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NEET 2026: Exam Dates, Syllabus, Eligibility, Admit Card and Results

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What are the Important Dates for NEET 2026 Exam? Check Complete Schedule

Cracking NEET is a dream for lakhs of medical aspirants aiming to secure admission to top medical colleges in India. With nearly 15 lakh students appearing every year, NEET 2026 is one of the most competitive exams. Along with focused preparation, staying updated on important dates, timings, and exam guidelines is essential for success.


NEET 2026, is a pen-and-paper exam that acts as the gateway to undergraduate medical courses such as MBBS, BDS, BAMS, and B.Sc. Nursing. With eligibility based on Class 12 qualifications in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, NEET is one of the most anticipated national-level exams in India. 


Due to widespread speculation and confusion around announcements, students often find it difficult to track accurate updates. To help aspirants stay informed, Vedantu clearly explains all key details, including the NEET 2026 exam date and other important events.


Also Check: NEET 2026 Exam Dates

NEET UG 2026 Latest Notification

NTA has released an important advisory for NEET UG 2026, asking candidates to ensure their Aadhaar card, UDID card, and caste certificate details are updated before registration. In addition, the NEET 2026 syllabus has been officially released by the UGMEB on the NMC’s official website on 22 December 2026, providing clarity on the final syllabus to be followed for the upcoming exam.


NEET 2026 Exam Date and Timings – Expected Schedule

For students aiming to secure admission to top medical colleges in India or abroad, staying updated with accurate exam information is essential. Before starting your preparation, having clarity on the NEET 2026 exam date and expected timeline can help you plan your study strategy effectively.


Although the NTA has not officially announced the dates yet, NEET is usually conducted on the first Sunday of May. Based on this trend, the NEET 2026 exam date is expected to fall in early May 2026. The tentative schedule shared below is prepared by analysing previous years’ NEET timelines and offers students a reliable reference for planning ahead.


Event

Expected Dates

NEET 2026 Notification Release

February 2026

Start of NEET 2026 Application Form

February 2026

Last Date to Apply & Pay Application Fee

March 2026

Application Correction Window

March 2026

Exam City Intimation Slip Release

April 2026

NEET 2026 Admit Card Release

April 2026

NEET 2026 Exam Date

3 May 2026 (Tentative)

Exam Duration     

3 Hours (180 Minutes)

NEET 2026 Exam Timing

2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (IST)

Reporting Time at Exam Centre

By 1:15 PM

Last Entry into Examination Hall

1:30 PM

Exam Commencement

2:00 PM

Exam Conclusion

5:00 PM

Provisional Answer Key Release

May 2026 (Tentative)

Final Answer Key Release

May / June 2026 (Tentative)

NEET 2026 Result Declaration

June 2026 (Tentative)


NEET 2026 Official Notification Release Date

The NEET notification 2026, released by NTA, is one of the most-awaited announcements for medical aspirants. This notification plays a crucial role in clearing doubts related to the NEET 2026 exam date, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, NEET 2026 syllabus, and the complete application process.


As per previous trends, the NEET notification 2026 is expected to be released between January and February 2026. Once announced, it will confirm important details such as the NEET UG 2026 registration date, form filling, exam schedule, and official guidelines. This notification will also help students track the NEET 2026 countdown and understand how many days are left for NEET 2026 exam preparation.


Programmes Offered Through NEET UG 2026

NEET UG 2026 serves as the single national-level entrance examination for admission to various medical, dental, AYUSH, nursing, and allied health science programmes across India. The courses available through NEET UG are listed below:


Programme Category

Course Name

Medical

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)

Dental

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)

AYUSH

Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine

AYUSH

Bachelor of Homoeopathy Medicine

AYUSH

Bachelor of Unani Medicine

AYUSH

Bachelor of Siddha Medicine

Veterinary

Bachelor of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry (BVSc & AH)

Nursing

B.Sc. (Hons) Nursing (included from 2023 onwards)

Allied Health Sciences

Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT)

Allied Health Sciences

Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT)

Allied Health Sciences

Bachelor of Speech, Audiology, and Language Pathology

Allied Health Sciences

Bachelor of Prosthetics and Orthotics


Colleges Accepting NEET UG Scores (India)  

Institution Type

Number of Colleges / Campuses

Medical Colleges

542

Dental Colleges

313

AYUSH Colleges

914

Veterinary Colleges (BVSc & AH)

47

AIIMS Campuses

15

JIPMER Campuses

2


Important Note:
Admission to the B.Sc. (Hons) Nursing programme will also be conducted through NEET UG 2026. However, the official seat matrix has not yet been released.


NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The NMC has prescribed specific eligibility requirements for candidates planning to appear for NEET 2026. Applicants must carefully check all eligibility conditions before filling out the NEET application form to ensure they meet the required standards. 


The NEET 2026 eligibility criteria cover the following key aspects:


  • Nationality requirements

  • Academic qualifications

  • Minimum and maximum age limits

  • Permissible number of attempts

  • Qualifying examination and exam code criteria


Candidates are advised to thoroughly review the NEET 2026 eligibility criteria to gain a clear understanding of admission conditions, educational qualifications, age requirements, and other important guidelines related to the examination.


Check: NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria


NEET 2026 Registration for Exam

Registering for NEET on time is a crucial step, as it allows candidates to plan their preparation effectively, avoid last-minute pressure, and stay fully focused on their studies. Below is a clear overview of the NEET UG 2026 registration date, expected timelines, and the step-by-step application process.


As per previous trends, the NEET 2026 registration date is expected to fall between February 2026 and March 2026. While the official NEET registration date 2026 will be confirmed through the NTA notification, the registration window usually opens during this period every year.


Steps to Complete NEET 2026 Registration

Candidates can apply online through the official NTA NEET website: neet.ntaonline.in by following these steps:


  1. Click on “New Registration” and select “Proceed to Apply.”

  2. Fill in the registration form with basic details such as name, date of birth, contact information, and other required particulars.

  3. Generate login credentials using the application number and password.

  4. Log in to the account and enter personal, academic, and examination details.

  5. Upload the necessary documents and complete the application fee payment using an available payment method.

  6. After successful payment, download the confirmation page, which confirms that your NEET registration date 2026 process has been successfully completed.


Candidates are advised to regularly check updates related to theNEET UG 2026 registration dateto ensure they do not miss any important deadlines.


NEET 2026 Application Form

Registration is the first and most important step in the NEET Application Form 2026 process. Candidates planning to appear for the exam must stay updated with the NEET 2026 exam date application form schedule to avoid missing any deadlines.


The exam conducting authority allows eligible students to appear for NEET only after successfully completing the online application process. Detailed instructions on filling out the NEET UG application form, including form submission guidelines and important dates, are provided by Vedantu.


Students can visit the NEET UG Application Form 2026 page to get complete information about the application procedure, key dates, and important guidelines related to the NEET 2026 exam date application form.


Visit:  NEET Application Form 2026


NEET 2026 Exam Pattern (As per Previous Year Trends)

Before beginning your preparation, it is crucial to understand the NEET 2026 exam pattern and its marking scheme. The subject-wise distribution of questions and marks, based on last year’s exam pattern, is provided in the table below:


Subject

Number of Questions

Maximum Marks

Physics

45

180

Chemistry

45

180

Biology

90

360

Total

180

720


Understanding the NEET exam pattern helps candidates plan their preparation effectively, manage time during the exam, and focus on high-weightage subjects.


Also Check: NEET 2026 Exam Pattern


NEET Syllabus 2026

To begin your exam preparation effectively, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the NEET 2026 syllabus. The NEET UG syllabus covers important topics from Class 11 and Class 12 Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as prescribed by the authorities.


In 2023, the NMC introduced revisions to the syllabus, which are being followed for upcoming examinations. To help students stay aligned with these changes, Vedantu has provided a detailed, subject-wise explanation of all important topics.


Students can access the latest and updated NEET 2026 syllabus by NTA, including all revised chapters and concepts, through Vedantu’s comprehensive syllabus guide.


Visit; NEET Syllabus 2026to get complete syllabus



NEET Admit Card 2026

The NTA will release the NEET UG 2026 admit card a few days before the examination date. The admit card is a mandatory document, and candidates will not be permitted to enter the examination hall without it.


After downloading the NEET 2026 admit card, candidates must carefully verify all personal details and thoroughly read the instructions and exam-day guidelines printed on it. In case of any error or discrepancy, students should immediately contact NEET helpdesk or the concerned regional office for correction.


Note: To download the NEET admit card, candidates must log in to the NTA official website using their application number and date of birth.


Check: NEET Admit Card 2026 


NEET 2026 Answer Key

After appearing for the NEET UG examination, candidates eagerly await the release of the NEET 2026 Answer Key to analyse their performance and estimate their scores during the NEET 2026 countdown as the days left for NEET 2026 continue to decrease.


The NTA publishes the official answer key on its website along with scanned copies of OMR answer sheets and machine-recorded responses for all candidates. By referring to both the answer key and the scanned OMR sheet, students can verify their responses and raise objections against any discrepancies within the specified time frame.


In addition to the official release, Vedantu also provides NEET Answer Key PDFs along with LIVE video solutions, helping students accurately evaluate their performance and stay informed during the final days left for NEET 2026.


Click: NEET 2026 Answer Key


NEET UG 2026 Result

The NTA will declare the NEET UG 2026 result on its official website. Candidates can view and download their scorecards by following the steps outlined below:


  1. Visit the official NTA NEET website.

  2. Click on the “View NEET UG Result” link available on the homepage.

  3. Enter the required login details, including Application Number, Date of Birth, Candidate Email ID or Mobile Number, and the Security Pin displayed on the screen.

  4. Your NEET UG 2026 scorecard will appear on the screen.

  5. Click on the “Print” option to download and save the result for future reference.

Candidates are advised to keep a copy of their NEET scorecard safely, as it will be required throughout the admission and counselling process.


Additionally, students can also check their results using the Name-Wise NEET Result option by selecting the “NEET Result Name Wise” link.


Note: The NEET UG scorecard is a mandatory document for counselling and seat allotment.


Visit: NEET Result 2026


NEET Cutoff Marks

The NEET UG cutoff marks are released by the National Testing Agency (NTA) after the declaration of the NEET results. The cutoff represents the minimum score required to qualify for the examination.


The NEET cutoff is classified into two main types:


  • Admission Cutoff: The final rank or score at which candidates are granted admission to medical or allied health science courses.

  • Qualifying Cutoff: The minimum marks a candidate must obtain to be considered qualified in the NEET exam.


The admission cutoff varies each year depending on college, course, and category, while the qualifying cutoff is fixed as the minimum eligibility benchmark.


NEET cutoff marks are determined based on multiple factors such as:


  • Overall difficulty level of the exam

  • Total number of candidates appearing

  • Candidate performance trends

  • Availability of seats across institutions


Understanding the NEET cutoff helps students assess their chances of admission and plan their counselling strategy effectively.


Previous Year’s NEET-UG Cut-Offs (2024)

The category-wise NEET-UG 2024 cut-off marks are provided below. These cut-offs indicate the minimum qualifying percentile and corresponding score range required for different categories.


Category

Qualifying Percentile

NEET 2024 Cut-Off Marks

UR / EWS

50th Percentile

720 – 164

OBC / SC / ST

40th Percentile

163 – 129

UR / EWS – PH

45th Percentile

163 – 146

OBC – PH

40th Percentile

145 – 129

ST – PH

40th Percentile

141 – 129


These previous year cut-off trends help candidates estimate the expected qualifying scores and better plan their preparation and counselling strategy for upcoming NEET examinations.


NEET Counselling Process

After the declaration of the NEET results, the next crucial stage is the NEET UG counselling process, during which seats are allotted to candidates based on their rank, category, and preferences. Aspirants are advised to stay updated with the counselling schedule and keep all required documents ready in advance.


Students can visit the NEET Counselling 2026 to get detailed information about the counselling procedure along with a complete checklist of documents required for NEET UG counselling.


The NEET counselling process generally begins within one month of the result declaration. Counselling is conducted for:


  • 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats

  • 85% State Quota seats

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) is responsible for conducting AIQ counselling, while respective state authorities manage the State Quota counselling for NEET UG.


NEET counselling is conducted in four rounds:


  • Round 1

  • Round 2

  • Round 3

  • Stray Vacancy Round

Eligible candidates must register online after the counselling notification is released by filling out the application form, uploading the required documents, and paying the counselling registration fee. This is followed by choice filling and seat allotment.


