NEET 2026: Exam Dates, Eligibility, Syllabus & Exam Pattern

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) is India's single, unified medical entrance examination for undergraduate students. Conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the NEET exam is the mandatory gateway for securing admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH (BAMS, BUMS, BHMS), and select BSc Nursing and other allied medical courses across all government and private institutions in India, including the prestigious AIIMS and JIPMER.

Given its extensive syllabus covering Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, and with over 2 million candidates appearing each year, the NEET exam is one of the most competitive in the country. A high score is essential for admission, making a thorough understanding of the exam dates, eligibility criteria, application process, exam pattern, and syllabus the first critical step for every medical aspirant. This guide provides a detailed, one-stop resource for all information related to NEET 2026.

NEET UG 2026 Latest Updates

As of October 2025, the official notification for NEET (UG) 2026 has not been released by the NTA. The information provided below is based on the established annual schedule and is intended to help aspirants plan their academic year effectively.

• Official Information Brochure: The detailed brochure containing confirmed dates, the official syllabus, and admission rules is expected to be released in the first week of February 2026 on the official NTA NEET website.
• Registration Window: The online application process for NEET 2026 is expected to commence in the first week of February 2026 and will likely conclude in the first week of March 2026.
• NEET 2026 Exam Date: Following the consistent pattern, the NEET exam is tentatively scheduled for the first Sunday of May. The expected date is Sunday, May 3, 2026.
• Syllabus Updates: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has rationalized the syllabus for the NEET exam. Candidates are strictly advised to follow the latest updated syllabus available on the NMC website and not rely solely on older NCERT editions.

All dates and details are provisional and subject to change. Candidates must refer to the official NEET (UG) 2026 Information Brochure on neet.nta.nic.in for final, confirmed announcements.

NEET UG 2026 Highlights

NEET UG 2026 Exam Dates 

Aspirants must keep track of all important dates to avoid missing deadlines. The following table outlines the expected timeline for the NEET 2026 examination cycle.

NEET UG 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must ensure they fulfill all eligibility criteria as laid down by the NTA and NMC before applying. Failure to meet any criterion can lead to the cancellation of candidature at any stage.

Age Limit

• A candidate must have completed 17 years of age at the time of admission or will complete the age on or before December 31, 2026.
• There is no upper age limit for appearing in the NEET (UG) exam.

Also Check: Best Online Course for NEET Droppers

Nationality

• Indian Nationals
• Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
• Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs)
• Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)
• Foreign Nationals

Qualifying Examination & Subjects

• Candidates must have passed the 10+2 or an equivalent examination from a recognized central or state board.
• The core subjects in the qualifying examination must include Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English.
• Candidates who are appearing for their Class 12 or equivalent examination in 2026 are also eligible to apply for NEET 2026.

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Minimum Percentage Required in Class 12:

• General/EWS Category: A minimum of 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB).
• OBC/SC/ST Category: A minimum of 40% aggregate marks in PCB.
• Persons with Disabilities (PwD) Category: A minimum of 45% aggregate marks in PCB.

Number of Attempts:

• There is no restriction on the number of times a candidate can attempt the NEET exam, as long as they fulfill all other eligibility conditions.

NEET UG 2026 Registration and Application Process

The NEET 2026 application process is conducted entirely online. Candidates must fill out the form with utmost care.

Documents Required for Registration:

• Recent passport-size photograph (with white background).
• Postcard-size photograph.
• Scanned copy of the candidate’s signature.
• Scanned copy of the left and right-hand fingers and thumb impressions.
• Valid government-issued Photo ID proof (Aadhaar Card, Passport, etc.).
• Class 10 Pass Certificate.
• Category Certificate (if applicable, e.g., SC/ST/OBC/EWS).
• PwD Certificate (if applicable).

Step-by-Step Guide to Fill the NEET UG 2026 Application Form:

1. Online Registration: Visit the official website neet.nta.nic.in and click on “New Candidate Registration”. Provide your basic details like name, mobile number, and email address to generate an application number and password.
2. Fill the Application Form: Log in using the generated credentials and fill in all required details, including personal information, academic qualifications (Class 10, 11 & 12 details), and choice of exam cities.
3. Upload Scanned Documents: Upload clear, scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other required documents as per the specifications (format and size) mentioned in the brochure.
4. Pay the Application Fee: Pay the registration fee online via Net Banking, Credit Card, Debit Card, or UPI. The fee varies by category and is non-refundable.
5. Print the Confirmation Page: After successful payment, a confirmation page will be generated. Download, save, and print multiple copies of this page for future reference.

NEET UG 2026 Exam Pattern

The NEET exam pattern defines the structure of the question paper, including the number of questions, marking scheme, and time duration.

The internal choice in Section B of each subject provides students with flexibility, allowing them to skip questions they are unsure about.

