What is NEET 2026?
The NEET Exam is a single national entrance examination that will check your eligibility and merit for UG Medical admissions in government, private, deemed and central universities.
Apart from admission, NEET will also decide your merit for counselling under AIQ, State Quota, and institutional quotas.
- With MBBS Seats only around 1.18 lakh, only 1 out of 5 candidates will secure an MBBS Seat.
- The Biology includes the highest contribution of 50% from the total marks, which makes it the most important for rank improvement.
- The NEET Exam Scores will be valid only for 1 academic year, unlike other national exams.
| Parameter | Details |
| Exam Name | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Purpose | Admission to UG Medical & Allied Courses |
| Courses Covered | MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, BVSc & AH |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
| Frequency | Once a year |
| Total Questions | 180 MCQs |
| Maximum Marks | 720 |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Total MBBS Seats | 1,18,148 |
| Participating Colleges | 780 Medical Colleges |
| Expected Exam Date | First Sunday of May 2026 (Tentative) |
| Score Validity | One Academic Session |
How is NEET 2026 Different from Other Entrance Exams?
The NEET Exam is not conducted for selection in college, but it is a national medical eligibility and ranking test to get admission in medical colleges of India.
It is regulated by UGC Admission Policies, ensuring uniform eligibility, centralised counselling, and evaluation of the merit list for medical admissions across India, regardless of the board, state, or institution.
The NEET 2026 is expected to be the same as the previous year, with certain regulatory and exam level changes done to improve the fairness, clarity and NCERT Alignment. There are no official updates on these changes; they will be informed later on the official website, neet.nta.nic.in.
NEET 2026 Important Dates
The NEET Exam Schedule is expected to be the same as the previous year, with events starting from January and will be held till June. By knowing the important dates of NEET, you can do proper preparation and revise accordingly.
NEET 2026 Exam Schedule
| Event | Expected Timeline | Key Insight |
| Notification Release | 8 February 2026 | Confirms exam date, syllabus & rules |
| Application Start Date | 8 February 2026 | Early registration is advised to avoid errors |
| Last Date to Apply | 8 March 2026 | No extensions are usually given |
| Application Correction Window | March 2026 | One-time opportunity to fix details |
| City Intimation Slip | April 2026 | Helps plan travel & logistics |
| Admit Card Release | April / Early May 2026 | Mandatory for exam entry |
| NEET 2026 Exam Date | 3 May 2026 | Offline, pen-and-paper mode |
| Provisional Answer Key | May 2026 (last week) | Objection window opens |
| Result Declaration | June 2026 | Rank & qualifying status announced |
| Counselling Begins | June–July 2026 | AIQ and State counselling start |
NEET 2026 Registration
The NEET Registration will be conducted online, being a single-window process by NTA. You have to complete registration, form filling, document upload and fee payment in a proper timeline.
- The Online Registration should be done using a valid Email ID and Mobline number.
- By filling in the proper personal, academic and category details as per the official documents.
- You have to upload your scanned photograph, signature and category certificate in the proper format.
- Select your exam city as per your preference before the final submission.
NEET 2026 Registration Fees: Category-Wise Details
The NEET Registration Fees are expected to be the same as the previous year and will differ according to the category of the candidate. The NEET Fees should be paid online and will be non-refundable.
NEET 2026 Registration Fees (Expected)
| Category | Expected Application Fee |
| General | ₹1,700 |
| General-EWS | ₹1,600 |
| OBC-NCL | ₹1,600 |
| SC | ₹1,000 |
| ST | ₹1,000 |
| PwD | ₹1,000 |
| Candidates Outside India | ₹9,500 |
How Many Students appear for NEET Every Year?
The NEET Registration Statistics of every year show the medical competition in India, which shows the total number of candidates who applied and appeared on the exam day. For the last 4 years, the registration has been similar, but there is a gap between the number of candidates registered and those who appeared.
NEET Registered vs Appeared Candidates (Last 4 Years)
- The NEET registrations have increased by around 29% from 2022 to 2024, which shows high demand in medical colleges.
