The NEET 2026 exam will be organised by the National Testing Agency (NTA), most likely on the first Sunday of May 2026, which falls on May 3, 2026. As per previous trends, NTA is expected to release the official exam date, information bulletin, and application form in the first week of February 2026.
NEET 2026 will serve as the single entrance test for admission to undergraduate programs in medical, dental, nursing, Ayurveda, Homoeopathy, Veterinary Sciences, and other allied courses across India. The exam will be conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode, with a duration of three hours from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (IST).
Most students begin their NEET preparation two years before the exam, starting from Class 11. Along with studying the syllabus, it is equally important for aspirants to stay updated with details such as exam dates, eligibility, application process, exam pattern, syllabus, recommended books, and preparation strategies. This article covers everything students need to know about NEET 2026 to plan their journey effectively.
NEET 2026
The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2026 in May 2026. Being the largest medical entrance exam in India, NEET 2026 will be the gateway for admission into MBBS, BDS, B.V.Sc, and AYUSH courses in both government and private medical colleges across the country.
The exam will be held in offline mode (pen-and-paper) and will be available in 13 languages. It will consist of 180 multiple-choice questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Candidates will be awarded +4 marks for every correct answer, while 1 mark will be deducted for each wrong attempt. The NEET 2026 application form will be released on the official NTA website: exams.nta.ac.in/NEET.
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) will conduct counselling for 15% of All India Quota (AIQ) seats after the exam, while the remaining 85% state quota seats will be managed by the respective state authorities.
Also Check: JEE Main 2026
NEET 2026 Exam Overview
The table below provides the key highlights of NEET 2026, including the exam name, conducting body, mode, eligibility, marking scheme, and other important details.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Level | Undergraduate (UG) – National Level |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Exam Mode | Offline / Pen-and-Paper (PBT) |
| Courses Offered | MBBS, BDS, BSc Nursing, BAMS, BVSc & AH, BUMS |
| Application Fees | General – ₹1,700 OBC – ₹1,600 Reserved Category – ₹1,000 Foreign Nationals – ₹9,500 |
| Exam Duration & Timing | 3 Hours (2 PM to 5 PM IST) |
| Subjects & Total Marks | Physics – 180 Marks Chemistry – 180 Marks Biology – 360 Marks Total – 720 Marks |
| Total Questions | 180 |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for Correct Answer -1 for Incorrect Answer 0 for Unattempted |
| Exam Cities | 552 Cities in India 14 Cities Abroad |
| Exam Languages | 13 – English, Hindi, Bengali, Urdu, Assamese, Gujarati, Marathi, Odia, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam, Punjabi, Telugu |
| Accepting Colleges | 1,613 Colleges |
| Total Number of Seats | MBBS – 1,18,190 BDS – 27,868 BAMS – 52,720 BVSc & AH – 603 |
| Helpline Numbers | 011-69227700, 011-40759000 |
| Helpline Emails | neet@nta.ac.in, neet1@nta.ac.in |
| Official Website | www.neet.nta.nic.in |
Possible Changes in NEET 2026
NEET 2025 was conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode. The NEET Expert Committee has suggested some potential changes for NEET 2026. These may include introducing a computer-based test (CBT) mode, revising the exam syllabus and pattern, and other modifications. The Ministry of Education has asked the NTA to evaluate these recommendations and prepare an action plan for possible implementation in 2026.
Officials are analyzing data to assess whether NEET UG 2026 can be shifted to an online mode. The exam could also be conducted over multiple days or sessions, which would require a normalisation process to ensure fairness across different slots.
However, no official confirmation has been released yet. The final decision on any changes is likely to be announced along with the NEET 2026 official notification. At the same time, it is possible that the existing offline format and exam pattern will remain unchanged.
NEET 2026 Important Dates
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to announce the NEET 2026 schedule in the first week of February 2026. There is also a possibility that the exam dates may be released along with the application form and information bulletin. Below is the tentative schedule for NEET 2026:
| Events | Tentative Dates |
|---|---|
| NEET 2026 Application Form Release & Exam Date Announcement | First week of February 2026 |
| Application Form Last Date | First week of March 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | Third week of March 2026 |
| City Intimation Slip Release | Fourth week of April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | First week of May 2026 |
| NEET 2026 Exam | First Sunday of May 2026 (May 3, 2026) |
| Provisional Answer Key & Objection Submission | Fourth week of May 2026 |
| NEET 2026 Result & Final Answer Key | Second week of June 2026 |
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The NEET 2026 eligibility criteria are expected to be similar to last year. The following is a clear guide for candidates:
- Students must have passed or be appearing in the Class 12 Board exam (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as main subjects.