NEET UG 2026 Exam: Subject-wise Question Distribution 

The NEET question paper is divided into four subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology. Each subject consists of two sections, Section A and Section B, with an internal choice offered in Section B.

NEET UG 2026 Syllabus

The official NEET syllabus is prescribed by the National Medical Commission (NMC). It is based on the Class 11 and Class 12 curricula of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

NEET UG Physics Syllabus:

• Class 11: 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.
• Class 12: Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents, Electromagnetic Waves, Optics, Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation, Atoms and Nuclei, Electronic Devices.

NEET UG Chemistry Syllabus:

• Class 11: Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry, Structure of Atom, Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties, Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure, States of Matter, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Redox Reactions, Hydrogen, s-Block Elements, Some p-Block Elements, Organic Chemistry- Some Basic Principles and Techniques, Hydrocarbons, Environmental Chemistry.
• Class 12: Solid State, Solutions, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Surface Chemistry, General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements, p-Block Elements, d and f Block Elements, Coordination Compounds, Haloalkanes and Haloarenes, Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers, Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids, Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen, Biomolecules, Polymers, Chemistry in Everyday Life.

NEET UG Biology Syllabus:

• Class 11: Diversity in Living World, Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants, Cell Structure and Function, Plant Physiology, Human Physiology.
• Class 12: Reproduction, Genetics and Evolution, Biology and Human Welfare, Biotechnology and Its Applications, Ecology and Environment.

NEET UG 2026 Preparation Strategy

• Master NCERT: NCERT textbooks are the cornerstone of NEET preparation. A thorough, line-by-line understanding is essential, especially for Biology.
• Standard Reference Books: Supplement NCERT solutions with one standard reference book per subject for deeper conceptual clarity and advanced problem-solving practice.
• Create a Timetable: A disciplined and consistent study schedule is crucial. Allocate sufficient time for all three subjects, with a focus on weaker areas.
• Solve Previous Year Papers: Solving the last 10-15 years of NEET/AIPMT question papers helps in understanding the exam pattern and identifying important topics.
• Regular Mock Tests: Take regular full-syllabus mock tests in an exam-like environment to improve speed, accuracy, and time management. Analyze your performance after each test.

NEET UG 2026 Admit Card

The NEET admit card is a mandatory document. It is typically released on the NTA website about a week before the exam.

How to Download the NEET 2026 Admit Card:

1. Visit neet.nta.nic.in.
2. Click on the "Download Admit Card" link.
3. Log in using your Application Number and Date of Birth.
4. Download the admit card PDF and print multiple color copies.

NEET UG 2026 Dress Code

The National Testing Agency (NTA) specifies a strict dress code for the NEET exam to ensure fairness and prevent any malpractice. Candidates must adhere to these guidelines to avoid any issues at the examination center.

NEET Dress Code for Male Candidates

• Clothing: Light, half-sleeved clothes are mandatory. T-shirts and trousers are preferred. Full-sleeved shirts, kurtas, or clothes with large buttons, embroidery, or elaborate designs are not allowed.
• Footwear: Simple slippers or sandals with low heels are permitted. Shoes, boots, or any closed footwear are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall.
• Accessories: Items like watches, bracelets, caps, and metallic objects are not allowed.

NEET Dress Code for Female Candidates

• Clothing: Light, half-sleeved clothes are mandatory. Salwars, trousers, and t-shirts are allowed. Clothes with elaborate embroidery, flowers, brooches, or large buttons are not permitted.
• Footwear: Only low-heeled slippers or sandals are allowed. High heels, shoes, or any closed footwear are prohibited.

• Jewelry & Accessories: Candidates must not wear any jewelry like earrings, nose rings, rings, pendants, necklaces, or bracelets.

• Hair & Makeup: Simple hairstyles are advised. Items like hairpins, hairbands, and elaborate hair accessories are not allowed.

Note on Customary/Religious Dress: Candidates who wish to wear a customary or religious dress (e.g., Burkha/Hijab, Kara/Kirpan) must report to the exam center at least two hours before the last reporting time for proper frisking and security checks.

NEET UG 2026 Answer Key and OMR Sheet

After the exam, NTA releases the provisional answer key and the scanned images of candidates' OMR answer sheets. This allows students to calculate their estimated scores. Candidates can also challenge the provisional answer key for a specific fee if they find a discrepancy.

NEET 2026 Result, Cutoff, and Counselling

The NEET result is declared by NTA in the form of a scorecard, which includes the candidate's subject-wise marks, total marks, percentile score, and All India Rank (AIR).

NEET UG Category-wise Cutoff (Last Five Years Cut-Off)

The NEET qualifying cutoff is the minimum score a candidate must achieve to be eligible for the All India Quota and State Quota counselling processes. It's important to note that this is different from the admission cutoff, which is the final rank or score at which a student gets admitted to a specific medical college.

