NEET UG 2026: Complete Guide to Exam Date, Syllabus, Pattern, Duration & Eligibility

NEET ug mbbs 2026

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) stands as India’s gateway for students dreaming of pursuing careers in medicine. Every year, lakhs of aspiring doctors appear for this prestigious examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). If you’re planning to take NEET UG MBBS 2026, understanding every aspect of the examination becomes crucial for your success.

When is NEET UG MBBS 2026 Exam?

Based on consistent patterns followed by NTA over the years, NEET UG 2026 is expected to be held on Sunday, May 3, 2026. The examination traditionally takes place on the first Sunday of May, making it easier for students across the country to appear without missing their regular classes.

Exam Timing and Duration:

  • Reporting Time: 11:00 AM onwards

  • Entry to Examination Hall: 12:00 Noon to 1:30 PM

  • Last Entry: 1:30 PM sharp (no entry allowed after this)

  • Exam Duration: 3 hours and 20 minutes

  • Exam Timing: 2:00 PM to 5:20 PM (IST)

The examination will be conducted in offline mode (pen and paper-based test) across 557 cities in India and 14 international locations, ensuring accessibility for students from all regions.

NEET UG MBBS 2026 Important Dates

While the official notification is yet to be released, here’s the tentative schedule based on previous year trends:

Registration and Application

  • Notification Release: February 2026

  • Application Form Availability: First or second week of February 2026

  • Last Date for Registration: March 2026

  • Application Correction Window: March 2026

MBBS Exam Related Dates

  • City Intimation Slip: April 2026

  • Admit Card Release: Late April 2026 (approximately 3-4 days before exam)

  • Examination Date: May 3, 2026 (Expected)

Post-Exam Timeline

  • Provisional Answer Key: May-June 2026

  • Final Answer Key: June 2026

  • Result Declaration: June 2026

  • Counselling Process: July 2026 onwards

Who Can Apply? NEET UG MBBS 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Understanding eligibility requirements helps you confirm whether you qualify for NEET 2026 before starting your preparation.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have passed Class 12 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology as core subjects. Mathematics marks are not considered for eligibility.

Minimum Qualifying Marks in Class 12:

  • General/EWS Category: 50% aggregate in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)

  • OBC/SC/ST Category: 40% aggregate in PCB

  • PwD (Persons with Disabilities):

    • General-PwD: 45% aggregate

    • OBC/SC/ST-PwD: 40% aggregate

Age Criteria

Students must be at least 17 years old as of December 31, 2026. The good news is that there is no upper age limit to appear for NEET, allowing students of any age to pursue their medical dreams.

Nationality Requirements

NEET is open to:

  • Indian Citizens

  • Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)

  • Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs)

  • Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs)

  • Foreign Nationals

Number of Attempts

There is no restriction on the number of attempts for NEET. Candidates can appear for the examination as many times as they wish.

Validity of NEET Score

The NEET score remains valid for one academic session only. This means your 2026 score will be applicable only for admissions in the 2026-27 academic year.

NEET UG MBBS 2026 Exam Pattern

Understanding the exam pattern helps you strategize your preparation effectively.

Examination Mode and Structure:

  • Mode: Offline (Pen and Paper-based)

  • Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

  • Total Questions: 180 (all compulsory)

  • Total Marks: 720

  • Languages Available: 13 languages including English, Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, Assamese, Odia, Punjabi, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam

Subject-wise Distribution:

SubjectNumber of QuestionsMarks per QuestionTotal Marks
Physics454180
Chemistry454180
Biology (Botany)454180
Biology (Zoology)454180
Total1804720
 
 

Important Change: The previous pattern with Section A and Section B (with optional questions) has been removed. Now all 180 questions are compulsory.

NEET UG 2026 Marking Scheme

The marking scheme plays a crucial role in determining your final score and strategy.

Marking Details:

  • Correct Answer: +4 marks

  • Incorrect Answer: -1 mark (negative marking)

  • Unanswered Question: 0 marks

  • Multiple Answers Marked: -1 mark (treated as incorrect)

Formula to Calculate Your Score:

Total Score = (Number of Correct Answers × 4) – (Number of Incorrect Answers × 1)

This negative marking system discourages random guessing. You should attempt questions only when you’re reasonably confident about the answer to maximize your score.

NEET UG MBBS 2026 Syllabus

The syllabus covers topics from Class 11 and Class 12 for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as prescribed by the National Medical Commission (NMC).

Recent Syllabus Changes

The National Medical Commission has reduced the NEET syllabus to align with the revised NCERT curriculum. Some chapters and topics have been removed or reduced.

