The NEET UG 2026 exam is India’s largest undergraduate medical entrance test for admission into MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other medical courses. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), this exam is mandatory for medical admissions across India.
As per the current schedule trend, the NEET UG 2026 exam is expected on 03 May 2026 (tentative—first Sunday of May). The final date will be confirmed through the official NTA notification.
This complete guide covers eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, cutoff, counselling process, and preparation strategy in simple language.
Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | NEET UG 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Courses Offered | MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS, BVSc & AH |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper Based) |
| Exam Date | May 2026 (Tentative—First Sunday of May) |
| Duration | 3 Hours 20 Minutes |
| Official Website | nta.ac.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | January 2026 |
| Application Form Start | February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | March 2026 |
| Correction Window | March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | April 2026 |
| NEET UG 2026 Exam Date | 03 May 2026 |
| Result Declaration | June 2026 |
| Counselling Starts | July 2026 |
Note: Dates are tentative and subject to change as per official notice.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
- Minimum age: 17 years as on 31 December 2026
- No upper age limit (as per latest guidelines)
Educational Qualification
- Must have passed or be appearing in Class 12.
- Subjects required:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology/Biotechnology
- English
Minimum Marks Required in PCB
- General: 50%
- OBC/SC/ST: 40%
- PwD (General): 45%
Nationality
- Indian Citizens
- NRI / OCI / PIO
- Foreign Nationals
Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for NEET UG 2026:
Step 1: Online Registration
Visit the official NTA website and create an account.
Step 2: Fill Application Form
Enter personal, academic, and communication details carefully.
Step 3: Upload Documents
- Passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Category certificate (if applicable)
Step 4: Pay Application Fee
Make an online payment via debit card, credit card, UPI, or net banking.
Step 5: Download Confirmation Page
Keep the confirmation page safe for future reference.
Application Fee
| Category | Expected Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹1700 |
| General-EWS/OBC-NCL | ₹1600 |
| SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender | ₹1000 |
| Outside India | ₹9500 |
Exam Pattern
| Subject | Total Questions | Questions to Attempt | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 50 | 45 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 50 | 45 | 180 |
| Biology (Botany + Zoology) | 100 | 90 | 360 |
| Total | 200 | 180 | 720 |
Marking Scheme
- +4 marks for correct answer
- -1 mark for incorrect answer
- No negative marking for unanswered questions
Syllabus
The NEET UG 2026 syllabus is based on NCERT Classes 11 and 12.
Physics
- Mechanics
- Thermodynamics
- Optics
- Current Electricity
- Modern Physics
Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Chemical Bonding
- Coordination Compounds
Biology
- Human Physiology
- Genetics & Evolution
- Biotechnology
- Ecology
- Plant Physiology
Students should focus mainly on NCERT textbooks for better accuracy.
Cutoff
The NEET UG 2026 cutoff will depend on exam difficulty, number of candidates, and seat availability.
Expected Qualifying Cutoff (Based on Previous Years)
| Category | Expected Cutoff Range 2026 |
|---|---|
| General | 720 – 135 |
| OBC | 134 – 105 |
| SC | 134 – 105 |
| ST | 134 – 105 |
| General-Pw | 134 – 120 |
The actual cutoff will be announced with the results.
Result Details
The NEET UG 2026 result is expected in June 2026.
Scorecard Includes:
- Total Marks Obtained
- Percentile Score
- All India Rank (AIR)
- Category Rank
- Qualifying Status
Candidates can download the result from the official NTA portal.
Counselling Process
NEET counselling is conducted for:
- 15% All India Quota (AIQ)
- 85% State Quota
- Central Universities
- Deemed Universities
Counselling Steps
- Online Registration
- Choice Filling & Locking
- Seat Allotment
- Document Verification
- Reporting to College
There are usually multiple rounds, including a mop-up round.
Documents Required
- NEET UG 2026 Admit Card
- NEET UG 2026 Scorecard
- Class 10 Certificate
- Class 12 Marksheet
- Valid Photo ID
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- Domicile Certificate
- Passport-size Photographs
Preparation Strategy
Preparing for NEET UG 2026 requires consistent effort.
1. Study NCERT Thoroughly
Most questions are directly based on NCERT.
2. Practice Previous Year Papers
Solve at least 10 years of NEET papers.
3. Attempt Mock Tests
Practice time-bound full-length tests.
4. Revise Weekly
Regular revision improves retention.
5. Maintain a Study Plan
Create a balanced daily study schedule.
FAQs
When will NEET UG 2026 be conducted?
The exam is expected in May 2026 (tentative), likely on the first Sunday of May.
Is NEET mandatory for MBBS admission?
Yes, NEET is compulsory for MBBS and other medical courses in India.
What are the total marks of NEET UG 2026?
The total marks are 720.
When will counseling start?
Counseling is expected to begin in July 2026.
Is there negative marking in NEET?
Yes, 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.
Conclusion
NEET UG 2026 is a crucial entrance exam for medical aspirants across India. With the exam expected in May 2026, students should begin preparation early and follow a structured plan.
Focus on NCERT, practice regularly, and stay updated with official announcements. Consistency and smart strategy are the keys to success in NEET UG 2026.
https://www.bharatadmission.org/neet-mds-exam-2026/