Last updated · 20 April 2026
Key highlights at a glance
- Important Events
- Dates
- NEET 2026 notification by the NTA
- February 8, 2026
- NEET Exam 2026 application form date
- February 8, 2026 to March 11, 2026
- NEET 2026 application correction window
- March 12, 2026, to March 14, 2026 (11:50 PM)
- NEET 2026 Admit Card
- last week of April 2026,
- NEET 2026 Exam Date
- May 3, 2026
- NEET 2026 OMR sheet and answer key sheet
- first week of June 2026
- NEET 2026 result date
- June, 2026
NEET 2026: Don’t Miss Your Chance to Become a Doctor – Get Complete Updates, Dates & Strategy Now!
The NEET Exam 2026 is the gateway to pursue MBBS in India. The nationwide exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) is your chance to secure a seat in MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses across the country. Aspiring doctors and dentists of India, mark your calendars! The National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) is around the corner, and this year holds some crucial updates you must be aware of. Let’s break it down:
What is the NEET?
NEET is a single national entrance exam for admission to undergraduate medical (MBBS), dental (BDS), and AYUSH courses in government and private institutions across India. It’s also mandatory to pursue these qualifications abroad.
Updates Regarding NEET Exam Registration
NEET Exam registration forms have been released as of February 8, 2026. NTA releases the official notification for the NEET Application Form on the official website, i.e., exam.nta.ac.in. As per the latest notification, the last submission date for the application form is March 11, 2026.
There is no age limit for the NEET exam 2026, and there is also no limit to the number of attempts. Eligible candidates can assess the NEET Exam application form in 2026. The NTA released the syllabus for the exam, and the good thing is that the syllabus has been reduced from 97 chapters to 79 chapters
Also Check:
Speak with our admission counsellors for personalised guidance on fees, eligibility, and seat booking.
NEET Exam 2026 Dates
NEET Exam 2026 Highlights
NEET exam details are summarized in the table below. Candidates can complete every exam component.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
|
NEET Full Form |
National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test |
|
Exam Mode |
Offline |
|
Conducting Body |
NTA (National Testing Agency) |
|
Exam Level |
Undergraduate (UG) Exam for National Level |
|
Exam Frequency |
Once in a year |
|
Total Registration (2026) |
26 lakh (2.6 million) |
|
Courses offered through the NEET exam |
MBBS, BDS, BSc, Nursing, BAMS, BVSC, AH, etc. |
|
Exam Fees |
INR 1,700 for the General category INR 1,600 for OBC INR 1,000 for the Reserved category INR 950 for Foreign students |
|
Total Duration of the NEET exam |
3 hours, 20 minutes |
|
Total Number of Questions |
200 (180 to be attempted) |
|
Marking Scheme |
+4 each correct answer -1 each wrong answer |
|
Total Marks |
720 |
|
Language of Exam |
13 |
|
Total number of seats |
MBBS- 1,09,015
BDS- 27,868 BMS-52,720 BVSc & AH- 603 |
|
NTA NEET Helpline Number |
011-40759000 |
|
NEET Official Website |
www.neet.ntaonline.in |
NEET Exam 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Here’s a summary of the NEET eligibility criteria for 2026:
Educational Qualification:
- Must have completed (or appeared for) the 12th or equivalent exam.
- Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English are major subjects.
- Minimum 50% aggregate marks in physics, chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology for the general category.
- Minimum 40% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PWD category.
- Must have passed individually in all four subjects mentioned above.
Age:
- Candidates should be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2024.
- There is no upper age limit.
Nationality:
- Indian Nationals, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and international citizens are eligible.
Additional notes:
- It is now mandatory for all Indian citizens who want to pursue medicine abroad to qualify for NEET UG 2026.
- Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are now part of the 15% All India Quota scheme.
- A new section on ethics, integrity, and aptitude in medical practice has been introduced in the NEET 2024 exam.
NEET Exam 2026 Application Process
The NEET 2026 application process is currently open and will close on March 11, 2026. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply:
Step 1: Registration
- Visit the official NEET website: https://neet.nta.nic.in/ for the NEET registration date.
