The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the NEET 2026 exam. NTA is expected to release the examination calendar for NEET 2026 in the upcoming months. The tentative date for the NEET UG 2026 exam is expected to be in the first week of May 2026, as per previous year trends. NEET is the gateway for students seeking admission to undergraduate medical, dental, nursing and various other courses across India. Learn more about exam patterns, syllabus, application form, and eligibility criteria in this blog article.
About NEET (UG)
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is an essential gateway for aspiring medical and dental professionals, serving as the sole national-level entrance examination for undergraduate programs in India. Annually conducted, NEET 2026 provides students with the opportunity to gain admission to prestigious courses such as MBBS, BDS, and various AYUSH disciplines, including BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, and BPT.
Previously known as the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT), NEET is organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), Government of India. The results are then provided to the Directorate General of Health Services and State Counselling Authorities for seat allocation.
NEET 2026 Exam
The NEET 2026 exam serves as a beacon of hope for students aspiring to pursue their dreams in the medical field, representing a pivotal step toward shaping a brighter career in healthcare. In NEET 2025, held in May, lakhs of students participated across multiple centres in India and abroad. This significant level of participation showcases the intense competition among students to secure a seat in medical and dental colleges.
The increasing number of aspirants, each year highlights the growing demand for medical education in India, indicating that the competition becomes tougher with each passing year. Hence, it is essential for aspiring students to prepare effectively and develop more strategic study plans to secure a spot.
NEET 2026 Exam: Latest Updates
The NEET 2026 exam is expected to be held in an offline format using pen and paper. The NEET 2026 syllabus covers subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology), aligned with the syllabus of classes 11 and 12. The exam is expected to be available in 13 languages: English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. Students can check the official updates on the NTA website. The National Medical Commission (NMC) and the Dental Council of India (DCI) will notify the latest seat availability for NEET 2026. The final number of seats will be updated officially before counselling begins.
Knowing the competition level and the number of students taking the NEET 2026 exam is crucial for aspirants, highlighting the need for thorough preparation and staying updated on any changes.
Additionally, Candidates must keep track the NTA official website ( https://neet.nta.nic.in/ )
Key Highlight on NEET 2026
- Tentative Exam Date: The NEET 2026 exam is expected to be conducted in the first week of May 2026 (tentative).
- Offline Mode: NEET 2026 will be conducted in offline mode, using pen and paper. There are currently no official plans to introduce an online format for the exam.
NEET 2026 Exam- Overview
| NEET ( UG ) 2026 Exam Overview | |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)- 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency ( NTA ) |
| Exam Level | National-Level Undergraduate (UG) Examination |
| Examination Mode | Offline Mode ( Pen & Paper Based Test ) |
| Exam Frequency | Once in a year (Expected: May 2026) |
| NEET UG Exam Date | First Week of May 2026 (Expected) |
| How many students appear for NEET | Expected: 25+ lakh |
| Seats Offered | Admission of MBBS, BDS and AYUSH seats under 15% All India Quota and 85% State quota (as per counselling rules) |
Total Seats Available & Distribution | – MBBS – Expected (as per latest update) – BDS – Expected (as per latest update) – AYUSH – Expected (as per latest update) – BVSc & AH – Expected |
| Courses Offerings | UG Programmes- MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other related Courses |
| Exam Medium / Language | Approximately 13 languages: English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu |
Exam Registration Fees | Registration fee for NEET 2026 will be updated in the official brochure (Expected: similar to previous year). |
| Official Website | https://neet.nta.nic.in/ |
NEET 2026 Exam Date
Knowing the NEET 2026 Exam Date is one of the most critical aspects for any aspirant for planning and preparation. NTA will release the full schedule, including key dates and application deadlines. However, it is expected that the NEET 2026 exam will be held in the first week of May 2026. Based on past trends, the tentative schedule can be projected as follows:
| NEET 2026 Release of Official Notification | January 2026 (Expected) |
| Start of Online Registration | January 2026 (Expected) |
| Last Date for Registration | February 2026 (Expected) |
| Correction Window Opens | March 2026 (Expected) |
| NEET 2026 Allocated Exam City Slip | April 2026 (Expected) |
| Release of Admit Card | April 2026 (Expected) |
| NEET 2026 Exam Date | First Week of May 2026 (Expected) |
| Declaration of Result | June 2026 (Expected) |
| Starting of Counselling | June 2026 (Expected) |
The tentative schedule above is based on yearly trends. The exact dates will be confirmed once the NTA publishes the official examination calendar. Additionally, Candidates should track the NTA official website ( https://neet.nta.nic.in/ ) for the latest updates on the NEET 2026 registration and related events.
