NEET UG 2026: Exam Dates, Syllabus, Pattern & Eligibility
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to conduct the NEET 2026 exam on the first Sunday of May 2026, likely May 3, 2026. Following previous years’ timelines, the official announcement of the exam date, along with the information bulletin and application form, is expected in the first week of February 2026. However, NTA may also release the NEET 2026 schedule as early as the fourth week of December 2025.
NEET 2026 serves as the gateway to undergraduate admissions in medical, dental, nursing, and allied health sciences across India — including Ayurveda, Homeopathy, and Veterinary Science programs. The exam will be conducted in the pen-and-paper (offline) mode, lasting three hours — typically from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (IST).
Most aspirants begin their NEET preparation around two years in advance, starting in Class 11, soon after completing their Class 10 Board exams. To support students in their preparation journey, this article provides a complete overview of NEET 2026 — including important dates, eligibility criteria, application process, exam pattern, syllabus, recommended books, and preparation strategies.
NEET UG 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Tentative Dates |
|---|---|
| NEET UG 2026 Notification Release | January 2026 |
| Application Form Availability | January 2026 (1st week) |
| Last Date to Submit Application | March 2026 (1st week) |
| Application Correction Window | March 2026 (2nd week) |
| Admit Card Release | April 2026 (3rd week) |
| NEET UG 2026 Exam Date | May 3, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Provisional Answer Key Release | May 2026 (3rd week) |
| Final Answer Key & Result Declaration | June 2026 (1st week) |
| NEET Counselling Starts | July 2026 |
Dates are tentative and subject to change as per NTA’s official notification.
Overview of NEET UG 2026
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Mode of Exam | Pen and Paper (Offline) |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Duration | 3 Hours 20 Minutes |
| Total Marks | 720 Marks |
| Subjects Covered | Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany & Zoology) |
| Total Questions | 200 (Students to attempt 180) |
| Languages Available | 13 Languages (including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Punjabi, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia, Assamese, Urdu) |
NEET UG 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, ensure that you meet the following eligibility conditions:
1. Nationality
Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and foreign nationals are eligible to apply.
2. Age Limit
Minimum Age: 17 years as of December 31, 2026.
Maximum Age: No upper age limit (as per the latest NMC guidelines).
3. Educational Qualification
Candidates must have completed 10 2 or equivalent from a recognized board.
Subjects required: Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as a core subject.
Minimum Marks Required:
General category: 50%
SC/ST/OBC: 40%
PwD: 45%
4. Number of Attempts
There is no restriction on the number of attempts.
NEET UG 2026 Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation.
Question Paper Structure
The NEET paper consists of four sections — Physics, Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology.
Each subject has two sections (A and B):
Section A: 35 questions (compulsory)
Section B: 15 questions (attempt any 10)
| Subject | Section A (35 Qs) | Section B (15 Qs) | Total Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 35 | 15 | 45 (Attempt 40) | 180 |
| Chemistry | 35 | 15 | 45 (Attempt 40) | 180 |
| Biology (Botany Zoology) | 70 | 30 | 90 (Attempt 100) | 360 |
| Total | — | — | 180 Questions | 720 Marks |
Marking Scheme
4 for each correct answer
-1 for each wrong answer
0 marks for unanswered questions
Tip: Always use an OMR sheet carefully, as mistakes in bubbling can cost valuable marks.
NEET UG 2026 Syllabus (NTA Prescribed)
The NEET syllabus is based on the NCERT Class 11 and 12 curriculum. Below is an overview:
Physics
Class 11 Topics:
Physical world & measurement
Motion in one and two dimensions
Laws of Motion
Work, Energy & Power
Gravitation
Thermodynamics
Oscillations & Waves
Class 12 Topics:
Current Electricity
Magnetic Effects of Current
Electromagnetic Induction
Optics
Dual Nature of Matter
Atoms & Nuclei
Semiconductor Electronics
Chemistry
Class 11 Topics:
Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry
Structure of Atom
Classification of Elements
Chemical Bonding
Thermodynamics
Equilibrium
Class 12 Topics:
Solid State
Solutions
Electrochemistry
Chemical Kinetics
Coordination Compounds
Organic Chemistry: Biomolecules, Polymers, Everyday Chemistry
Biology
Class 11 Topics:
Diversity of Living Organisms
Structural Organisation in Plants and Animals
Cell Structure and Function
Plant Physiology
Human Physiology
Class 12 Topics:
Reproduction
Genetics and Evolution
Biology and Human Welfare
Biotechnology
Ecology and Environment
Focus heavily on NCERT textbooks — 80–85% of NEET questions are directly from them.
