NEET 2026 Exam Dates

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will officially announce the exam date for NEET UG 2026 on its website. Based on previous trends, the exam is expected to be conducted in 3 May 2026. The test will likely run for 180 minutes (3 hours), scheduled from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (IST).

Aspirants should keep track of all key dates such as registration, admit card release, and exam day. Staying updated prevents last-minute stress and helps maintain focus on preparation. The NTA is the sole authority for conducting NEET 2026 exam, and candidates must rely on official notifications for accurate updates.

NEET 2026 Exam: Overview

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduates (NEET-UG) is India’s largest national-level medical entrance exam. It provides admission opportunities to undergraduate programs such as MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, Veterinary, and more. 

To ensure inclusivity, the exam is conducted in 13 languages, including Hindi, making it accessible to aspirants across the country. Notably, more than 23 lakh candidates appeared for NEET last year, reflecting its scale and importance.

Recognized as one of the most competitive entrance exams in India, NEET 2026 Exam will be administered by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It remains the primary gateway for students seeking to pursue undergraduate medical education both in India and abroad.

Neet 2026 Exam Date Expected

NEET 2026 is likely to be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on 3rd May 2026, which falls on the first Sunday of May. The exam is expected to be held in offline, pen-and-paper mode. The following is the tentative NEET 2026 schedule, based on the format followed for NEET 2025.

NEET 2026 Exam Date and Time

The NEET 2026 exam is expected to be conducted on Sunday, May 3, 2026, with the timing set from 2:00 PM to 5:20 PM (Indian Standard Time). The official announcement from the National Testing Agency (NTA) will likely be made in January or February 2026, but reliable sources consistently project this date and time based on past NEET schedules.

NEET 2026 Exam Date and Timing

NEET 2026 Exam Date Latest News and Updates

The latest news confirms that the NEET 2026 exam is tentatively scheduled for May 3, 2026 (the first Sunday of May), from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM IST. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has not yet issued the final official notice, but the announcement is expected in January or February 2026, along with the release of the application form and information bulletin.

Latest Updates on NEET 2026 Exam Date

• Current Status: No official confirmation yet, but several reliable sources and education portals consistently mention May 3, 2026, as the likely date.
• Official Notification Release: Expected in January or February 2026.
• Exam Timing: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM IST (3 hours duration).
• Mode: Pen-and-paper (offline) test.
• Where to Check: Regularly visit the official NTA NEET website (neet.nta.nic.in) for timely and authentic updates

Must Check- How Many Days Left for NEET 2026

How to get official NEET 2026 Date confirmation from NTA

To get the official NEET 2026 exam date confirmation from the National Testing Agency (NTA), follow these steps:

Steps to Get NEET 2026 Official Date

• Visit the official NTA NEET website: https://neet.nta.nic.in.
• Look for the latest notifications or public notices section on the homepage. The official exam date will be published as a PDF notification, usually labeled "Information Bulletin" or "NEET (UG) 2026 Examination Date Notice".
• Download and read the official document for the confirmed date, exam schedule, and other exam-related guidelines.
• For instant updates, subscribe to the website’s notification feature (if available) or follow NTA’s verified social media handles (Twitter, Facebook) for announcements.
• You may also check reputable exam portals and major educational news outlets for secondary confirmation, but always refer to the official NTA NEET site for the most authentic update.

Also Read: Tips and Study Plan to Score 600+ in NEET 2026

NEET 2026 Registration and Admit Card Timeline

The NEET 2026 registration process is expected to start in February 2026 and continue until March 2026. Candidates must complete the application and fee payment during this window. The official notification and precise dates will be released on the NTA NEET website.

NEET 2026 Registration Timeline

Also Read: How to download NEET 2026 admit card from NTA portal

NEET 2026 Admit Card Timeline

How to Verify if the NEET 2026 Exam Date is Postponed

1. Visit official NTA / NEET portal (neet.nta.nic.in)
2. Look for “Notice / Information Bulletin / Latest Updates” section
3. Compare with past patterns and official press releases
4. Avoid relying solely on social media or unverified educational blogs

If you see a claim like NEET 2026 exam date postponed, cross-check with NTA’s website or press news from reputable sources.

Key documents required on NEET 2026 Exam Day

On the NEET 2026 exam day, candidates must bring several mandatory documents for smooth entry and verification at the examination center. Below is the latest checklist-

Essential Documents Required

• NEET 2026 Admit Card: Printed in color on A4-size paper; it must have your clear photograph and signature.
• Original Valid Photo ID Proof: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License—must be the same as filled in the application and valid on the exam date.
• Passport-Size Photographs: At least two recent photos, matching the ones used in your application; required for pasting on the attendance/proctor sheets.
• PwD Certificate: Only for candidates claiming reservation under Persons with Disabilities (must be issued by a recognized authority).
• Other Category Certificates: (SC/ST/OBC/EWS etc.) only if claimed, to be produced in original if asked.

What Not to Carry

• No electronic devices, calculators, wallets, bags, or any food items are allowed inside the center.
• Ensure to follow the NEET dress code as prescribed (no metallic accessories, jewelry, shoes with heels, etc.).

These requirements have been clearly stated by NTA and strictly enforced each year.

Must Read: How to Create a 3-month revision plan for NEET 2026

NEET Exam Date Past Year Trends

 NEET 2026 Correction Window Deadline

• The NEET 2026 application correction window will be open in the second week of March 2026 and is expected to close by the end of March 2026.
• Only minor corrections (such as personal details, category, exam center, photographs, etc.) can be made during this period.
• No changes are permitted after this correction window closes, so it is crucial to review and submit all corrections before the deadline.

Tentative Dates:

• Correction window opens: Second week of March 2026.
• Correction window closes: By last week of March 2026.

NEET 2026 Fee Refund Policy

• NEET application fees are non-refundable under any circumstances, as per NTA’s declared policy and all major sources.
• Refund is only processed in rare cases such as double payment due to technical error; proof of the transaction must be provided, and the refund is processed within 7 working days in such cases.
• There is no provision for voluntary fee refund or application withdrawal after fee payment for NEET 2026.

Must Read: List of Major Changes between NEET UG 2025 and NEET UG 2026 Syllabus

NEET 2026 Result Date and Counseling schedule

The NEET 2026 result is expected to be announced by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in the second week of June 2026, likely around June 10-15. The scorecards and merit lists will be available for download from the official NTA NEET website after entering your application details.

NEET 2026 Counseling Schedule

• AIQ (All India Quota) counseling and State Quota counseling are both scheduled to begin about 2-3 weeks after the result is declared, so the process starts late June or early July 2026.
• MCC (Medical Counselling Committee) will release the official AIQ schedule and open registration for Round 1 in early July 2026.
• Counseling usually consists of four rounds: Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up (Round 3), and Stray Vacancy Round.
• Candidates must register on the MCC portal (mcc.nic.in/ug-medical-counselling) for AIQ seats, or on respective state authority websites for State Quota admissions.

Key Dates (Tentative)