To confirm admission, candidates must download the seat allotment letter, report to the allotted institute, and complete all admission formalities. Candidates who are not satisfied with their allotted seat in Round 1 may opt for an upgrade in Round 2. Those who do not receive a seat in the first two rounds are eligible to participate in the mop-up and stray vacancy rounds.


NEET Exam Analysis

The NEET exam analysis provides a comprehensive insight into the question pattern, subject-wise weightage, and overall difficulty level of the examination. Based on the NEET 2026 exam, the paper was considered moderate in difficulty, with Biology being the easiest section, Chemistry maintaining a balanced level, and Physics emerging as comparatively more challenging.


This detailed analysis helps students evaluate exam trends, understand subject difficulty levels, and fine-tune their preparation strategies for upcoming attempts.


Also Check: NEET UG 2026 Question Paper with Solutions


NEET Mock Tests

NEET preparation is incomplete without applying concepts through regular practice. While lakhs of students appear for the exam every year, consistent practice with NEET mock tests plays a crucial role in achieving success. Mock tests help students understand the exam pattern, question difficulty, and time management requirements.


By attempting NEET mock tests, students can assess their performance, identify weak areas, and correct mistakes well before the actual exam. This practice not only improves accuracy and speed but also builds strong self-analysis skills and boosts confidence, ensuring better performance on exam day.


Also Visit: NEET Mock Test Series


NEET Preparation Tips 2026

Preparation tips play a vital role in achieving success in competitive exams like NEET. A well-planned strategy helps students study efficiently, stay organised, and build confidence throughout the preparation journey. Below are some essential NEET 2026 preparation tips that can significantly enhance your learning and performance.


  • Gain a thorough understanding of the NEET Syllabus 2026 before starting your preparation.

  • Familiarise yourself with the exam pattern and marking scheme.

  • Design a realistic and achievable study timetable.

  • Choose reliable and high-quality study resources.

  • Practice effective time management while studying and during mock tests.

  • Stay curious and develop a habit of continuous learning.

  • Revise concepts regularly to strengthen retention.

  • Maintain a positive mindset and stay motivated throughout your preparation.


Check: Preparation Strategies for NEET Exam  NEET Preparation Tips

How to prepare for NEET in 1 month    How to boost your score in NEET


NEET Question Paper

Practising NEET previous year question papers is one of the most effective ways to build a strong preparation strategy for the exam. Solving past papers helps students gain practical insight into the exam format and improves overall performance.


Working through NEET question papers offers several benefits, including:


  • Better familiarity with the NEET exam pattern

  • Clear understanding of question trends and difficulty levels

  • Improved time management skills

  • Effective self-assessment of preparation level

  • Easy identification of weak and strong areas


Regular practice with NEET question papers enables students to refine their approach, boost confidence, and perform more effectively in the actual examination.


NEET Exam Day Guidelines 2026

To ensure a smooth and stress-free experience on the exam day, the NTA has issued specific guidelines for candidates appearing in NEET UG 2026. All aspirants are advised to follow these instructions carefully:


  • Candidates should report to the examination centre at least one hour before the scheduled reporting time to complete security checks and frisking procedures without haste.

  • Each candidate must sit only on the seat allotted to them and ensure that a passport-size photograph is properly affixed on the NEET admit card as instructed.

  • Candidates are required to consent to video recording during the examination. To enable clear identification, they must sit upright and face the camera throughout the exam.

  • Considering the large number of test-takers, NTA enforces strict rules and monitoring to maintain fairness, transparency, and discipline during the NEET exam.


For students seeking expert guidance and structured preparation, enrolling at Vedantu, one of the leading NEET coaching institutes, can provide the right support and direction. With years of experience, Vedantu has helped thousands of students successfully crack NEET UG and IIT JEE examinations.


Visit: NEET Exam Day Guidelines 2026for complete details.


