NEET 2026 Qualifying Exam Code Explained: Codes 01 to 07

One of the most confusing parts of filling the NEET (UG) 2026 application form is selecting the correct qualifying exam code. NTA provides seven codes — from Code 01 to Code 07 — and each corresponds to a different educational qualification. Selecting the wrong code can lead to application rejection or problems during counseling.

This guide explains each code in detail so you can be confident you selected the right one.

What Is a Qualifying Exam Code?

The qualifying exam code tells NTA what type of Class 12 (or equivalent) qualification you hold or are currently pursuing. It determines your eligibility to appear for NEET and also affects document verification during the counseling process.

All 7 Qualifying Exam Codes Explained

Code 01: Class 12 Passed

This is the most common code. Select this if:

• You have already cleared your Class 12 (10+2) exams from CBSE, ICSE, or any recognized State Board
• You passed in 2024 or 2025 (you are a previous year pass-out)
• Your marksheet and passing certificate have been issued

Documents required:

• Class 12 marksheet
• Class 12 passing certificate
• Class 10 certificate (for date of birth verification)

Code 02: Appearing in Class 12

Select this code if:

• You are a current Class 12 student and your board exams are yet to happen or results are awaited
• You will be appearing for your Class 12 board exams in 2026

Documents required at the time of counseling:

• Class 12 marksheet (once results are declared)
• Class 12 passing certificate
• School identity card or bonafide certificate
• Class 10 certificate

Important: If you select Code 02, you must pass Class 12 with the required minimum marks before the counseling process begins. If you fail to pass, your NEET result will not be valid for admission.

Code 03: B.Sc. Degree Holders

This code is for candidates who hold a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree from a recognized Indian university. Some candidates who have completed B.Sc. attempt NEET for medical admission.

Documents required:

• B.Sc. degree certificate or provisional certificate
• B.Sc. marksheets (all years/semesters)
• Class 12 marksheet and certificate
• Class 10 certificate

Code 04: Indian National Diploma

This is a less commonly used code. It applies to candidates who hold a diploma recognized as equivalent to Class 12 for the purpose of NEET eligibility.

Documents required:

• Diploma certificate
• Equivalence certificate (if applicable)
• Class 10 certificate

Code 05: State Open School

If you completed your Class 12 through a State Open School (such as Rajasthan State Open School, MP State Open School, etc.), select Code 05.

Documents required:

• State Open School marksheet
• State Open School passing certificate
• Class 10 certificate
• Equivalence certificate from the respective State Board (if required)

Code 06: NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling)

Select this code if you passed or are appearing for Class 12 through NIOS. NIOS is a national-level open schooling board recognized by the Government of India.

Documents required:

• NIOS marksheet
• NIOS passing certificate (or admit card if appearing)
• Class 10 certificate
• Transfer certificate from previous school (if applicable)

Code 07: Others

This is a catch-all category for candidates whose qualifying examination does not fit into codes 01 through 06. This may include:

• Foreign board qualifications recognized as equivalent to Indian Class 12
• Any other qualification approved by the Medical Council / NMC

Documents required:

• Relevant qualification certificates
• Equivalence certificate issued by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) or the relevant authority
• Class 10 certificate

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Selecting the wrong qualifying exam code is more common than you think. Here are the most frequent mistakes:

• Selecting Code 01 instead of Code 02 — If you are currently in Class 12 and have not yet received your results, you must select Code 02 (Appearing), not Code 01 (Passed). Selecting 01 when you have not passed yet can cause your application to be flagged.
• Confusing NIOS with State Open School — NIOS (Code 06) and State Open School (Code 05) are different. Make sure you know which board issued your certificate.
• Not carrying equivalence certificates — If you are from a non-standard board or foreign qualification, you must obtain and carry an equivalence certificate. Without it, your admission may be challenged during counseling.
• B.Sc. candidates forgetting Class 12 documents — Even if you select Code 03, you will still need your Class 12 documents during verification.

How to Verify Your Selected Code

If you have already submitted your NEET 2026 application, you can verify your qualifying exam code by:

1. Logging into the NTA portal at neet.nta.nic.in
2. Viewing your submitted application form
3. Checking the “Qualifying Examination” section

If the correction window (March 12-14) has passed and you selected the wrong code, contact NTA support immediately at 011-40759000 or neet@nta.ac.in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: I am in Class 12 right now. Should I select Code 01 or Code 02? A: Select Code 02 (Appearing). Code 01 is only for candidates who have already passed and received their results.

Q: Can a B.Sc. student also select Code 01? A: If you also have a Class 12 qualification and prefer to use that, you can select Code 01. However, if your primary qualification is B.Sc., select Code 03.

Q: I passed Class 12 from NIOS in 2025. Which code should I use? A: Select Code 06 (NIOS). Since you have already passed, you can also verify if Code 01 applies, but Code 06 is the specific and recommended choice for NIOS candidates.

Q: What happens if I select the wrong code? A: If the correction window is still open, change it immediately. If it has closed, contact NTA. A wrong code may cause issues during document verification at the counseling stage.

Q: Is there any difference in eligibility based on the code selected? A: No. The qualifying exam code is for classification purposes. As long as your qualification meets NEET eligibility criteria (Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology in Class 12 with minimum required marks), you are eligible regardless of the code.

Choose your code carefully and keep all supporting documents ready for verification. Good luck with your NEET 2026 preparation.