- Click on "New Registration" under the "Apply Online" link.
- Read the instructions carefully and select the checkbox.
- Click on the "Proceed" option.
- Fill out the registration form with your details, such as name, father's name, mother's name, date of birth, gender, nationality, category, etc.
- Click on "Preview and Submit.".
- Verify the details and click on "Next.".
- You will receive an application number and password for your registered mobile number and email ID.
Step 2: Application Form Filling
- Log in to the website using your application number and password.
- Fill out the application form with details such as your educational qualifications, exam medium, exam city preference, etc.
- Upload your photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
Step 3: Document Upload
- Upload scanned copies of your educational certificates, ID proof, category certificate (if applicable), and PwD certificate (if applicable).
- Make sure the documents are clear and legible.
Step 4: Fee Payment
- Pay the application fee online using a credit/debit card, net banking, Paytm, or UPI.
- The application fee varies depending on your category.
Step 5: Submit the Application Form
- Review your application form carefully before submitting it.
- Once submitted, you cannot make any changes to the form.
Important points to remember:
- The last date to submit the application form is March 9, 2024.
- The exam will be conducted on May 5, 2024, in 13 languages.
NEET Exam 2026 Syllabus
The National Medical Commission (NMC) released the official NEET syllabus 2026 on October 6, 2025. It covers three major subjects: physics, chemistry, and biology. To deepen your knowledge, download the NEET syllabus for 2026 .
Download Here: NEET Syllabus 2026
Key Points:
- No changes in syllabus for 2027: The announced syllabus for 2026 will remain valid for the 2027 exam as well.
- Focus on Class 11 & 12: Most topics are from CBSE Class 11 & 12 NCERT textbooks.
- Some deletions from Biology: Digestion and Absorption, along with other chapters, were removed from the Biology section.
- Total Marks & Questions: 180 marks and 50 questions each for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (45 questions to be attempted).
How to Prepare for the NEET Exam 2026?
NEET exam preparation should start well in advance since the competition is quite high. With approx. 26 lakh students for the NEET examination, we must ensure hard work and practice to crack the exam. Candidates can refer to the tips that are provided below so that they can get a good score.
- Applicants should carefully review the exam pattern and syllabus before preparing for the NEET exam.
- Make a study plan or strategy and write short notes for easy understanding.
- Solve & analyze the previous year’s question papers.
- Practice with NCERT book 11 or 12 in class, which is very important. Around 70-80% of questions are directly related to NCERT books.
- Maintain the proper balance between NEET practices and other activities.
- Do a lot of exercise with mock tests
- Students should need to invest the last two years in NEET preparation.
NEET Exam Pattern 2026
Exam Mode: Pen and Paper Based (Offline)
Duration: 3 hours, 20 minutes
Total Marks: 720
Number of Questions: 200 (Physics: 50, Chemistry: 50, Biology: 100)
Marking Scheme:
- Each correct answer carries 4 marks.
- There is a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect answer.
- No marks are deducted for unattempted questions.
Subject-wise distribution of questions:
| Subjects | Section A (35 Que) | Section B (Que) | Total (Attempted) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Physics |
35 |
10 attempts |
45 |
|
Chemistry |
35 |
10 attempts |
45 |
|
Biology |
35 |
10 attempts |
45 |
Important Points:
- The NEET exam is going to be held in 13 languages; the question papers will be in English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
- Candidates can choose the language of the question paper while filling out the application form.
- Calculators, log tables, electronic devices, and other similar materials are not allowed in the examination hall.
- Only black ballpoint pens are allowed for writing answers.
NEET Exam 2026 Admit Card
Expected Release Date: The NEET UG admit card is expected to be released in the first week of May, potentially around May 1st, 2026. This is based on the previous year’s predictions.
Official Website: Monitor the official NEET website, https://neet.nta.nic.in/ for the latest updates on the admit card release date. It will be announced there first.
Exam Date: Remember, the NEET 2026 exam itself is scheduled for May 3rd, 2026.
Downloading the Admit Card: Once released, you can download your admit card by following these steps:
- Visit the official NEET website.