- More than 3 to 6% candidates do not appear every year.
- As more than 23+ lakh candidates appear every year, MBBS Seats are only around 1.18 lakh, which shows high pressure.
| Year | Registered Candidates | Appeared Candidates |
| NEET 2025 | 24,20,000 | 23,60,000 |
| NEET 2024 | 24,06,079 | 23,33,297 |
| NEET 2023 | 20,87,462 | 20,38,596 |
| NEET 2022 | 18,72,343 | 17,64,571 |
NEET Eligibility 2026
With the NEET Eligibility, you can know about the minimum academic, age and nationality requirements you should meet before appearing for the exam. These will be notified by the NTA, UGC and NMC Regulations.
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility Parameter | Requirement |
| Minimum Age | 17 years as of 31 December 2026 |
| Upper Age Limit | No upper age limit (as per current rules) |
| Educational Qualification | Passed / Appearing in Class 12 or equivalent |
| Mandatory Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology & English |
| Minimum Marks (General) | 50% aggregate in PCB |
| Minimum Marks (OBC/SC/ST) | 40% aggregate in PCB |
| Minimum Marks (PwD – General) | 45% aggregate in PCB |
| Nationality | Indian Nationals, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs & Foreign Nationals |
| Number of Attempts | No limit |
| Open School / Private Candidates | Allowed, subject to NTA guidelines |
| Biology as an Additional Subject | Allowed (as per recent clarifications) |
NEET Courses Offered 2026
The NEET is a national-level entrance exam conducted to gain admission into undergraduate medical and allied health science courses in India.
As per the NEET Scores, candidates can secure seats in medical, dental, Ayush and veterinary colleges under AIQ, State Quota and Private Institutes.
Courses Offered Through NEET (UG)
| Course | Full Form | Duration | Regulating Body | Career Orientation |
| MBBS | Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery | 5.5 Years (incl. internship) | NMC | Clinical Medicine & Surgery |
| BDS | Bachelor of Dental Surgery | 5 Years | DCI | Dental & Oral Healthcare |
| BAMS | Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery | 5.5 Years | NCISM | Ayurvedic Medical Practice |
| BHMS | Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine & Surgery | NCH | Homeopathic Healthcare | |
| BUMS | Bachelor of Unani Medicine & Surgery | NCISM | Unani Medical Practice | |
| BSMS | Bachelor of Siddha Medicine & Surgery | NCISM | Siddha System of Medicine | |
| BVSc & AH | Bachelor of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry | VCI | Veterinary & Animal Sciences | |
| B.Sc Nursing | Bachelor of Science in Nursing | 4 Years | INC | Clinical & Community Nursing |
NEET UG 2026 FAQs
1. What is NEET UG 2026?
NEET UG 2026 is a national-level medical entrance examination conducted for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, BSc Nursing, and other medical courses across India.
2. Who conducts NEET UG 2026?
NEET UG 2026 is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
3. What is the eligibility criteria for NEET UG 2026?
Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects. The minimum age requirement is 17 years.
4. What is the minimum percentage required in PCB for NEET 2026?
- General/EWS: 50%
- OBC/SC/ST: 40%
- PwD: 45% (General) and 40% (Reserved categories)
5. Is there any age limit for NEET UG 2026?
The minimum age is 17 years. As per the latest updates, there is no upper age limit.
6. How many times can I attempt NEET UG?
There is no limit on the number of attempts. Candidates can appear for NEET as many times as they are eligible.
7. What is the exam mode of NEET UG 2026?
NEET UG is conducted in offline mode (pen-and-paper based).
8. What is the exam pattern of NEET 2026?
The exam consists of 180 compulsory questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany & Zoology). The total marks are 720.
9. What is the marking scheme for NEET UG?
- +4 marks for each correct answer
- -1 mark for each incorrect answer
- 0 marks for unattempted questions
10. How long is the NEET UG 2026 exam?
The duration of the exam is 3 hours (180 minutes).
