NEET 2026 – Complete Guide to National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test
The NEET 2026, officially known as the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test, is India’s single largest medical entrance examination. It is conducted for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, BVSc & AH, and other medical courses across government and private medical colleges in India.
Every year, lakhs of aspirants appear for NEET to secure a seat in top medical institutions. This article covers NEET 2026 eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, application process, important dates, cutoff, counselling, and preparation tips in a clear manner.
What is NEET 2026?
- NEET stands for National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test
- Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Mandatory for admission to:
- MBBS
- BDS
- AYUSH
- Veterinary courses
- Single entrance exam replacing multiple medical tests
Highlights of NEET 2026
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Courses Offered | MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, BVSc & AH |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper Based) |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours 20 Minutes |
| Medium of Exam | 13 Languages |
| Total Marks | 720 |
NEET 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)
| Event | Expected Timeline |
|---|---|
| NEET 2026 Notification | December 2025 |
| Application Form Release | December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | January 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | April 2026 |
| NEET 2026 Exam Date | May 2026 |
| Result Declaration | June 2026 |
| Counselling Begins | July 2026 |
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Passed or appearing in Class 12
- Mandatory subjects:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology/Biotechnology
- English
Minimum Marks Required
| Category | PCB Aggregate |
|---|---|
| General | 50% |
| OBC / SC / ST | 40% |
| PwD (General) | 45% |
Age Criteria
- Minimum Age: 17 years
- No upper age limit (as per latest guidelines)
NEET 2026 Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 45 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 45 | 180 |
| Biology (Botany + Zoology) | 90 | 360 |
| Total | 180 | 720 |
Marking Scheme
| Response | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +4 |
| Incorrect Answer | −1 |
| Unattempted | 0 |
NEET 2026 Syllabus
The NEET syllabus is based on NCERT Class 11 & 12 curriculum.
Physics
- Laws of Motion
- Thermodynamics
- Electrodynamics
- Modern Physics
Chemistry
- Physical Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Inorganic Chemistry
Biology
- Cell Structure
- Human Physiology
- Genetics & Evolution
- Ecology & Environment
NEET 2026 Application Process
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit the official NEET website
- Complete online registration
- Fill application form
- Upload documents (photo, signature)
- Pay application fee
- Download confirmation page
NEET 2026 Application Fee (Expected)
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹1,700 |
| OBC / EWS | ₹1,600 |
| SC / ST / PwD | ₹1,000 |
Admit Card of NEET 2026
- Available online only
- Contains:
- Exam date & time
- Exam center address
- Candidate details
- Mandatory documents at exam center:
- Admit card
- Valid photo ID
- Passport-size photograph
NEET 2026 Result & Cutoff
- Result released in score & percentile
- Cutoff varies every year based on:
- Difficulty level
- Number of candidates
- Seat availability
Expected Qualifying Percentile
| Category | Percentile |
|---|---|
| General | 50th |
| OBC / SC / ST | 40th |
| PwD | 45th |
NEET 2026 Counselling Process
Types of Counselling
- AIQ (All India Quota) – 15%
- State Quota – 85%
Conducted By
- MCC (Medical Counselling Committee) – AIQ
- State authorities – State quota
Top Medical Colleges Through NEET
- AIIMS
- JIPMER
- Government Medical Colleges
- Deemed Universities
- Private Medical Colleges
NEET 2026 Preparation Tips
- Follow NCERT textbooks strictly
- Focus more on Biology
- Practice mock tests regularly
- Solve previous year NEET question papers
- Maintain short notes for revision
- Improve time management & accuracy
Why NEET 2026 is Important
- One exam for all medical admissions
- Transparent & merit-based selection
- Equal opportunity nationwide
- Simplifies medical admission process
FAQs – NEET 2026
Q1. What is NEET 2026?
NEET 2026 is the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test conducted for admission to medical courses in India.
Q2. Who conducts NEET?
NEET is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Q3. Is NEET compulsory for MBBS?
Yes, NEET is mandatory for MBBS admission in India.
Q4. Is NEET held online or offline?
NEET is conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode.
Conclusion
The NEET 2026 exam is a gateway for students aspiring to build a career in medicine. With proper understanding of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test, structured preparation, and consistent practice, candidates can achieve their dream of entering top medical colleges in India.