government medical college seats across India, excluding those in Jammu & Kashmir.
State Quota Reservation
- 85% of seats are reserved for state domicile candidates.
- Each state sets its own reservation rules based on local policies.
- Categories such as SC, ST, OBC, and EWS are generally included.
- Some states also provide additional reservations, like regional quotas & for female candidates.
PwD Reservation in NEET UG 2025
- 5% seats are reserved across all categories for Persons with Disability.
- Candidates must have a benchmark disability as per the RPWD Act 2016.
- A valid PwD certificate issued by an authorized medical board is mandatory.
Importance of EWS Reservation
- Introduced in 2019, the EWS quota reserves 10% of seats for candidates from economically weaker sections of the general category.
- To qualify, the candidate’s annual income must be less than ₹8 lakh.
- They must not fall under SC, ST, or OBC categories.
Documents Required for Reservation Claims
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) issued by a competent authority.
- Domicile Certificate (for state quota seats).
- PwD Certificate (if applicable).
- Income Certificate for the EWS category.
Benefits of the Reservation Policy
- Guarantees that underrepresented groups are represented in medical education.
- Lowers social and financial barriers for underprivileged groups.
- Gives everyone in India equal access to high-quality medical education.
Common Issues Faced by Candidates
- Submitting invalid or outdated certificates.
- Confusion between the central and state reservation percentages.
- Not understanding the domicile requirements for state quota seats.
- Errors in filling category details during the application process.
Tips for Candidates Using the Reservation
- Cross-check eligibility for category benefits before applying.
- Obtain category certificates well in advance to avoid delays.
- Use the NTA correction window if any mistake is made in the category details.
- For the state quota, verify rules separately from the state counselling authorities.
Conclusion
The NEET UG 2025 reservation policy is designed to promote inclusivity and equal opportunity in medical education. By understanding the percentage allocation under AIQ and state quotas, aspirants can plan their counselling process more effectively. Accurate documentation and timely application are essential to claim benefits smoothly. With proper awareness of reservation policies, candidates from all backgrounds can move closer to achieving their dream of becoming medical professionals.