- Look for the “NEET Admit Card” link, usually in the Latest News section.
- Log in using your registration Number and Date of Birth.
- Download and print a copy of your admissions card for future reference.
Important Note: The admit card is a crucial document for appearing in the NEET exam. It contains important information like your exam center, roll number, reporting time, and exam day guidelines. Make sure you download and print your admit card well in advance of the exam date.
NEET Exam Centre for 2026
NEET Exam 2026 centers will be located in 554 cities across India. Last year, the NEET exam was conducted in 499 cities in India and 14 international cities. There were more than 4,000 NEET exam locations in all. As expected, there are more NEET UG 2026 centers overall than there were the previous year to accommodate more candidates from more geographic areas. Along with the information brochure, NTA has released the list of cities or exam centers for NEET 2026.
NEET Exam 2026 Cutoff
The NEET Exam 2026 cutoff will be released along with the result. The table shows the NEET 2025 cutoff marks and percentiles for the last year.
| Category | NEET 2023 Cutoff Percentiles | NEET Cutoff Marks |
|---|---|---|
|
General/EWS |
50 |
686 – 144 |
|
OBC, SC, ST |
40 |
143 – 113 |
|
General/EWS/PH |
45 |
143 – 127 |
|
OBC, SC, ST & PH |
40 |
126 – 113 |
NEET 2026 Results
The NEET Results 2026 will be declared in June, 2026. The NEET UG result will be declared in online mode in the form of a scorecard. Candidates will have to download the scorecard in PDF format. The NEET 2026 result will carry the following details:
- Candidates Name
- Subjects wise marks
- Subjects wise percentile
- Total score
- All India Rank
NEET 2026 Counseling
The NEET UG counseling process is conducted by the Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) for 15% of All India Quota (AIQ) seats and by the respective state counseling bodies for the remaining 85% of state quota seats.
General Steps:
-
Registration
Register online on the MCC website (for AIQ seats) or the website of your state counseling body (for state quota seats).
-
Choice Filling
Fill in and lock in your choices of colleges and courses based on your preferences and eligibility.
-
Seat Allotment
Seats will be allotted based on your rank, choices filled, and seat availability.
-
Document Verification
Get your documents verified at the designated center.
-
Reporting to the College
Report to the allotted college with all the required documents to complete the admission process.
Important Dates (Tentative):
- NEET 2026 Exam Date: May 3, 2026
- NEET 2026 Result Declaration (Expected): June 2026
- NEET 2026 Counseling Registration (Expected): July 202
Courses offered Through NEET UG
NEET UG is the gateway to admission to multiple medical opportunities:
- MBBS
- BDS
- Ayurvedic Medicine
- Unani Medicine
- Homoeopathy Medicine
- BSc (Hons) Nursing
- Siddha Medicine
- Bachelors of Occupational Therapy
Conclusion
NEET Exam 2026 is a key step for students aspiring to enter the medical field. Conducted by the National Testing Agency, it requires strong conceptual understanding, consistent practice, and effective time management. With increasing competition, early preparation and regular revision play a vital role in achieving a good score. Staying updated with official notifications and completing the application process on time is equally important. NEET Exam 2026 is not only a test of knowledge but also of discipline and strategy. With proper guidance and dedication, students can successfully secure admission to a reputed medical college.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
01How many marks are required to crack the NEET exam?
To qualify NEET, you need to clear the cutoff set by the National Testing Agency, which varies every year.
- General category: approximately 130–150 marks (qualifying cutoff)
- For top government colleges: 600+ marks (safe score)
Higher marks improve your chances of getting a better college.
02Can 12th-grade students apply for the NEET exam?
Yes, appearing students can apply for the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET). He/she needs to submit the related documents to prove their eligibility at the time of NEET counseling.
03What are the minimum marks required in Class 12?
The minimum marks vary by category
- General (UR): 50%
- OBC, SC, ST: 40%
- PWD: 40%
04Can I apply if I'm still awaiting my Class 12 results?
Yes, you can apply provisionally if you’re appearing for your Class 12 exams in 2024.
05Is there an upper age limit for NEET?
No, there is no upper age limit for NEET.