- Minimum marks required: General category candidates need at least 50% aggregate, while reserved category candidates should have 45% (General-PWD) and 40% (SC, ST, OBC, Reserved PWD).
- Candidates must be 17 years old at the time of admission or will turn 17 by December 31, 2026. The earliest allowed date of birth is December 31, 2009. There is no upper age limit.
- Indian Nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs) planning to study MBBS or BDS abroad must also qualify NTA NEET 2026.
NEET 2026 Application Form
The NEET 2026 application form is expected to be released online in the first week of February 2026 on the official website. Candidates must fill and submit the form online and pay the application fee digitally.
How to Apply for NEET 2026?
The following is a step-by-step guide to complete the NEET 2026 application process:
Step 1: Visit the official NEET 2026 website: neet.nta.nic.in (URL may change).
Step 2: Click on the NEET 2026 Registration link under the Latest News or Candidate Activity section.
Step 3: Carefully read the instructions and check the agreement box.
Step 4: Enter personal and contact details and create a secure password.
Step 5: Verify your details using the OTP sent to your mobile number and email.
Step 6: Registration credentials, including your application number and password, will be sent via email.
Step 7: Login using your credentials to complete the application form.
Step 8: Fill in all mandatory sections, including:
- Personal and educational details
- Medium of the question paper
- Exam city preferences
Step 9: Upload required documents: photograph, signature, thumb impression, category certificate, etc.
Step 10: Pay the application fee online via Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
NEET 2026 Application Fee
The application fee for NEET 2026 is likely to remain similar to last year.Candidates can check the application fee details for NEET 2026 in the table below:
| Category | Application Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| General/NRI | 1,700 |
| Gen-EWS, OBC-NCL | 1,600 |
| SC, ST, PWBD, Third Gender | 1,000 |
| Candidates Outside India | 9,500 |
NEET 2026 Admit Card
The NEET 2026 admit card (hall ticket) is a mandatory document that candidates must carry to the exam centre. It will be released online by NTA for registered candidates, tentatively in the first week of May 2026, a few days before the exam.
Before this, NTA will issue the NEET 2026 city intimation slip, which mentions the city where the exam centre is allocated.
The following are the steps to download NEET 2026 Admit Card:
- Visit the official NEET 2026 website: neet.nta.nic.in
- Click on the NEET 2026 Admit Card download link.
- Enter your Application Number and Password (or Date of Birth if available).
- Fill in the Security Pin.
- Download the NEET UG 2026 Admit Card.
- Take multiple printouts for future use.
- Paste photograph and left-hand thumb impression in the applicable fields (do not sign before entering the exam hall).
Candidates must save a soft copy and preserve the NEET 2026 admit card until the admission process is completed.
NEET 2026 Syllabus
The NEET 2026 syllabus is expected to remain the same as NEET 2025. The syllabus covers topics from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology based on the Class 11 and 12 NCERT curriculum.
The following is a subject-wise tentative syllabus for NEET 2026:
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| Physics | Physics & Measurement Kinematics Laws of Motion Work, Energy & Power Rotational Motion Gravitation Properties of Solids and Liquids Thermodynamics Kinetic Theory of Gases Oscillations and Waves Electrostatics Current Electricity Magnetic Effects of Current & Magnetism Electromagnetic Induction & Alternating Currents Electromagnetic Waves Optics Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation Atoms and Nuclei Electronic Devices Experimental Skills |
| Chemistry | Basic Concepts of Chemistry Structure of Atom Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure Chemical Thermodynamics Solutions Equilibrium Redox Reactions & Electrochemistry Chemical Kinetics Inorganic Chemistry: Classification of Elements Periodicity in Properties p-Block Elements d-Block Elements f-Block Elements Coordination Compounds Some Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry Hydrocarbons Organic Compounds containing Halogens Organic Compounds containing Oxygen Organic Compounds containing Nitrogen Purification and Characterisation of Organic Compounds Biomolecules Principles Related to Practical Chemistry Biotechnology and Its Applications |
| Biology | Diversity in the Living World Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants Cell Structure and Function Plant Physiology Human Physiology Reproduction Genetics and Evolution Biology and Human Welfare Ecology and Environment |
NEET Exam Pattern 2026
The NEET 2026 exam will be conducted as a paper-pencil-based test (PBT) with a total duration of 3 hours (180 minutes). The exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Biology is further divided into Botany and Zoology, with equal weightage for both sections.