NEET 2026 Exam Pattern
NTA has updated the NEET exam pattern in recent years. Aspirant candidates must be aware of the latest NEET 2026 exam pattern. Familiarizing yourself with the updated NEET UG 2026 exam pattern is essential for effective preparation.
Latest NEET 2026 Exam Pattern
- NEET UG 2026 is expected to have 180 compulsory questions (MCQs) with a single correct answer.
- The paper includes Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology) for a total of 720 marks.
- The total time duration for NEET UG 2026 is expected to be 180 minutes (3 hours).
- Marking scheme is expected to remain the same: +4 for correct answer and -1 for incorrect answer.
Key Highlights of NEET 2026 Exam Pattern
| Parameters | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)- 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency ( NTA ) |
| Examination Mode | Offline Mode ( Pen & Paper Based Test ) |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany and Zoology) |
| Total No. of Questions | 180 (All questions compulsory) |
| Total Marks | 720 Marks |
| Time Duration | 3 hours (180 Minutes) |
| Types of Question(s) | MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) |
| Marking Scheme | Each correct answer will award 4 marks. There will be a penalty of (-1) mark for each incorrect answer. Questions that are not attempted will not be marked. |
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
The first step is understanding the NEET (UG) 2026 eligibility criteria, which is crucial for all candidates. The National Testing Agency (NTA) releases the eligibility criteria for NEET 2026. Candidates must go through the Key Highlights of NEET 2026 eligibility criteria.
| Key Highlights of NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria | |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Candidates must have passed or appeared for the 12th (10+2) or equivalent examination with Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English as major disciplines from a recognized board. |
| Age | Minimum age: 17 years [ There is no upper age limit ] |
| Attempt Limits | No restrictions on the number of attempts |
Nationality | – Indian Nationals – Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) – Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) – Non-Resident Indians (NRI) – Foreign National candidates |
Qualifying Marks | – General category: 50% aggregate marks in the 12th or equivalent examination – OBC, SC, and ST categories: 45% aggregate marks – PWD category: 40% aggregate marks |
| Score Validity | One Academic Year |
| Important Note | The eligibility criteria may change slightly from year to year. It’s essential to refer to the official NEET 2026 information brochure for the most accurate and up-to-date eligibility requirements. |
NEET 2026 Syllabus : Revised
The updated NEET 2026 exam syllabus is vast, covering topics from NCERT Class 11 and 12 textbooks for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. According to the latest guidelines of the National Medical Commission (NMC), the NEET (UG) syllabus has been structured to prioritize NCERT, as most questions are derived directly from NCERT materials. Students should focus on important chapters, practice MCQs regularly and revise consistently to score well in NEET UG 2026.
| Physical World and Measurement Kinematics Laws of Motion Work, Energy, and Power System of Particles and Rotational Motion Gravitation Properties of Bulk Matter Thermodynamics Behaviour of Perfect Gas and Kinetic Theory Oscillations and Waves | Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry Structure of Atom Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure States of Matter: Gases and Liquids Thermodynamics Equilibrium Redox Reactions Hydrogen s-Block Element | Diversity in Living World Structural Organization in Animals and Plants Cell Structure and Function Plant Physiology Human Physiology | Diversity in Living World Structural Organization in Animals and Plants Cell Structure and Function Plant Physiology Human Physiology |
NEET 2026 Application Form
The NEET 2026 application forms are expected to be released online on the official NTA NEET website ( https://neet.nta.nic.in/ ). The registration for the NEET UG 2026 exam is expected to begin in January or February 2026. Candidates should follow the guidelines and fill out the NEET 2026 application form before the last date of submission. The application process includes entering personal details, educational qualifications, and uploading necessary documents such as photograph and signature.