NEET UG 2026 Syllabus
The NMC has released the final NEET UG Syllabus 2026, with no major changes from NEET 2025. The NEET Syllabus follows the NCERT Class 11 and 12 format, ensuring continuity and predictability.
In NEET UG, Physics and Chemistry include 20 Units each, whereas Biology includes 10 Units. Whereas biology carries the highest weightage of 50%, Physics and Chemistry carries 25% each.
- In Biology, human physiology carries 35 to 40% weightage, Genetics & Evolution carries 18 to 20% weightage, and Ecology includes 10 to 12% weightage.
- In Physics, Mechanics carries the highest weightage of around 25 to 30%, current electricity & magnetism carries 20 to 22% weightage.
- In Chemistry, organic chemistry carries the highest weightage of around 30 to 35% along with physical chemistry as well.
What is the NEET Syllabus?
The NEET Syllabus includes all topics, concepts and skills which are asked in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, issued by NMC and is based on the NCERT Class 11 and 12 format.
- In NEET, around 70% of the NEET Questions are repetitive, concept-based questions.
- Around 360 out of 720 marks are from biology, which can shift your rank by 30,000+ ranks.
- Around 80 to 85% of biology and inorganic chemistry questions are NCERT-Based including tables or diagrams.
NEET 2026 Syllabus Changes: Has Anything Really Changed This Year?
In NEET 2026, the NMC has confirmed that the syllabus is similar to that of 2025, with no new additions or deletions, including practical understanding and NCERT Questions.
NEET 2026 Syllabus Changes
| Aspect | NEET 2025 | NEET 2026 (Official) |
| Overall Syllabus | Rationalised NCERT | Unchanged |
| Total Units | 50 | 50 (Same) |
| Physics | 20 units (incl. Experimental Skills) | Same |
| Chemistry | 20 units (incl. Practical Chemistry) | Same |
| Biology | 10 units (Botany + Zoology) | Same |
| Focus Trend | Concept + NCERT | Concept + Practical Application |
NEET 2026 Syllabus for Physics
The NEET 2026 syllabus for Physics is based on topics including Mechanics, Electromagnetism, Optics, and Modern Physics. Aspirants can check the unit-wise NEET syllabus for Physics in the table below.
| Unit | Topics |
| Physics and Measurement | SI Units, dimensional analysis, errors in measurements |
| Kinematics | Motion graphs, uniformly accelerated motion, vectors, projectile motion |
| Laws of Motion | Newton's laws, friction, and dynamics of circular motion |
| Work, Energy, and Power | Work-energy theorem, potential energy, collisions. |
| Rotational Motion | Moment of inertia, torque, angular momentum, rotational equilibrium |
| Gravitation | Kepler's laws, escape velocity, and motion of satellites |
| Properties of Solids/Liquids | Stress-strain, viscosity, surface tension, heat transfer |
| Thermodynamics | Laws of thermodynamics, isothermal and adiabatic processes |
| Kinetic Theory of Gases | Gas laws, degrees of freedom, RMS speed of gas molecules |
| Oscillations and Waves | SHM, waves, superposition, beats, standing waves |
| Electrostatics | Coulomb's law, Gauss's law, potential energy, capacitors |
| Current Electricity | Ohm's law, resistors, cells, Kirchhoff's laws, Wheatstone bridge |
| Magnetism | Ampere's law, Biot-Savart law, torque on a current loop, magnetic dipole |
| EM Induction/AC | Faraday's law, inductance, AC circuits, transformers |
| Electromagnetic Waves | Displacement current, electromagnetic spectrum, applications |
| Optics | Reflection, refraction, lenses, microscopes, wave optics, polarization |
| Dual Nature of Matter | Photoelectric effect, de Broglie waves |
| Atoms and Nuclei | Bohr model, hydrogen spectrum, nuclear energy |
| Electronic Devices | Diodes, rectifiers, transistors, logic gates |
Important Books for NEET Physics
| Books | Author/Publisher |
| Concepts of Physics | H.C. Verma |
| Fundamentals of Physics | Halliday, Resnick, and Walker |
| Problems in General Physics | I.E. Irodov |
| Understanding Physics | D.C. Pandey |
NEET 2026 Syllabus for Chemistry
The NEET 2026 syllabus PDF for Chemistry is divided into 3 sections, including Physical Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Inorganic Chemistry, as discussed below.