Each question carries 4 marks, while 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer. The detailed NEET 2026 exam structure is given below:
| Subject | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 45 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 45 | 180 |
| Botany | 45 | 180 |
| Zoology | 45 | 180 |
| Total | 180 | 720 |
Last year, the NEET exam pattern was updated: 20 optional questions were removed, and the exam duration was reduced from 200 minutes to 180 minutes. The NEET 2026 exam is expected to follow the same structure as NEET 2025.
NEET 2026 Exam Centres
The NEET 2026 exam is expected to be conducted at over 5,000 centres across more than 550 cities in India and abroad. Last year, NEET was held in 552 cities in India and 14 international cities. While the number of Indian exam cities was slightly reduced, international centres remained the same. For 2026, it is expected that the total number of NEET exam cities will increase. The official list of exam centres will be announced by the NTA after the exam is conducted.
Candidates must choose three preferred exam cities while filling the application form. The NTA will allot the NEET 2026 exam centre based on candidates’ preferences and seat availability. The exam centre name and address will be printed on the NEET 2026 admit card. It is recommended that candidates visit their exam centre a day or two before the exam to avoid last-minute stress and ensure timely arrival on exam day.
NEET 2026 Answer Key
The NEET 2026 provisional answer key is expected to be released by the NTA in the fourth week of May 2026. Candidates will have 2–3 days to submit objections against any question or answer. The objection fee is INR 200 per question, which is non-refundable. After reviewing the objections, the NTA will release the final answer keys, which will be used to calculate the NEET 2026 results.
Top coaching institutes will also release unofficial NEET 2026 answer keys for each question paper set immediately after the exam. Candidates can use these to estimate their scores. NTA has provided rules in case of errors in questions or options:
- If more than one option is correct, four marks (+4) are awarded to candidates who select any correct option.
- If all options are correct, four marks (+4) are awarded to all candidates who attempted the question.
- If no option is correct or a question is dropped, all candidates are awarded four marks (+4), regardless of whether they attempted the question.
NEET 2026 Result
The NEET 2026 result is expected in the second week of June 2026. The NTA will release results in the form of a merit list and scorecard. Candidates must download their scorecards in PDF format from the official NEET website. Along with the result, NTA will also provide exam statistics, including the total number of applicants, exam takers, and qualifying candidates.
The following are the steps to check NEET 2026 result:
- Visit the official NEET 2026 website.
- Click on the NEET 2026 Result/Scorecard Download link.
- Enter your Application Number, Password, and Captcha.
- Download and save your scorecard in PDF format.
Candidates should keep the scorecard safe until the admission process is complete.
NEET 2026 Cut Off
The NEET 2026 cut off will be released by NTA along with the result. While the cutoff percentile usually remains the same, the cutoff scores can vary depending on factors like exam difficulty and the number of test-takers. Below is the NEET 2025 cutoff:
| Category | NEET 2025 Cutoff Percentile | NEET 2025 Cutoff Score |
|---|---|---|
| UR/EWS | 50th | 686–144 |
| OBC/SC/ST | 40th | 143–113 |
| UR/EWS-PwD | 45th | 143–127 |
| OBC/SC/ST-PwD | 40th | 126–113 |
NEET 2026 Counselling
The NEET 2026 counselling process will begin about a month after the results are declared. There are two types of counselling:
- All India Quota (AIQ) Counselling: It is conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for 15% of seats.
- State Quota Counselling: It is managed by the respective state counselling authorities or medical councils for 85% of seats.
Candidates must participate in the counselling process according to their quota eligibility to secure admission in MBBS/BDS courses across India.
NEET 2026 FAQs
Q.1. When will NEET 2026 be conducted?
Ans. NEET 2026 is likely to be held on May 3, 2026, in offline (pen-and-paper) mode across India and abroad.
Q.2. How can I apply for NEET 2026?
Ans. Candidates can apply online via the official NTA website, fill in personal and educational details, upload documents, and pay the application fee digitally.
Q.3. What is the NEET 2026 exam pattern?
Ans. The exam consists of 180 MCQs from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, with a total of 720 marks. Each correct answer earns 4 marks, and 1 mark is deducted for incorrect answers.
Q.4. When will the NEET 2026 results be announced?
Ans. The NEET 2026 result is expected in the second week of June 2026, along with the final answer key and cutoff details.
Q.5. What is the counselling process for NEET 2026?
Ans. All India Quota (15%) seats are allotted by MCC, while State Quota (85%) seats are managed by respective state authorities. Counselling begins about a month after results.
