NEET 2026 refers to the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate), a nationwide medical entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency.
This exam is mandatory for students seeking admission to undergraduate medical and allied health science courses in India.
Every year, close to 15 lakh aspirants appear for this highly competitive test, making it one of the toughest entrance examinations in the country.
The official NEET 2026 exam date is expected to be announced by the authorities by the end of the year. Based on previous trends, NEET 2026 is likely to be conducted on the first Sunday of May 2026.
The examination will be held in pen-and-paper mode, where candidates mark their responses on an OMR sheet.
Also Read: NEET 2026 Last Minute Preparation Tips by Experts and Toppers
NEET Overview: 2026
| Exam Name | National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) |
| Examination Conducting Body | National Testing Agency |
| Tentative Examination Date | May 2026 |
| Mode of Examination | Offline or Paper-Pencil-Based (PBT) |
| Duration of Examination and Timing | 3 Hours / 2 PM to 5 PM (IST) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a Year |
| Qualification Eligibility | 12th cleared with Physics, Chemistry and Biology |
| Minimum Age Requirement | 17 years |
| Language/Medium of Examination | 13 Languages which are: English, Hindi, Bengali, Urdu, Punjabi, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Kannada, Odia, Malayalam, Assamese and Telugu |
| Number of Questions | 180 (+4 for each correct answer, -1 for each wrong answer) |
| NEET Helpline Numbers | 011-69227700, 011-40759000 Email: neet@nta.ac.in, neet1@nta.ac.in |
| NEET Official Website | https://neet.nta.nic.in/ |
NEET 2026 Courses Offered Through NEET UG
NEET 2026 serves as the single entrance gateway for admission into multiple medical and healthcare programs. Through this examination, candidates can secure seats in the following courses:
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS).
- Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS).
- Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS).
- Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS).
- Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery (BSMS).
- Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry (BVSc & AH).
- B.Sc. (Hons) Nursing.
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT).
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT).
- Bachelor of Speech, Audiology, and Language Pathology.
- Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics.
NEET 2026: Important Dates
| Events | Dates (Tentative) |
| Release of NEET 2026 Application form and Exam Date Announcement | February 2026 |
| Last Date for filing the Application form and Fee Payment | March 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | April/May 2026 |
| NEET 2026 Exam Date | First Sunday of May 2026 or May 3, 2026 |
| Display of Provisional Answer Key and Objection Submission | June 2026 |
| Display of Final Answer Key and NEET 2026 Result | June 2026 |
| Counselling Process | June 2026 |
NEET 2026: Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for NEET 2026 is expected to remain the same as this year. Based on it, the tentative eligibility criteria for NEET 2026 is given below:
- The candidates should have passed or will be appearing for the Class 12 Board exam (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as main subjects.
- To be eligible:
- General category applicants should achieve a minimum of 50% aggregate marks,General-PwD applicants should achieve a minimum of 45%,
- Applicants belonging to SC, ST, OBC, and Reserved PwD should have a minimum of 40%.
- The candidates should be 17 years old or older as of December 31, 2026. There is no age limit to appear in the exam.
- Furthermore, Indian Nationals and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) interested in studying MBBS or BDS outside India need to pass NEET 2026, as organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Related Article: NEET 2026 Expected Paper Pattern Updates
NEET 2026 Application Process Step-by-Step
The NEET 2026 application process will be conducted entirely online. Candidates must complete the form carefully on the official website within the specified timeline.
Steps to apply for NEET 2026:
- Visit the official NEET website.
- Click on the NEET 2026 registration link.
- Read the instructions and accept the declaration.
- Enter basic personal and contact details.
- Verify details through OTP sent to registered email and mobile number.
- Receive application number and login credentials.
- Log in and complete the detailed application form.
- Upload scanned images of photograph, signature, and required certificates.
- Pay the application fee using online payment modes.
Candidates should verify every detail before final submission to avoid errors.
The application fee for NEET 2026 is expected to remain the same as 2025 and will vary according to different categories.
| Category | Application Fee |
| General | 1,700 INR |
| GEN-EWS, OBC-NCL | 1,600 INR |
| SC, ST, PWBD, Third Gender | 1,000 INR |
| Candidates Outside India | 9,500 INR |
NEET 2026: Admit Card
The NEET 2026 admit card will be released a few days before the examination date. This document is mandatory for entry into the examination center.
After downloading the admit card, candidates must verify personal details, exam center information, and exam-day instructions. Any discrepancy should be reported immediately to the authorities for correction.