Physical Chemistry
| Unit | Topics |
| Some Basic Concepts | Mole concept, stoichiometry, laws of chemical combination |
| Atomic Structure | Bohr model, quantum numbers, orbitals, electronic configuration |
| Chemical Bonding | VSEPR theory, hybridization, molecular orbital theory |
| Thermodynamics | Laws, enthalpy, spontaneity, Gibbs free energy |
| Solutions | Colligative properties, Raoult's law, osmotic pressure |
| Equilibrium | Law of mass action, acids-bases, pH, solubility product |
| Redox Reactions | Oxidation-reduction, balancing redox equations |
| Electrochemistry | Electrolytic cells, Nernst equation, conductance |
| Chemical Kinetics | Rate laws, zero/first-order reactions, Arrhenius equation |
Inorganic Chemistry
| Unit | Topics |
| Classification of Elements | Modern periodic table, trends in properties |
| P-Block Elements | Group 13-18, properties and trends |
| d- and f-Block Elements | Transition metals, lanthanoids, actinoids, properties |
| Coordination Compounds | Werner's theory, IUPAC nomenclature, CFT |
Organic Chemistry
| Unit | Topics |
| Basic Principles | Isomerism, electronic effects, types of reactions |
| Hydrocarbons | Alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, aromatic hydrocarbons |
| Organic Halides | Reactions of alkyl/aryl halides, environmental issues |
| Alcohols, Phenols, Ethers | Properties, reactions, dehydration, acidity |
| Carbonyl Compounds | Aldehydes, ketones, nucleophilic addition, tests |
| Carboxylic Acids | Acid strength, factors affecting acidity |
| Amines | Classification, basicity, reactions |
| Biomolecules | Carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, vitamins |
Important Books for NEET Chemistry
| Books | Author/Publisher |
| Physical Chemistry | P.W. Atkins |
| Organic Chemistry | Morrison and Boyd |
| Inorganic Chemistry | J.D. Lee |
| Organic Chemistry | O.P. Tandon |
NEET 2026 Syllabus for Biology
NEET 2026 syllabus for Biology includes topics from Zoology and Botany, with some important topics including Human Physiology, Genetics and Evolution, Ecology and Environment, Plant Physiology, and Cell Structure & Function.
Unit-wise NEET syllabus for Biology is discussed in the table below.
| Unit | Topics |
| Diversity in Living World | Classification of plants, animals, fungi; five-kingdom system |
| Structural Organisation | Animal tissues, plant anatomy, and morphology |
| Cell Structure/Function | Cell theory, organelles, cell cycle, mitosis, meiosis |
| Plant Physiology | Photosynthesis, respiration, and plant growth regulators |
| Human Physiology | Digestion, respiration, circulation, excretion, nervous and muscular systems |
| Reproduction | Plant reproduction, human reproduction, reproductive health |
| Genetics and Evolution | Mendel's laws, the molecular basis of inheritance, and evolution theories |
| Biology and Human Welfare | Diseases, immunity, and microbes in human welfare |
| Biotechnology | Genetic engineering, applications in medicine and agriculture |
| Ecology and Environment | Ecosystems, biodiversity, conservation, and environmental issues |
Important Books for NEET Biology
| BooksAuthor/Publisher | Author/Publisher |
| Trueman’s Biology (Part 1 and Part 2) | K.N. Bhatia and M.P. Tyagi |
| Objective Biology | Dinesh & K.D. Tripathi |
| Biology for NEET | C.P. Bansal |
| Biology Vol 1 & 2 | Dr. S. S. Bhatt |
NEET UG 2026 Eligibility Criteria
If you are appearing for NEET 2026, be aware of the NEET Eligibility Criteria, as it will decide if you will appear for the exam and will participate in counselling.
