NEET 2026 - Exam Date, Syllabus, Application, Pattern, Cutoff, and Preparation Tips

The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to conduct the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) in May 2026. As the largest medical entrance examination in India, NEET 2026 will facilitate admissions into MBBS, BDS, B.V.Sc, and AYUSH programs across both government and private medical institutions nationwide. The exam will be administered offline in 13 languages, encompassing 180 questions spanning Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Each correct response will earn candidates 4 marks, while each incorrect answer will result in a deduction of 1 mark. Prospective applicants can access the application form on the official NTA website, exams.nta.ac.in/NEET, upon its release.

Following the examination, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) will oversee the counselling process for 15% of All India Quota seats, with respective state authorities managing the remaining 85% of state quota seats.

NEET 2026 Exam Highlights

NEET 2026 Exam – Everything You Need to Know!

NEET 2026 will be conducted in the pen-and-paper mode, covering the Physics, Chemistry, and Biology syllabus from both Class 11 and 12. The exam will be available in 13 languages, and eligible candidates must complete the NEET 2026 application process online. Upon successful registration, candidates will receive their NEET admit cards, which they must carry to their designated NEET exam centres on the exam day.

The NEET 2026 answer key will be released shortly after the exam, allowing candidates to challenge responses by paying ₹200 per question. After reviewing the challenges, the official NEET 2026 results and cutoff marks will be announced, along with the final answer key.

Candidates meeting the NEET 2026 cutoff will qualify for the counselling process, conducted in four rounds. The exam will offer admission to over:

• 1 lakh MBBS seats

• 28,088 BDS seats

• 52,720 AYUSH seats

• 603 BVSc & AH seats

• 1,899 AIIMS seats

• 249 JIPMER seats

Admissions will be conducted for 612 medical colleges and 315 dental colleges across India. Stay tuned for further updates on NEET 2026 eligibility, important dates, the application process, admit cards, answer keys, results, and counselling details.

NEET 2026 Important Dates

NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

To appear for NEET UG 2026, candidates must meet the following eligibility conditions:

• Age Limit: Minimum 17 years as of December 31, 2026.

• Nationality: Indian Citizens, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and Foreign Nationals.

• Educational Qualification: 10+2 or equivalent from a recognised board with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

• Minimum Marks Required:

• General Category: 50% aggregate in PCB

• OBC/SC/ST: 40% aggregate in PCB

• PWD: 45% aggregate in PCB

NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria 

NEET 2026 Application Form

The NEET 2026 application form will be available online only on the official website. Only eligible candidates can complete the registration process. Below are the essential steps to follow while filling out the NEET 2026 application form:

• Basic Registration for NEET 2026: Candidates must register by providing a valid email ID and mobile number. After registration, a unique application number and password will be sent to the registered contact details, which will be required for all future NEET 2026 processes.

• Filling the NEET 2026 Application Form: Applicants must enter personal details, address, and educational qualifications as required in the form. It is important to ensure that all details are entered correctly.

• Uploading of Images: Candidates must upload the required documents, including images and signatures, in the specified format (JPG or JPEG).

• NEET 2026 Application Fee Payment: Once all required documents are uploaded successfully, applicants need to pay the NEET 2026 application fee through online payment modes.

• Downloading the NEET Confirmation Page: After successful payment, candidates can download the confirmation page, which serves as proof of fee payment. This document will be required at different stages of the NEET 2026 process.

• Printing the Application Form: The final step is to take a printout of the completed NEET 2026 application form. This printed copy may be necessary for reference during the counselling process.

Required Documents for NEET 2026 Application

To successfully complete the NEET 2026 application form, candidates must have specific documents and details ready in scanned format. Before filling out the form, ensure you have the following:

• A valid identity proof, such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, PAN Card, or Passport

• A recent passport-sized scanned photograph

• A scanned signature of the applicant

Note: In addition to the above-mentioned scanned documents, applicants must also have their educational qualification details, along with a valid email ID and mobile number for registration.

NEET 2026 Application Form 

NEET 2026 Exam Pattern

Before appearing for NEET 2026, candidates must understand the exam pattern, including the duration, number of questions, marking scheme, and subject-wise distribution. Below is a detailed breakdown of the NEET 2026 exam format:

Exam Structure

• Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen and Paper)

• Duration: 3 hours

• Total Questions: 180

• Total Marks: 720

• Subjects Covered: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (3 sections)

NEET 2026 Exam Pattern 

Subject-Wise Question Distribution & Marks

NEET 2026 Marking Scheme

• +4 marks for each correct answer

• -1 mark for each incorrect answer

• 0 marks for unattempted questions

Understanding this pattern will help candidates plan their preparation strategy effectively. 

NEET 2026 Syllabus

The NEET 2026 syllabus, set by the National Medical Commission (NMC), defines the key topics essential for the medical entrance exam. It includes concepts from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology based on the Class 11 and Class 12 curriculum. Click on the provided links to access a detailed breakdown of the subject-wise NEET 2026 syllabus.

