NEET UG 2026: Dates, Syllabus, Eligibility & Prep Guide

Contents Overview

• Programmes Offered Through NEET UG
• NEET UG 2026: Important Dates
• NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
• NEET Application Form 2026
• NEET 2026 Exam Pattern
• NEET Syllabus 2026
• NEET Admit Card 2026
• NEET 2026 Answer Key
• NEET (UG) 2026 Results
• NEET Cutoff Marks
• NEET Counseling Process
• NEET Exam Analysis
• NEET Mock Tests
• NEET Question Paper
• NEET Exam Day Guidelines for 2026
• FAQs

Programmes Offered Through NEET UG

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG is the sole entrance examination for admission to various undergraduate medical and paramedical programs in India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), it serves as the gateway to prestigious institutions offering courses in medicine and allied fields. NEET UG is mandatory for students aspiring to pursue careers in healthcare.

Programmes offered through NEET UG include:

• MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery): The primary medical degree for aspiring doctors.
• BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery): For students aiming to become dentists.
• BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery): Focuses on traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine.
• BHMS (Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery): Covers homoeopathic medical practices.
• BUMS (Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery): Centers on Unani medicine, a traditional healing system.
• BSMS (Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery): Based on the Siddha system of medicine.
• BVSc & AH (Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry): For veterinary medicine and animal care.
• BSc Nursing: Offered at select institutions like Armed Forces Medical Service Hospitals for Military Nursing Service (MNS) aspirants.

These programs are offered across government, private, and deemed universities, including prestigious institutions like AIIMS and JIPMER, making NEET UG a critical step for medical aspirants.

NEET UG 2026: Important Dates

Staying updated with the NEET UG 2026 schedule is crucial for effective preparation. While the National Testing Agency (NTA) has not yet released the official dates, based on previous trends, the following tentative timeline is expected:

Candidates should regularly check the official NTA website for confirmed dates to avoid missing deadlines.

NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

To appear for NEET UG 2026, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements set by the NTA. These ensure that only qualified individuals can apply for the exam.

Key Eligibility Criteria:

• Age Limit: Candidates must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026. There is no upper age limit.
• Nationality: Eligible candidates include Indian citizens, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and foreign nationals.
• Educational Qualifications: Candidates must have completed or be appearing for their 10+2 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects.
• Minimum Marks: General category candidates need at least 50% in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology combined in 10+2. For SC/ST/OBC, the requirement is 40%, and for PwBD candidates, it is 45%.
• Number of Attempts: There is no limit on the number of attempts, provided candidates meet other eligibility criteria.

Candidates should verify their eligibility before applying to avoid disqualification during the admission process.

NEET Application Form 2026

The NEET 2026 application process is conducted online through the official NTA NEET website. It is a multi-step process that requires careful attention to detail to ensure a successful submission.

Steps to Apply:

• Registration: Visit the NTA NEET website and register using a valid email ID and mobile number to generate an application number and password.
• Fill the Application Form: Log in using the application number and password. Provide personal details, educational qualifications, choice of exam city, and preferred language for the question paper.
• Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of a recent passport-size photograph, signature, left-hand thumb impression, and any required certificates (e.g., PwBD certificate).
• Pay the Application Fee: Pay the fee online via debit/credit card, net banking, or UPI. Fees vary by category (approximately INR 1,700 for General, INR 1,600 for OBC, and INR 1,000 for SC/ST/PwBD).
• Submit and Save: Review all details, submit the form, and download the confirmation page for future reference.

The application window is expected to open in January 2026, with a correction window in February 2026 for minor edits. Candidates must ensure all details are accurate to avoid rejection.

NEET 2026 Exam Pattern

The NEET 2026 exam pattern is designed to test candidates’ knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Understanding the pattern helps candidates prepare strategically.

Exam Pattern Details:

The exam has reverted to a pre-COVID format, with no optional questions. All 180 questions are mandatory, making time management critical.

NEET Syllabus 2026

The NEET 2026 syllabus is based on the NCERT curriculum for Classes 11 and 12, covering Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology). The National Medical Commission (NMC) prescribes the syllabus, which remains largely consistent with previous years unless updates are announced.

Subject-Wise Syllabus Overview:

• Physics: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electrostatics, Optics, Modern Physics, Units and Measurements, Waves.
• Chemistry: Physical Chemistry (Mole Concept, Thermodynamics), Organic Chemistry (Hydrocarbons, Biomolecules), Inorganic Chemistry (Periodic Table, Coordination Compounds).
• Biology: Diversity in Living World, Human Physiology, Genetics, Plant Physiology, Ecology, Biotechnology.

Candidates should focus on NCERT textbooks as the primary resource, supplemented by reference books like H.C. Verma for Physics and M.S. Chauhan for Organic Chemistry. Regularly check the NTA website for any syllabus updates.

NEET Admit Card 2026

The NEET 2026 admit card is a mandatory document for entry into the exam hall. It contains essential details like the candidate’s name, roll number, exam center, date, and time.