NEET 2026 Subject-wise Weightage

S.No

Subject-wise weightage Links for NEET 2026

1

NEET Physics Weightage

2

NEET Chemistry Weightage

3

NEET Biology Weightage


NEET 2026 Subject-wise Important Questions


NEET 2026 Subject-wise Notes

S.No

Subject-wise Notes Links for NEET 2026

1

NEET Physics Notes

2

NEET Chemistry Notes

3

NEET Biology Notes


Most Important Study Materials for NEET UG 2026 Success

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FAQs on NEET 2026: Exam Dates, Syllabus, Eligibility, Admit Card and Results

1. When will the NEET 2026 exam be conducted?

As per previous year trends, the NEET 2026 exam date is expected to fall on 3 May 2026 (Sunday). However, this date is tentative and will be officially confirmed through the NEET notification 2026 released by NTA.

2. When will NTA release the NEET 2026 notification?

The NEET notification 2026 is expected to be released between January and February 2026. The notification will confirm key details such as the NEET UG 2026 registration date, exam schedule, eligibility, and syllabus.

3. What is the expected schedule for NEET 2026?

Based on past trends, the tentative schedule for NEET 2026 is as follows:

  • Application Start: February 2026

  • NEET form filling date 2026 / Registration window: February–March 2026

  • NEET form last date 2026: March 2026

  • Admit Card Release: April 2026

  • NEET 2026 exam date: 3 May 2026 (Tentative)

  • Result Declaration: June 2026 (Tentative)

This timeline helps students track the NEET 2026 countdown and plan their preparation efficiently.

4. Where will the NEET 2026 exam date be announced first?

The NEET 2026 exam date and all official updates will be announced first on the official NTA NEET website.

5. How can I stay updated about the NEET 2026 exam date announcement?

You can stay informed about the NEET 2026 exam date and important events by:

  1. Regularly visiting the official NTA NEET website

  2. Tracking updates released along with the NEET notification 2026

  3. Following Vedantu that publish verified updates and countdowns related to how many days are left for NEET 2026

6. What is the NEET exam date for 2026?

The NEET UG 2026 exam date is tentatively scheduled for 3 May 2026, following the usual pattern of conducting the exam on the first Sunday of May. Candidates should rely on the official NTA announcement for final confirmation.

7. Will NEET happen twice in 2026?

As of now, NTA has not announced any plan to conduct NEET twice in 2026. NEET UG is expected to be held once a year, as per the existing examination pattern.

8. Is the NEET 2026 syllabus released?

Yes, the NEET 2026 syllabus by NTA, finalised by the National Medical Commission (NMC), has been officially released. The syllabus continues to focus on Class 11 and 12 NCERT topics for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, with no major changes from the previous year.

9. Can I start now for NEET 2026?

Yes, you can start preparing now for NEET 2026. With a focused strategy, consistent revision of the NEET 2026 syllabus, and regular practice, students can make effective use of the remaining days left for NEET 2026, even if starting later than planned.

10. Is NEET 2026 2 phase?

Currently, there is no official confirmation from NTA regarding NEET 2026 being conducted in two phases. Any such update, if introduced, will be announced clearly through the NEET notification 2026.

11. What rank is 700 marks in NEET?

A score of 700 marks in NEET generally results in a very high rank, often within the top few thousand candidates. However, the exact rank may vary depending on the difficulty level of the paper, number of candidates, and overall performance trends.

12. Will NEET 2026 be easy or difficult?

Based on recent trends, NEET 2026 is expected to be moderate to tough. Biology is likely to remain NCERT-focused, Chemistry balanced, and Physics comparatively more challenging due to conceptual and numerical questions.

13. What is the application fee for NEET 2025?

Category

Application Fee (INR)

General

₹1700/-

General-EWS/OBC-NCL

₹1600/-

SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender

₹1000/-

Outside India

₹9500/-

14. When is the last date to apply for NEET 2025?

The application window is open from February 7, 2025, to March 7, 2025.

15. Can I make corrections in the NEET 2025 application form?

Yes, the correction window will be available from March 9-11, 2025.

16. When will the NEET 2025 admit card be released?

The admit card will be available from May 1, 2025, on the official website.

17. In which cities will NEET 2025 be conducted?

The exam will be conducted in various cities across India and abroad.

18. In which languages is NEET 2025 conducted?

NEET 2025 will be available in 13 languages: English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.

19. How is NEET 2025 counselling conducted?

  • For All India Quota (15%) – MCC (Medical Counselling Committee) conducts counselling.

  • For State Quota (85%) – Respective state authorities conduct counselling.