NEET 2026 Registration Process
The NEET 2026 registration process involves easy steps to ensure candidates complete their application. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide
| Step-by-Step Guide of NEET 2026 Registration Process | ||
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Create a New User Account | – Visit the official NTA website (neet.nta.nic.in) – Click on the NEET 2026 application link – Fill in the required personal and educational details in the registration form |
| 2 | Login to Your Account | – Access the application form – Fill out the application form with required personal, educational and other details |
| 3 | Upload Documents | Candidates must upload scanned copies of their photograph, signature, and other necessary documents as specified by the NTA. Make sure the images meet the specified size and format requirements. |
4 | Payment of Application Fee | Candidates can pay the application fee online via credit/debit card, net banking, or e-wallets. The application fee varies based on the category of the candidate. Final NEET 2026 fee details will be updated in the information brochure. |
| 5 | Submit the Application Form | After filling in all the details and making the payment, candidates should review the form for accuracy and then submit it |
| 6 | Download Confirmation Page | Once the application is successfully submitted, candidates should download the confirmation page for their records. |
Documents Required for NEET UG Registration 2026
Before registration for the NEET UG 2026 exam, all applicants need to ensure they have the required documents, both in digital (soft copy) and physical (hard copy) formats. These documents will be necessary for verification of candidature, and you should upload them on the official portal.
- Signature
- Postcard size photograph
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Left and Right-hand Fingers and Thumb impression
- Address Proof (Present and Permanent Address)
- Class 10th and 12th Marksheet
- Class 10th and 12th Passing Certificate
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- PwBD Certificate (wherever required)
- Domicile Certificate
NEET 2026 Admit Card
The NEET 2026 admit card is essential for candidates and contains their details, including name, roll number, exam center, and timings. NTA will release the NEET 2026 admit card online for registered candidates a few weeks before the exam. Candidates must download and print the card, ensuring all information is correct. It’s mandatory to carry the admit card and a valid photo ID to the exam center, along with exam-day instructions included on the card.
NEET 2026 Preparation: Tips for Success
With all the essential information in mind, it’s time to focus on effective preparation strategies for NEET UG 2026. Here are some essential tips:
- Focus on NCERT Textbooks: For all three subjects, NCERT is the most important source. Study every line thoroughly, especially for Biology and Chemistry.
- Prioritize High-Weightage Topics: Identify topics that carry more marks and focus on mastering them.
- Regular Testing: Regularly taking NEET mock tests will help in assessing your preparation and improving time management.
- Balanced Approach: Allocate time across all three subjects evenly but prioritize Biology, which has the most questions.
- Minimize Negative Marking: Avoid guesswork in the exam to prevent negative marking. Focus on improving accuracy through practice.
- Join Online Discussion Forums: Engage in online discussion forums to interact with other NEET aspirants, share knowledge, and clarify doubts.
- Believe in Yourself: Have confidence in your abilities and believe that you can achieve your goal of cracking NEET.
Frequently Asked Questions on NEET 2026
NEET UG 2026 is expected to be conducted in offline mode (pen and paper based).
NCERT books are the foundation for NEET preparation, but you should also practice MCQs, mock tests and previous year papers for better score.
The courses offered are MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BSMS, and BUMS.
Candidates must have passed or appeared for the 12th (10+2) or equivalent examination with Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English as major subjects from a recognized board.
Candidates need to fill out the NEET application form online through the official NTA website https://neet.nta.nic.in/.
NEET UG 2026 is expected to be an offline exam with 180 compulsory MCQs, total 720 marks, 3 hours duration, +4 for correct and -1 for incorrect answer.
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1 comment
NEET 2025 aspirants will find this detailed breakdown of the exam pattern, syllabus, and eligibility criteria extremely helpful. Staying updated with the latest changes and preparing strategically with expert guidance can boost confidence. Thanks for sharing these valuable information.