Below is a table detailing the official NTA NEET qualifying cutoff scores and percentiles for the last five years, categorized for easy comparison.

NEET 2026 Marks vs. Rank Analysis

After the exam, one of the most common queries is, "What rank will I get for my score?" While the exact rank depends on various factors like the difficulty level of the paper and the overall performance of candidates, a NEET marks vs. rank analysis based on previous years' trends can provide a reliable estimate.

This analysis helps you predict your All India Rank (AIR) based on your expected score out of 720, which is crucial for understanding your chances of admission during the counselling process.

Expected NEET 2026 Marks vs. Rank

NEET UG 2026 Counselling Process: AIQ & State Quota

After the declaration of the NEET 2026 result and cutoff, the next and final step for securing admission to a medical college is the counselling process. The NEET counselling is a centralized process for seat allocation based on a candidate's All India Rank (AIR), category, and choices filled.

The counselling is primarily divided into two main quotas:

• 15% All India Quota (AIQ): Managed by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC).
• 85% State Quota: Managed by the respective State Medical Authorities.

MCC Counselling for 15% All India Quota (AIQ)

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), is responsible for conducting the counselling for the following seats:

• 15% AIQ seats in all government medical colleges.
• 100% seats in all Deemed Universities and Central Universities (including Delhi University, AMU, and BHU).
• 100% seats in AIIMS and JIPMER across the country.
• Seats reserved for Wards of Insured Persons (IP Quota) in ESIC medical colleges.

Step-by-Step MCC Counselling Process

1. Online Registration:
   • Candidates must register on the official MCC website (mcc.nic.in).
   • This requires filling in personal details and paying a non-refundable registration fee and a refundable security deposit.
2. Choice Filling & Locking:
   • After registration, candidates can fill in their preferred choices of colleges and courses from the available list.
   • There is no limit to the number of choices a candidate can fill. It is crucial to arrange them in order of priority.
   • Once finalized, candidates must lock their choices before the deadline.
3. Seat Allotment Process:
   • The MCC conducts counselling in multiple rounds (typically Round 1, Round 2, Mop-up Round, and a Stray Vacancy Round).
   • The seat allotment is done based on the candidate's rank, choices filled, seat availability, and reservation criteria.
   • The results for each round are published on the MCC website.
4. Reporting to the Allotted College:
   • Candidates who are allotted a seat must download their allotment letter and report to the respective college within the stipulated time.
   • At the college, they must complete the admission formalities and submit original documents for verification.

State Quota Counselling (85%)

The remaining 85% of seats in government and private medical colleges within a state are reserved for candidates who fulfill the domicile criteria of that particular state.

• Conducting Body: Each state has its own designated counselling authority (e.g., DMET for Uttar Pradesh, DME for Tamil Nadu).
• Separate Registration: Candidates must register separately on their respective state counselling websites. The process is generally similar to MCC counselling.
• Eligibility: Domicile rules (e.g., residence, schooling) are a primary eligibility factor for state quota seats.

Documents Required for NEET Counselling

Candidates must keep the following original documents (along with photocopies) ready for the verification process:

• NEET 2026 Admit Card
• NEET 2026 Scorecard/Rank Letter
• Class 10 Certificate and Marksheet (for date of birth proof)
• Class 12 Certificate and Marksheet
• Provisional Allotment Letter (downloaded from the MCC/State website)
• Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport)
• 8-10 Passport-size Photographs (same as affixed on the application form)
• Category Certificate (if applicable, e.g., OBC/SC/ST/EWS)
• PwD Certificate (if applicable)
• Domicile Certificate (for State Quota admissions)

NEET UG 2026 Exam Day Guidelines

To ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience on the day of the exam, candidates must follow the exam day instructions provided by the NTA.

What to Carry to the Exam Centre

• NEET 2026 Admit Card: A clear printout on A4 size paper, with the self-declaration form duly filled.
• Passport-size Photograph: One recent photograph, the same as the one uploaded in the application form, to be pasted on the attendance sheet.
• Valid Original Photo ID Proof: Must be a government-issued ID like an Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport.
• PwD Certificate: If applicable.
• A simple transparent ballpoint pen.
• A transparent water bottle.

What is Prohibited in the Exam Hall

• Electronic Devices: Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, Bluetooth devices, earphones, health bands, or any other electronic gadgets are strictly forbidden.
• Stationery Items: Any textual material (printed or written), bits of paper, geometry/pencil box, plastic pouch, log table, etc.
• Personal Belongings: Wallets, handbags, belts, caps, goggles, etc.
• Jewelry and Accessories: Any kind of ornaments or metallic items.
• Food Items: Any packed or homemade food items are not allowed.

Candidates are advised to reach the exam center well in advance of the reporting time mentioned on their admit card to complete the verification and frisking process without any rush.