To be eligible for NEET 2026, you should have studied physics, chemistry, biology and English in Class 12, with 50% marks for general category candidates, 45% for PwD and 40% for OBC/SC/ST Candidates.
- From NEET 2026-27, the eligibility applies to AYUSH and Allied Health Courses.
- The NEET Age limit should be 17 years or above till 31st December, 2026 and with no upper age limit, along with multiple attempts.
- The NEET Score remains valid for 1 academic year, to get admission into MBBS, BDS and other medical courses in India.
What is the NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026?
The NEET Eligibility Criteria will verify whether a candidate satisfies the minimum academic, age, and legal requirements to appear for the NEET UG Exam andbe considered for medical admission.
- The NEET Eligibility of candidates will be checked twice: first at the application stage, and then duringcounselling and document verification.
- Meeting the NEET Eligibility Criteria will not guarantee you admission; it will make you eligible to compete as per the NEET Rank and seat availability.
- The Class 12 PCB Marks will be considered subject-wise, not as an overall percentage, as strong PCB Performance will matter more than total marks.
NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026
| Factor | Requirement |
| Minimum Age | 17 years by December 31, 2026 (Date of Birth on or before December 31, 2009) |
| Maximum Age | No upper age limit (as per latest NEET age limit updates) |
| Educational Qualification | Must have passed or be appearing in 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English |
| Minimum Marks (PCB) | General – 50% PwD (General) – 45% OBC/SC/ST – 40% |
| Number of Attempts | No limit on number of attempts (Unlimited attempts allowed) |
| Nationality | Indian Citizens, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and Foreign Nationals are eligible |
| Score Validity | Valid for one academic year (applicable for the same admission session only) |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
NEET Eligibility Criteria vs Admission
| Factor | Role in Admission |
| NEET Eligibility | Allows participation in counselling |
| NEET Score & Rank | Determines merit position |
| Category & Reservation | Affects cut-off and seat access |
| Seat Availability | Limited; varies by college & state |
| Choice Filling | Impacts final allotment |
Eligibility Status of Class 12 Appearing Candidates
| Condition | Eligibility Status |
| Appearing in 2026 | Eligible to apply |
| PCB subjects studied | Mandatory |
| Minimum marks achieved | Checked during counselling |
| Result not declared | Provisional eligibility |
| Failed to qualify later | Ineligible for admission |
NEET Eligibility Criteria: Changes for each Category
As the NEET Eligibility Rules are the same for all candidates, but the minimum qualifying marks and reservation benefits change as per the categories, which will directly impact the admission eligibility. By understanding the category-wise difference, you can assess the risk of eligibility, cutoff and counselling chances.
NEET Category-Wise Eligibility Criteria
| Category | Minimum PCB Marks (Class 12) | Eligibility & Admission Criteria |
| General (UR) | 50% | No reservation benefit; faces the highest cut-offs during counselling |
| EWS | 50% | Eligible under EWS quota; slightly lower cut-offs than General category |
| OBC-NCL | 40% | Reservation applicable; moderate relaxation in cut-offs |
| SC | 40% | Reserved seats available; significantly lower cut-offs compared to UR |
| ST | 40% | Maximum cut-off relaxation due to comparatively fewer applicants |
| PwD (All Categories) | 45% (UR/EWS) 40% (Reserved Categories) | Separate PwD quota available; valid medical certification as per NMC norms is mandatory |
PCB Minimum Marks Requirement
| Category | Minimum PCB Marks |
| General (UR) | 50% |
| EWS | 50% |
| OBC-NCL | 40% |
| SC | 40% |
| ST | 40% |
NEET PwD Eligibility Criteria
| PwD CategoryMinimum PCB Marks Required | |
| General / EWS PwD | 45% |
| SC / ST / OBC PwD | 40% |
NEET Course-Wise Eligibility Criteria 2026
The NEET Eligibility Criteria will differ according to the different courses selected by the candidates. The NEET Age Criteria and NEET Attempt limit remain the same; the academic requirement and the qualifying marks will differ as per the course type.
