As of 2025, the question of whether there is a limit on the number of attempts for AIIMS MBBS admissions is related to the eligibility criteria for NEET, as AIIMS no longer conducts its own entrance exam. Since 2019, the AIIMS MBBS admissions are conducted through NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test), and the number of attempts for AIIMS is now determined by NEET guidelines.
Key Points:
- AIIMS Admission via NEET:
Since 2019, AIIMS MBBS admissions are based on NEET scores, and there is no separate AIIMS entrance exam anymore. Therefore, candidates seeking admission to AIIMS institutions must appear for NEET. As a result, the NEET attempt limits now apply for AIIMS MBBS admission.
1. Number of Attempts for NEET (and therefore AIIMS):
The National Testing Agency (NTA), which conducts NEET, has set specific rules for the number of attempts a candidate can make to appear for the NEET exam.
A. Number of Attempts for NEET:
- No Upper Limit on Attempts: As of the latest guidelines (2025), there is no upper limit on the number of attempts for NEET. This means that you can appear for NEET multiple times until you meet the age eligibility requirements.
- Minimum Number of Attempts: There is no specific minimum number of attempts. Candidates are free to appear as many times as they want, provided they meet the age and educational eligibility criteria.
B. Age Limit for NEET:
While there is no limit on the number of attempts, age limits do apply. You must be at least 17 years old by 31st December of the year of admission and must be under 25 years of age (for general category candidates) or 30 years (for reserved categories) by 31st December of the admission year. Once you cross this age limit, you will no longer be eligible to apply for NEET (and by extension, AIIMS MBBS) even if you have not exhausted your number of attempts.
C. Educational Qualifications:
Candidates must also have completed their Class 12 education (or equivalent) with the required subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) and have scored the necessary marks in these subjects. If you have not cleared these educational qualifications, you may not be eligible to appear for NEET (and therefore AIIMS).
2. Important Points to Remember About Attempts and Eligibility:
Multiple Attempts: There is no restriction on the number of attempts you can make for NEET (and thus for AIIMS MBBS), as long as you meet the age and educational qualifications required.
Age Criteria:
- You must have completed 17 years of age by 31st December of the admission year.
- The upper age limit for general category candidates is 25 years, and for reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC), it is 30 years by 31st December of the admission year. Once you exceed the age limit, you are no longer eligible to apply for NEET (and AIIMS MBBS).
Attempt Strategy: Since there is no limit on the number of attempts, many candidates who do not qualify in their first attempt may choose to appear again. This allows time to improve their preparation, but they must remain mindful of the age limits.
Class 12 and NEET: Candidates must meet the Class 12 qualification criteria by the time of appearing for NEET. This ensures that the candidates are in a position to meet both the academic and medical education requirements.
3. Historical Context: AIIMS Pre-2019 (When AIIMS Conducted Its Own Exam)
Before 2019, AIIMS conducted its own entrance exam for MBBS admissions, and there were specific rules for the number of attempts:
AIIMS MBBS Exam: There was no strict limit on the number of attempts to appear for the AIIMS MBBS exam either. However, candidates had to meet the age requirements, and the upper age limit was 25 years (with a 5-year relaxation for reserved categories).
Since the AIIMS MBBS entrance exam has been merged with NEET from 2019 onward, the attempt rules for AIIMS admissions are now completely governed by NEET guidelines.
4. What Happens If You Exhaust Your Attempts or Exceed Age Limits?
If you exceed the age limit or decide to stop appearing for NEET, you will no longer be eligible for AIIMS MBBS admissions (since they are now based on NEET scores). However, there are a few options:
Postgraduate Studies: After completing an MBBS degree (if you are able to secure admission to a medical college), you can pursue MD or MS degrees through entrance exams like NEET-PG.
Other Pathways in Medical Field: There are many other career pathways in the medical field, including nursing, pharmacy, medical research, and public health, which do not necessarily require a medical degree from AIIMS or through NEET.
5. Conclusion:
Number of Attempts for AIIMS MBBS: There is no limit on the number of attempts you can make for NEET (and hence for AIIMS MBBS admissions). You can appear for the exam multiple times as long as you meet the age and educational requirements.
Age Limit: The minimum age requirement is 17 years by 31st December of the admission year, and the maximum age limit is 25 years for General category candidates and 30 years for Reserved category candidates by the same date.
Exceeding Age Limits: Once you exceed the maximum age limit, you will not be eligible to appear for NEET or AIIMS MBBS admissions, even if you haven't exhausted the number of attempts.
Thus, while there is no restriction on the number of attempts, candidates should be mindful of the age criteria and educational qualifications to remain eligible for the NEET-based AIIMS MBBS admissions.