Physics Syllabus (19 Chapters)

Class 11 Topics:

  • Physics and Measurement

  • Kinematics

  • Laws of Motion

  • Work, Energy and Power

  • Rotational Motion

  • Gravitation

  • Properties of Solids and Liquids

  • Thermodynamics

  • Kinetic Theory of Gases

  • Oscillations and Waves

Class 12 Topics:

  • 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

Deleted/Reduced: Communication Systems (deleted), Semiconductors (partially reduced)

Chemistry Syllabus (30 Chapters)

The Chemistry syllabus is divided into Physical, Inorganic, and Organic Chemistry.

Physical Chemistry:

  • Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry

  • Structure of Atom

  • States of Matter

  • Thermodynamics

  • Equilibrium

  • Redox Reactions

  • Chemical Kinetics

  • Surface Chemistry (reduced)

Inorganic Chemistry:

  • Classification of Elements and Periodicity

  • Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure

  • p-Block Elements

  • d- and f-Block Elements

  • Coordination Compounds

Organic Chemistry:

  • Purification and Characterization of Organic Compounds

  • Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry

  • Hydrocarbons

  • Organic Compounds Containing Halogens

Deleted/Reduced: Hydrogen (deleted), Polymers (partially removed), Chemistry in Everyday Life (deleted)

Biology Syllabus (38 Chapters)

Biology carries the highest weightage with 360 marks (90 questions).

Botany Topics (Class 11 & 12):

  • Diversity in Living World

  • Structural Organization in Plants

  • Cell Structure and Function

  • Plant Physiology (Photosynthesis, Respiration, Plant Growth)

  • Reproduction in Plants

  • Genetics and Evolution

  • Biology and Human Welfare

  • Biotechnology and its Applications

  • Ecology and Environment

Zoology Topics (Class 11 & 12):

  • Structural Organization in Animals

  • Human Physiology (Digestion, Breathing, Circulation, Excretion, Nervous System, Endocrine System)

  • Human Reproduction

  • Genetics and Evolution

  • Biology and Human Welfare

  • Biotechnology Applications

  • Ecology and Environment

Deleted/Reduced: Reproduction in Organisms (deleted), Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production (deleted), Environmental Issues (reduced), Mineral Nutrition (reduced)

NEET UG MBBS 2026 Application Process and Fees

Registration Steps:

  1. Visit the official National Testing Agency website

  2. Click on “NEET 2026 Registration” link

  3. Fill in basic details to generate Application Number and Password

  4. Complete the application form with personal, academic, and exam centre preferences

  5. Upload required documents (photograph, signature, certificates)

  6. Pay application fee online

  7. Submit and download confirmation page

Application Fee Structure:

CategoryApplication Fee
General/Unreserved₹1,700
General-EWS/OBC-NCL₹1,600
SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender₹1,000
International Students (Outside India Centre)₹9,500
 
 

The fee is non-refundable and must be paid through online modes only (Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI).

Documents Required for NEET UG 2026

During Registration:

  • Recent passport-size photograph (10-200 KB, JPG format)

  • Postcard-size photograph (10-200 KB)

  • Signature (4-30 KB, JPG format)

  • Left-hand thumb impression (10-200 KB)

  • Class 10 Certificate (proof of Date of Birth)

  • Class 12 Mark Sheet

  • Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) – if applicable

  • PwD Certificate – if applicable

  • Valid ID Proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport/Driving License)

On Exam Day:

  • NEET Admit Card (printed on A4 sheet)

  • Valid Original Photo ID (same as submitted during registration)

  • Passport-size photographs (2 copies)

  • PwD Certificate (if applicable)

Items Allowed: Clear transparent water bottle, prescribed medicines (with prescription), personal transparent hand sanitizer

Items NOT Allowed: Mobile phones, calculators, electronic gadgets, watches, wallets, bags, books, study materials, jewelry, metallic items, shoes (slippers/sandals only)

NEET UG MBBS 2026 Exam Centres

In India: 552 cities across all states and union territories

Major exam cities include Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Lucknow, Patna, and many others. Uttar Pradesh has the maximum number of centres (60 cities), followed by Bihar and Maharashtra (35 cities each).

International Centres (14 locations):

CountryCityExam Code
UAEDubai9902
UAEAbu Dhabi9903
UAESharjah9913
KuwaitKuwait City9901
Saudi ArabiaRiyadh9912
QatarDoha9906
BahrainManama9910
OmanMuscat9911
ThailandBangkok9904
SingaporeSingapore9914
MalaysiaKuala Lumpur9908
Sri LankaColombo9905
NepalKathmandu9907
NigeriaLagos9909
 
 

Candidates can choose up to 4 preferred exam cities during registration, though final allotment depends on availability.