NEET Eligibility Criteria for MBBS
MBBS is the most popular course according to NEET. To be eligible for NEET MBBS, candidates should have PCB along with English in class 12 and meet the required minimum marks.
| Factor | Requirement for MBBS 2026 |
| Minimum Age | 17 years by Dec 31, 2026 |
| Maximum Age | No upper age limit |
| Qualification | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotech, and English |
| Minimum Marks (PCB) | General: 50%, PwD (Gen): 45%, OBC/SC/ST: 40% |
| Attempts | No attempt limit |
| Score Validity | 1 year (2026–27 admission session) |
NEET Eligibility Criteria for BDS
To get admission into Dental courses, the candidates should be eligible for NEET BDS. The NEET BDS Eligibility criteria remain the same as the NEET Eligibility for MBBS.
| Eligibility Factor | BDS Requirement 2026 |
| Regulating Authority | Dental Council of India |
| Minimum Marks (PCB) | Same as MBBS (Gen: 50%, OBC/SC/ST: 40%, PwD: 45%) |
| NEET Score Requirement | Lower cut-off compared to MBBS |
| Additional Condition | Biology/Biotechnology compulsory, practical exams required |
NEET Eligibility criteria for AYUSH Courses (BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS, BNYS)
To get admission in Ayush programs, candidates should clear the NEET Eligibility Criteria. The Requirement of subjects remains the same, but the state-wise criteria may differ.
| Eligibility Factor | AYUSH Requirement 2026 |
| Regulating Authority | Ministry of AYUSH |
| Minimum Marks (PCB) | Gen: 50%, OBC/SC/ST: 40%, PwD: 45% |
| NEET Score Requirement | Cut-off is usually lower than MBBS/BDS |
| Additional Condition | State-level domicile rules often apply for AYUSH seats |
NEET Eligibility Criteria for Veterinary Courses (BVSc & AH)
To get admission into Veterinary science programs, NEET Scores are used. The NEET Age limit and attempt limit are applied as well.
| Eligibility Factor | Veterinary Requirement 2026 |
| Regulating Authority | VCI (Veterinary Council of India) |
| Minimum Marks (PCB) | Gen: 50%, OBC/SC/ST: 40%, PwD: 45% |
| NEET Score Requirement | Admission through State Veterinary Universities & ICAR quota |
| Additional Condition | Biology/Biotechnology mandatory; separate seat distribution for ICAR quota |
NEET UG Eligibility Criteria 2026 For NRIs/ OCI/Foreign Students
The NEET Exam is also applicable for Foreign Nationals, NRIs and OCI Candidates, but their eligibility criteria will be different from the indian students. They should complete the academic qualifications and provide proof of equivalency.
NEET 2026 Eligibility for NRI/OCI/Foreign Students
More than 10,000 NRI/OCI Candidates appear for the NEET Exam annually.
| Criteria | Requirement |
| Educational Qualification | Must have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English in Class 12 or equivalent |
| Minimum Marks | At least 50% in PCB (same as UR category) |
| Equivalency Certificate | Must obtain from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) if the qualifying exam is from a foreign board |
| Nationality | NRI / OCI / Foreign Nationals are eligible to apply |
| Other Requirements | Passport/visa proof for NRIs and foreign students |
NEET Eligibility Criteria for females
There are no restrictions in the NEET Exam based on gender; female candidates have the same eligibility rules as male candidates.
- The age limit is the same, 17 years as of 31st December 2026.
- Should have studied PCB in class 12 with English as a compulsory subject.
- For General category candidates minimum of 50% is required, for SC/ST/OBC, 40% is required, and 45% for PwD.
- Candidates should be Indian, NRI, OCI and foreign citizens.
- More than 56% of the applicants are females each year in NEET Exams, and 50% of the seats are filled by women.