NEET UG 2026 Application Form Process
Step-by-Step Guide:
Visit Official Website: https://neet.nta.nic.in/
Register Online: Enter basic details like name, date of birth, and contact information.
Fill Application Form: Provide academic details, exam center preferences, and category information.
Upload Documents:
Passport-size photo
Signature
Left-hand thumb impression
Category certificate (if applicable)
Pay Application Fee:
General: ₹1700
OBC/EWS: ₹1600
SC/ST/PwD: ₹1000
Foreign Nationals: ₹9500
Download Confirmation Page: Keep a printed copy for future reference.
Ensure all details are accurate. Any mismatch may lead to disqualification.
NEET UG 2026 Question Paper & Preparation Tips
Nature of Question Paper
All questions are objective-type with four options.
Questions test both concept clarity and application skills.
Difficulty level: Moderate to High.
Preparation Tips
Stick to NCERT First: It forms the foundation of 80% of the paper.
Make a Daily Timetable: Allocate 2 hours each for Physics and Chemistry, 3 hours for Biology.
Use PYQs (Previous Year Questions): Analyze trends from the last 10 years.
Mock Tests: Practice at least 2 full-length tests weekly from January 2026 onwards.
Revise Consistently: Use handwritten notes for last-minute review.
Stay Healthy: Proper sleep, hydration, and stress management are equally important.
NEET UG 2026 Exam Day Guidelines
Carry Admit Card, Photo ID, and Passport-size Photo.
Reach at least 1 hour before the exam starts.
Avoid electronic gadgets, calculators, or notes.
Dress code: Light clothes without pockets or badges; no jewelry or metallic items.
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NEET UG FAQs
Yes, the NEET 2026 exam is expected to be organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA) as the primary entrance test for undergraduate medical programs in India. Based on previous trends, NEET UG 2026 is likely to be held on the first Sunday of May, which falls on May 3, 2026 (tentatively). Currently, the official date has not been announced, but several reliable sources indicate that the NTA will publish detailed information in early 2026. Aspirants are advised to plan their preparation according to this expected schedule.
No, NEET 2026 is not expected to be conducted in two phases. The exam will continue to follow the traditional single-day, pen-and-paper (offline) format, with all candidates appearing on the same date, just like in previous years. So far, there has been no official announcement from the NTA or any credible source suggesting that NEET UG 2026 will be held in multiple phases or sessions. All current information confirms that it will remain a single national-level examination conducted across various centers in India on one day only. For the latest updates and official notifications, regularly check the NTA NEET official website.
There is no restriction on the number of times a candidate can attempt the NEET exam in 2026. Students are free to take the examination as many times as they wish until they achieve their desired score or qualify for admission to a medical college. The only essential condition is that candidates must fulfill the minimum eligibility requirements — specifically, they must have completed 17 years of age on or before December 31, 2026, to be eligible for the exam. The National Testing Agency (NTA) and the Medical Council of India (MCI) have confirmed that the earlier limitation, which allowed a maximum of three attempts for NEET, has been completely removed. This change aims to provide equal opportunities to all aspiring medical students, allowing them to improve their performance and secure admission into MBBS, BDS, or other medical and allied health science programs without the pressure of a limited number of tries. This flexibility benefits students who may need additional time to prepare or wish to enhance their scores for admission to top-tier medical institutions in India or abroad. Hence, candidates can now plan their preparation strategy more effectively, knowing that there is no upper limit on the number of NEET attempts.
NEET UG 2026 will be conducted in offline mode, following the traditional pen-and-paper format using OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) sheets. As of now, there has been no official notification from the National Testing Agency (NTA) or any credible source indicating a shift to an online or computer-based test (CBT) system. Therefore, candidates must prepare to take the examination at designated test centers across India, where they will be required to mark their answers manually on an OMR sheet using a black or blue ballpoint pen. In this mode, students will receive a printed question booklet containing multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and a separate OMR answer sheet with bubbles corresponding to each question number. To indicate their chosen answer, candidates must carefully fill in the appropriate bubble on the OMR sheet. Accuracy and neatness are crucial, as any stray marks or multiple entries can lead to errors in machine-based evaluation. This offline format is designed to maintain uniformity and fairness in the evaluation process across all exam centers. Moreover, it ensures accessibility for candidates from both urban and rural regions who may not have consistent access to computers or high-speed internet. Unless the NTA releases an official notice announcing any change, aspirants should assume that NEET UG 2026 will continue in the traditional OMR-based offline format.
