The rules regarding the number of attempts for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) have seen changes over the years, and it's absolutely critical for aspirants, especially repeaters, to refer to the most current official information bulletin released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for the specific year they intend to appear. Historically, there were periods where attempt limits were imposed on NEET. For instance, candidates were restricted to a certain number of attempts (e.g., three). However, this has been a subject of review and legal consideration. Current Status (General Trend - Must be Verified Each Year): In recent years, a significant development occurred when the National Medical Commission (NMC), the regulatory body for medical education in India, removed the upper age limit and the restriction on the number of attempts for NEET-UG candidates. This decision was aimed at providing more opportunities for students who wished to pursue a medical career, irrespective of their age or previous attempts, provided they met other eligibility criteria. Why This Matters for Repeaters: For students considering repeating NEET, this (if currently in effect) is a crucial piece of information. It means that, theoretically, as long as you meet the educational qualifications and any other specified criteria (like nationality, etc.), you can appear for NEET multiple times to improve your score. This provides flexibility and reduces the pressure associated with a limited number of chances. What You MUST Do:

1. Consult the Official NTA NEET Information Bulletin: This is paramount. Every year, before the NEET application process begins, the NTA releases a detailed Information Bulletin for that specific examination session. This document is the only authoritative source for rules regarding eligibility, including the number of attempts, age limits, educational qualifications, reservation policies, and more. You can usually find this on the official NTA website (nta.ac.in) or the specific NEET-UG portal for that year.
2. Check for Updates: Policies can change. Even if a rule was in place one year, it's not guaranteed to be the same the next. Always look for the latest circulars or notifications from NTA or NMC.
3. Understand "Eligibility" vs. "Strategy": Even if there are unlimited attempts, strategically, one must decide how many times it's practical or beneficial to repeat. Each repeat year has implications for time, finances, and emotional well-being.

Common Confusion Points:

• Past Rules: Aspirants sometimes get confused by outdated information found on unofficial websites or forums. Stick to official sources.
• Other Exams: Attempt limits might exist for other competitive exams (like JEE Advanced, which has stricter attempt limits). Do not confuse NEET rules with those of other exams.

Actionable Insight: Before planning a repeat attempt for NEET, your first and most critical step regarding eligibility is to download and meticulously read the latest Information Bulletin from the official NTA NEET website. Pay close attention to the sections on "Eligibility and Qualifications," specifically looking for any clauses related to the number of attempts or age limits. This will provide you with the accurate and binding information for that exam cycle. Do not rely on hearsay or old information.