How to Download:

• Visit the official NTA NEET website.
• Log in using the application number, date of birth, and security pin.
• Download and print multiple copies of the admit card.

Details on Admit Card:

• Candidate’s name, photograph, and signature.
• Exam date, time, and center address.
• Instructions for exam day, including dress code and prohibited items.

Candidates must paste a passport-size photograph and a postcard-size photograph (4”x6”) on the admit card and carry a valid photo ID (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN, or passport) to the exam center. The admit card is expected to be released in the first week of May 2026.

NEET 2026 Answer Key

The NEET 2026 answer key allows candidates to verify their answers and estimate scores before the results are announced. The NTA releases a provisional answer key followed by a final one.

Answer Key Process:

• Provisional Answer Key: Released in early June 2026 on the NTA website, along with scanned OMR sheets.
• Challenging the Key: Candidates can challenge incorrect answers by paying INR 200 per question within a specified period.
• Final Answer Key: Released after reviewing challenges, used for result calculation.

Candidates can download the answer key using their application number and password. It helps predict scores and identify discrepancies in the evaluation process.

NEET (UG) 2026 Results

The NEET 2026 results will be announced in mid-June 2026 on the NTA website. The result includes the candidate’s total marks, subject-wise scores, percentile, and All India Rank (AIR).

How to Check Results:

• Visit the official NTA NEET website.
• Enter the roll number, date of birth, and security pin.
• Download the scorecard for counseling and admission purposes.

The result determines eligibility for counseling. Candidates should keep multiple copies of the scorecard for future reference.

NEET Cutoff Marks

The NEET 2026 cutoff marks are the minimum scores required to qualify for counseling. Cutoffs vary by category and depend on factors like exam difficulty, number of candidates, and seat availability.

Expected Cutoff Percentile:

Admission cutoffs for specific colleges are higher than qualifying cutoffs and vary based on the institution’s reputation and seat availability.

NEET Counseling Process

The NEET 2026 counseling process is conducted for admission to MBBS, BDS, and other courses under All India Quota (AIQ) and state quota seats. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) manages AIQ (15%) and central/deemed universities, while state authorities handle 85% state quota seats.

Counseling Steps:

• Registration: Register on the MCC or state counseling website.
• Choice Filling: Select preferred colleges and courses.
• Seat Allotment: Based on NEET rank, choices, and seat availability.
• Document Verification: Submit required documents like NEET scorecard, 10+2 mark sheets, and category certificates.
• Reporting: Join the allotted college to complete admission formalities.

Counseling is conducted in multiple rounds, starting in July 2026, with mop-up rounds for vacant seats.

NEET Exam Analysis

NEET exam analysis provides insights into the difficulty level, topic weightage, and question trends. Based on NEET 2025, the following observations are expected for 2026:

• Physics: Moderately difficult, with numerical questions dominating (around 78%). Key topics include Mechanics, Electrostatics, and Modern Physics.
• Chemistry: Moderate to difficult, with a focus on Organic and Physical Chemistry. Questions are NCERT-based, with some requiring conceptual clarity.
• Biology: Lengthy but moderate, with Botany being factual and Zoology requiring deeper understanding.

Analyzing past exams helps candidates prioritize high-weightage topics and improve time management.

NEET Mock Tests

NEET mock tests are essential for preparation, simulating the actual exam environment and helping candidates assess their strengths and weaknesses.

Benefits of Mock Tests:

• Improve time management and question-solving speed.
• Identify weak areas for targeted study.
• Build confidence and reduce exam-day anxiety.

Candidates can access free mock tests on the NTA website or through coaching platforms like Allen and Aakash. Regular practice with mock tests and previous years’ papers is recommended.

NEET Question Paper

The NEET 2026 question paper consists of 180 MCQs, with 45 questions each in Physics and Chemistry and 90 in Biology (45 Botany, 45 Zoology). The paper is available in 13 languages, and candidates must ensure they receive the correct language version during the exam.

Key Features:

• All questions are compulsory.
• Each question has four options, with one correct answer.
• Previous years’ papers (available on the NTA website) help understand question trends and difficulty levels.

Solving past papers aids in familiarizing candidates with the exam format and improving accuracy.

NEET Exam Day Guidelines for 2026

Following NEET 2026 exam day guidelines ensures a smooth and stress-free experience. Candidates must adhere to NTA’s instructions to avoid disqualification.

Key Guidelines:

• Arrival Time: Reach the exam center at least one hour before the reporting time (typically 12:00 PM for a 2:00 PM exam).
• Mandatory Documents: Carry the NEET admit card, a valid photo ID, a passport-size photo, and a postcard-size photo.
• Dress Code: Follow NTA’s dress code—avoid metallic items, bulky accessories, or full-sleeve clothing.
• Prohibited Items: Electronic devices, calculators, bags, and study materials are not allowed in the exam hall.
• Exam Conduct: Occupy the designated seat, mark answers on the OMR sheet carefully, and avoid unfair practices to prevent disqualification.

Candidates should read the admit card instructions thoroughly and contact the NTA helpline for any discrepancies.

Written by All Success Path

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