To secure an MBBS seat through NEET 2026, you must score at least the minimum qualifying marks. However, in practice, significantly higher scores are needed—particularly for admission to government medical colleges. Minimum Qualifying Marks (Eligibility for Counseling/Admission) General (UR/EWS): 50th percentile — expected cut-off: 686–144 out of 720 OBC/SC/ST: 40th percentile — expected cut-off: 143–113 out of 720 Marks Required for Government MBBS Colleges General Category: Typically, a score above 600 out of 720 is required for admission to top government colleges. State government colleges may have slightly lower cut-offs depending on the state and your rank. OBC/SC/ST Categories: A score in the range of 520–580 out of 720 is generally needed for seats under the government quota. Note: The minimum percentile only makes you eligible for admission, but to actually get an MBBS seat—especially in a government medical college—you’ll need to aim for much higher marks than the qualifying cut-off. The exact marks vary yearly based on factors like exam difficulty, number of applicants, and available seats.
Yes, NEET 2026 will have a clearly defined minimum age requirement. Candidates must be at least 17 years old on or before December 31, 2026, to be eligible to appear for the examination. This means that only those who have completed or will complete 17 years of age by the end of 2026 can apply. There is, however, no upper age limit for NEET 2026, which means candidates of any age can participate, provided they fulfill the minimum educational and eligibility criteria set by the National Testing Agency (NTA). This rule is applicable to all categories, including General, OBC, SC, ST, and PwD candidates, ensuring equal opportunity for everyone who meets the minimum standards. In addition to the age criteria, candidates must have completed their Class 12 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects. Those appearing for their Class 12 exams in 2026 are also eligible to apply, provided they meet the age and subject requirements at the time of admission. The age eligibility is aimed at ensuring that students have reached a suitable level of academic maturity and readiness for medical education, as NEET serves as the gateway to MBBS, BDS, and other allied health courses across India.
The marking scheme for NEET 2026 is as follows: Each correct answer carries +4 marks. For each incorrect answer, 1 mark is deducted (-1). No marks are awarded or deducted for unanswered questions (0 marks). If a question has multiple responses marked, it is considered incorrect and gets -1 mark. The exam consists of 180 questions total, making the maximum score 720 marks. The subjects and marks distribution are: Physics: 45 questions, total 180 marks Chemistry: 45 questions, total 180 marks Biology (Botany + Zoology): 90 questions, total 360 marks Candidates must carefully mark answers using black or blue ballpoint pens on the OMR sheet, as changes after marking are not allowed.
The difficulty level of NEET 2026 is expected to range from moderate to tough, much like NEET 2025, which many aspirants found highly challenging. The exam is likely to include a balanced mix of easy, moderate, and difficult questions across all subjects. Biology is expected to remain the most scoring and relatively easier section, with most questions being fact-based and directly derived from NCERT textbooks. Chemistry is likely to have a moderate level of difficulty, offering a good balance between conceptual and factual questions. Physics is anticipated to be the most challenging section, featuring complex numerical and conceptual problems that will test candidates’ application skills. With increasing competition and greater focus on conceptual clarity, NEET 2026 is expected to be demanding. Aspirants should prepare for a test that values strong understanding and analytical ability rather than rote memorization, along with speed and accuracy.
NEET 2026 is expected to have a moderate to tough level of difficulty, similar to or slightly easier than NEET 2025, which was regarded as one of the most challenging exams in recent years. The paper will include a well-balanced mix of easy, moderate, and difficult questions across all subjects. Biology is likely to remain the most scoring and relatively easier section, with most questions based directly on the NCERT syllabus. Chemistry is expected to be of moderate difficulty, containing a mix of conceptual and factual questions. Physics is anticipated to be the most challenging section, featuring complex numerical and conceptual problems that require strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. With more than 22 lakh candidates expected to appear, the level of competition will be very high. Aspirants should therefore focus on improving both speed and accuracy along with a deep understanding of concepts. Overall, NEET 2026 will be demanding and will require comprehensive preparation and strong application skills to achieve a good rank.