NEET 2026: Exam Pattern
| Subject | Total Questions | Total Marks |
| Physics | 45 Questions | 180 Marks |
| Chemistry | 45 Questions | 180 Marks |
| Biology | 90 Questions | 360 Marks |
NEET 2026: Syllabus
Neet 2026 Physics Syllabus:
| 1. Physics and Measurement | 2. Kinematics |
| 3. Laws of Motion | 4. Work, Energy and Power |
| 5. Rotational Motion | 6. Gravitation |
| 7. Properties of Solids and Liquids | 8. Thermodynamics |
| 9. Kinetic Theory of Gases | 10. Oscillations and Waves |
| 11. Electrostatics | 12. Current Electricity |
| 13. Magnetic Effects of Current & Magnetism | 14. Electromagnetic Inductions & Alternating Currents |
| 15. Electromagnetic Waves | 16. Optics |
| 17. Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation | 18. Atoms and Nuclei |
| 19. Electronic Devices | 20. Experimental Skills |
Neet 2026 Chemistry Syllabus:
| 1. Basic Concepts of Chemistry | 2. Structure of Atom |
| 3. Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure | 4. Chemical Thermodynamics |
| 5. Solutions | 6. Equilibrium |
| 7. Redox Reactions and Electrochemistry | 8. Chemical Kinetics |
| 9. Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties | 10. p-Block Elements |
| 11. d- and f- Block Elements | 12. Coordination Compounds |
| 13. Purification and Characterisation of Organic Compounds | 14. Some Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry |
| 15. Hydrocarbons | 16. Organic Compounds Containing Halogens |
| 17. Organic Compounds Containing Oxygen | 18. Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen |
| 19. Biomolecules | 20. Principles Related to Practical Chemistry |
Neet 2026 Biology Syllabus:
| 1. Diversity in Living World | 2. Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants |
| 3. Cell Structure and Function | 4. Plant Physiology |
| 5. Human Physiology | 6. Reproduction |
| 7. Genetics and Evolution | 8. Biology and Human Welfare |
| 9. Biotechnology and Its Applications | 10. Ecology and Environment |
NEET 2026 Answer Key and Objection Process
The provisional NEET 2026 answer key is expected to be released in the fourth week of May 2026. Candidates will be allowed to challenge any question or answer within a limited objection window.
Each challenge requires a non-refundable fee of INR 200 per question. Subject experts will review all objections before releasing the final answer key. The final NEET 2026 result will be prepared strictly on the basis of this revised answer key.
NEET 2026 Result and Scorecard Download
The NEET 2026 result is likely to be declared in the second week of June 2026. Results will be published in the form of individual scorecards and an all-India merit list.
Steps to download the NEET 2026 scorecard:
- Visit the official NEET website: https://neet.nta.nic.in/
- Click on the result or scorecard download link.
- Enter application number, password, and security code.
- Download and save the scorecard for future reference.
Candidates should retain the scorecard until the admission process is completed.
NEET 2026 Previous Year Cut-Off Trends
NEET 2026 cut-offs will be released after the declaration of results. There are two types of cut-offs:
- Qualifying cut-off, which determines eligibility.
- Admission cut-off, which decides college allotment.
Cut-offs vary based on exam difficulty, number of candidates, seat availability, and overall performance trends.
| Category | Qualifying Criteria | NEET 2024: Cut-off |
| UR/EWS | 50 | 720-164 |
| OBC,SC,ST | 40 | 163-129 |
| UR/EWS and PH | 45 | 163-146 |
| OBC and PH | 45 | 145-129 |
| ST and PH | 45 | 141-129 |
NEET 2026 Counselling Process Explained
NEET 2026 counselling begins after result declaration. Seat allocation is based on rank, preferences, and availability. Counselling includes 15% All India Quota seats and 85% State Quota seats.
The counselling process consists of:
- Round 1.
- Round 2.
- Round 3.
- Stray Vacancy Round.
Candidates must register online, fill choices, and download the seat allotment letter. Those unsatisfied with Round 1 allotment may opt for upgradation in subsequent rounds.
NEET 2026 Preparation Strategy for Aspirants
Preparing for NEET 2026 requires disciplined planning, consistent revision, and conceptual clarity. Begin by understanding the syllabus, exam structure, and realistic score targets. NCERT textbooks should remain the primary study resource.
Physics preparation should focus on numerical practice and conceptual understanding. Chemistry demands strong fundamentals and regular revision of reactions and formulas. Biology requires repeated reading of NCERT, diagram practice, and concise handwritten notes.
Solving previous year question papers enhances accuracy, speed, and confidence. Regular mock tests help identify weak areas and improve exam temperament. Many aspirants also benefit from Neet Mentorship, which provides structured guidance and accountability.
Alongside structured study, following practical Neet Preparation Tips helps maintain consistency and reduce burnout. Being aware of Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for NEET 2026 prevents loss of valuable marks.
In the final phase, candidates should rely on NEET 2026 Last Minute Preparation Tips by Experts and Toppers to refine revision. Staying informed about NEET 2026 Expected Paper Pattern Updates and choosing the Best Books for NEET 2026 can further strengthen preparation.
A calm mindset, perseverance, and regular self-evaluation play a decisive role in success.
NEET 2026 FAQs
1. Is there negative marking in NEET 2026?
Yes. One mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.
2. What is the official website for NEET 2026?
The official website is neet.nta.nic.in.
3. What is the age limit for NEET 2026?
Candidates must be at least 17 years old. There is no upper age limit.
4. When will NEET 2026 registration begin?
The registration dates will be announced by the authorities, usually a few months before the exam.
5. When will the NEET 2026 exam be conducted?
The tentative timeline suggests May 2026.
6. What is the duration of the NEET 2026 exam?
The exam duration is three hours.
7. Will NEET 2026 be conducted online or offline?
The exam will be conducted in offline, pen-and-paper mode.