Detailed insights into the NEET 2026 syllabus are available on Vedantu's platform, where you can also download the free PDF for easy reference. Vedantu's team of experts has organised the syllabus subject-wise to enhance understanding and simplify preparation.

NEET 2026 Exam Date

The official exam date for NEET 2026 has not yet been announced by NTA. However, based on previous trends, NEET 2026 is expected to be conducted in the first week of May 2026. Candidates should regularly check the official website neet.nta.nic.in for updates.

NEET 2026 Answer Key & Result

• NEET 2026 Answer Key: Released a few days after the exam.

• Challenge Process: Candidates can challenge answers by paying Rs. 200 per question.

• NEET 2026 Result: The scorecard will include marks, percentile, and All India Rank (AIR).

NEET 2026 Answer Key NEET 2026 Result 

NEET 2026 Scholarships & Financial Aid

Many institutes and government organisations offer scholarships for meritorious and underprivileged students based on NEET scores. Some options include:

• National Scholarship Portal

• State Government Scholarships

• Private Medical College Scholarships

NEET 2026 Cutoff Marks

NEET 2026 Counselling Process

The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) will oversee the NEET UG 2026 counselling for 15% All India Quota (AIQ) seats in government medical colleges and 100% seats in deemed/central universities, ESIC/AFMC, AIIMS, and JIPMER. The state counselling authorities will manage the remaining 85% of state quota seats.

The NEET AIQ 2026 counselling will be conducted in four rounds:

1. Round 1

2. Round 2

3. Mop-up Round

4. Stray Vacancy Round

Seats will be allocated based on candidates' NEET 2026 rank, merit list, and seat availability. The counselling process includes registration, choice filling, fee payment, and seat allotment. Only candidates who qualify for NEET 2026 will be eligible for counselling. If any AIQ seats remain vacant after Round 2, they will be transferred to the respective state counselling authorities for further allocation.

Seats Covered Under AIQ for NEET 2026 Counselling:

• 15% MBBS/BDS seats in government medical colleges across states

• 100% MBBS/BDS seats at Banaras Hindu University (BHU)

• 100% MBBS seats at AIIMS institutes across India

• All India Quota seats at JIPMER (Puducherry/Karaikal)

• All India Quota seats at AMU, DU, VMMC, and ABVIMS

• All India Quota seats at the Faculty of Dentistry, Jamia Millia Islamia

• All India Quota seats at ESIC medical institutions

Candidates are advised to stay updated with the official MCC website for announcements regarding the NEET 2026 counselling schedule and guidelines.

NEET 2026 Counselling Process 

NEET 2026 Subject-Wise Study Tips

Preparing for NEET 2026 demands a focused approach to subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. By following subject-specific strategies, you can tackle each topic efficiently and enhance your chances of success. Below are key tips for mastering Physics, Chemistry, and Biology for the NEET 2026 exams.

Physics Study Tips for NEET 2026

• Focus on Concepts: PrioritiSe a deep understanding of theories and principles instead of rote memorisation.

• Practice Consistently: Solve numerical problems regularly and apply theoretical knowledge to practice.

• Use Diverse Resources: Combine textbooks with online study materials for a well-rounded understanding.

• Manage Time Effectively: Dedicate set time for each topic and spend extra time on difficult concepts.

• Problem-Solving Mastery: Learn strategies to solve problems quickly, ensuring efficient time management during the exam.

Chemistry Study Tips for NEET 2026

• Build a Strong Foundation: Master the basics as they form the foundation for more advanced topics.

• Revise Regularly: Frequently revise reactions, equations, and formulas to retain key information.

• Relate to Real Life: Understand the practical applications of chemical reactions for better memory retention.

• Practice Different Question Types: Solve a wide range of questions to familiarise yourself with various formats.

• Study from Trusted Textbooks: Rely on NCERT and other reputable textbooks for detailed study and ample practice.

Biology Study Tips for NEET 2026

• Create Detailed Notes: Prepare notes that highlight important terms and concepts for easy reference.

• UtiliSe Visuals: Incorporate diagrams and flowcharts to simplify complex biological processes.

• Understand Anatomy: Pay special attention to human anatomy and physiology for efficient revision.

• Test Regularly: Practice solving past papers to strengthen retention and enhance problem-solving abilities.

• EmphasiSe NCERT: Give special focus to the NCERT textbooks for Biology, as they cover the entire syllabus in depth.

Conclusion

NEET 2026 is a crucial step for medical aspirants aiming for MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH courses. With proper preparation, strategic revision, and time management, cracking NEET 2026 is achievable. Stay updated with the latest notifications, syllabus changes, and exam tips to enhance your preparation journey.

Important Study Materials Links for NEET Exam 2026

Students can access the NEET Study Material from the table below: