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:
| Subject | Number of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 45 | 4 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 45 | 4 | 180 |
| Biology (Botany) | 45 | 4 | 180 |
| Biology (Zoology) | 45 | 4 | 180 |
| Total | 180 | 4 | 720 |
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:
Visit the official National Testing Agency website
Click on “NEET 2026 Registration” link
Fill in basic details to generate Application Number and Password
Complete the application form with personal, academic, and exam centre preferences
Upload required documents (photograph, signature, certificates)
Pay application fee online
Submit and download confirmation page
Application Fee Structure:
| Category | Application 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):
| Country | City | Exam Code |
|---|---|---|
| UAE | Dubai | 9902 |
| UAE | Abu Dhabi | 9903 |
| UAE | Sharjah | 9913 |
| Kuwait | Kuwait City | 9901 |
| Saudi Arabia | Riyadh | 9912 |
| Qatar | Doha | 9906 |
| Bahrain | Manama | 9910 |
| Oman | Muscat | 9911 |
| Thailand | Bangkok | 9904 |
| Singapore | Singapore | 9914 |
| Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur | 9908 |
| Sri Lanka | Colombo | 9905 |
| Nepal | Kathmandu | 9907 |
| Nigeria | Lagos | 9909 |
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:
| Category | Qualifying Percentile | Expected Score Range |
|---|---|---|
| General/Unreserved | 50th percentile | 160-720 |
| General-PwD | 45th percentile | 142-160 |
| EWS | 50th percentile | 160-720 |
| OBC/SC/ST | 40th percentile | 125-160 |
| OBC/SC/ST-PwD | 40th percentile | 125-141 |
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:
Visit the official NTA website
Click on “NEET 2026 Admit Card Download”
Enter Application Number and Password/Date of Birth
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:
Registration on MCC/State website
Choice Filling (selecting preferred colleges and courses)
Choice Locking
Seat Allotment based on rank, category, and preferences
Document Verification
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!