NEET UG MBBS 2026 Cutoff and Qualifying Marks

To qualify for NEET counselling and admission, candidates must meet the minimum qualifying criteria set by NTA.

Category-wise Expected Cutoff:

CategoryQualifying PercentileExpected Score Range
General/Unreserved50th percentile160-720
General-PwD45th percentile142-160
EWS50th percentile160-720
OBC/SC/ST40th percentile125-160
OBC/SC/ST-PwD40th percentile125-141
 
 

The actual cutoff varies each year based on factors like:

  • Difficulty level of the question paper

  • Number of candidates appearing

  • Number of available seats

  • Performance of top candidates

NEET UG 2026 Admit Card

The admit card serves as your entry ticket to the examination hall.

Release Date: Expected in late April 2026, approximately 3-4 days before the exam

Download Process:

  1. Visit the official NTA website

  2. Click on “NEET 2026 Admit Card Download”

  3. Enter Application Number and Password/Date of Birth

  4. Download and take multiple printouts

Details on Admit Card:

  • Candidate’s Name, Photo, and Signature

  • Roll Number

  • Date of Birth

  • Exam Centre Name and Address

  • Exam Date and Timing

  • Reporting Time

  • Important Instructions

Important: Parents/guardians must sign the admit card in the designated space.

NEET UG MBBS 2026 Result and Counselling

Result Declaration

Results are expected in June 2026. The NTA will release:

  • Category-wise cutoff marks

  • All India Merit List

  • Individual scorecards with marks and percentile

Counselling Process

Counselling for NEET 2026 will be conducted at two levels:

All India Quota (AIQ) Counselling:

  • Conducted by Medical Counselling Committee (MCC)

  • Covers 15% of government medical college seats across India

  • 100% seats in Central Universities (AIIMS, JIPMER, BHU, etc.)

  • Multiple rounds: Round 1, Round 2, Mop-up Round, Stray Vacancy Round

State Quota Counselling:

  • Conducted by respective State Counselling Authorities

  • Covers 85% of government medical college seats in each state

  • Also covers private medical colleges in the state

Counselling Steps:

  1. Registration on MCC/State website

  2. Choice Filling (selecting preferred colleges and courses)

  3. Choice Locking

  4. Seat Allotment based on rank, category, and preferences

  5. Document Verification

  6. Fee Payment and Admission

Preparation Tips for NEET UG 2026

Build Strong Foundation

Start with NCERT textbooks for all three subjects. Around 80-90% of NEET questions come directly from NCERT concepts.

Create a Realistic Study Plan

Allocate time based on your strengths and weaknesses. Generally, Biology requires more time given its weightage of 360 marks.

Subject-wise Strategy:

  • Biology: Focus on diagrams, factual information, and NCERT line-by-line reading

  • Physics: Practice numerical problems and understand concepts thoroughly

  • Chemistry: Balance theory (Inorganic/Organic) with numerical practice (Physical Chemistry)

Practice Regularly

Solve Previous Year Question Papers (PYQs) from the last 10-15 years to understand question patterns and frequently asked topics.

Take Mock Tests

Attempt full-length mock tests weekly to improve time management and identify weak areas. Analyze your performance after each test.

Consistent Revision

Create short notes and revision charts. Dedicate 1-2 hours daily for revision of previously covered topics.

Time Management

Follow the Pomodoro Technique: Study for 25 minutes followed by a 5-minute break. This improves concentration and reduces fatigue.

Avoid Common Mistakes:

  • Don’t ignore NCERT textbooks

  • Don’t attempt questions randomly (negative marking!)

  • Don’t skip revision

  • Don’t neglect Class 11 syllabus

Courses Available After NEET

Qualifying NEET opens doors to various undergraduate medical courses:

  • MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)

  • BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)

  • BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery)

  • BHMS (Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery)

  • BUMS (Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery)

  • BSMS (Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery)

  • BVSc & AH (Bachelor of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry)

  • B.Sc. Nursing

Key Takeaways

NEET UG 2026 represents your opportunity to fulfill your medical career aspirations. Success requires understanding the exam format, thorough preparation aligned with the official syllabus, consistent practice, and strategic time management.

Start your preparation early, focus on building conceptual clarity rather than rote learning, and maintain a balanced approach across all three subjects. Remember, NEET rewards accuracy over speed due to negative marking, so answer only those questions you’re confident about.

Stay updated with official notifications from the National Testing Agency for the latest announcements regarding registration dates, exam schedule, and any pattern changes. With dedicated preparation and the right strategy, your dream of becoming a doctor is well within reach.

For Queries Contact:

  • Phone: +91-9307693920

  • Email: info@insighteducations.co.in

Best wishes for your NEET UG 2026 preparation journey!

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