NEET UG 2026: Registration, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Dates & Important Updates
The National Eligibility‐cum‐Entrance Test (NEET UG) 2026 is the national medical entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission into MBBS, BDS and various other undergraduate medical and allied courses across India. This year, the exam continues as the sole gateway for students aspiring to enroll in medical programs for the academic session 2026–27.
🔔 Overview of NEET UG 2026
NEET UG 2026 remains a pen-and-paper (offline) entrance examination designed to assess candidates on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. It is conducted once a year in multiple languages and follows the standard pattern of 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) based on the Class 11 and 12 NCERT curriculum.
🗓️ Important Dates (Tentative)
While the official schedule will be confirmed by NTA, the expected timeline for NEET UG 2026 includes:
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | Early February 2026 |
| NEET UG 2026 Registration Begins | February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | March 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | March 2026 |
| City Intimation Slip | April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | April / May 2026 |
| NEET UG 2026 Exam | Expected May 2026 |
| Results Declaration | June 2026 |
| Counselling Starts | July 2026 |
Note: Exact dates are announced officially on the NTA’s NEET website (neet.nta.nic.in).
👩🎓 Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for NEET UG 2026, candidates must meet the following basic criteria:
✔ Age
- Candidates must have completed 17 years of age on or before December 31, 2026.
- There is no upper age limit for appearing in NEET UG.
✔ Educational Qualification
- Candidates should have passed or be appearing in Class 12 (10+2) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English from a recognized board.
✔ Minimum Marks
- General Category aspirants: minimum 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry & Biology.
- OBC/SC/ST: minimum 40%.
- PwBD (General): minimum 45%.
✔ Nationality
- Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and foreign nationals are eligible to apply.
🧠 Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The NEET UG 2026 exam pattern is structured as follows:
- Total Questions: 180 compulsory MCQs
- Maximum Marks: 720
- Subjects: Physics (45), Chemistry (45), Biology (90)
- Duration: 3 hours
- Marking Scheme: +4 for correct answer, –1 for wrong answer
- Medium: Multiple Indian languages including English and Hindi.
The syllabus covers topics from NCERT Class 11 and 12, with emphasis on Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
📌 How to Apply
Once NEET UG 2026 registration opens on the official portal:
- Visit neet.nta.nic.in and click on the NEET UG 2026 registration link.
- Fill in personal and academic details accurately.
- Upload scanned passport-size photo, signature, and thumb impression.
- Pay the required application fee online.
- Submit and download the confirmation page for future reference.
📊 Key Updates & Changes
✔ Centre Allotment: Students may not be able to choose their exam city this year, as NTA may automatically assign centres based on Aadhaar address details.
✔ Increased Medical Seats: NMC has announced an increase in MBBS seat capacity and expansion of new medical colleges for 2026 admission.
✔ More Allied Courses: NEET UG will also be applicable for various allied and healthcare undergraduate programmes beyond traditional MBBS/BDS courses.