The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) is the cornerstone exam for entry into medical and allied courses such as MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, nursing, and other health science programmes in India. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). NEET UG is among the nation’s most competitive and high-stakes examinations, with millions of aspirants competing for limited seats each year.
For students planning to sit for NEET UG 2026, understanding the timeline, eligibility requirements, registration process, exam structure, and key updates is essential for effective planning and preparation. This article provides a comprehensive overview of everything aspirants need to know about NEET UG 2026.
Expected Dates and Timeline
As of December 2025, the official NEET UG 2026 notification with exact dates has not yet been issued by the NTA. However, examination authorities typically follow a consistent annual timeline, and credible sources report that this pattern will likely continue for 2026.
The latest information suggests the exam date will be in early May 2026, likely 3rd May, with the application forms expected to open in February 2026 and close in March 2026, followed by admit cards in April and the result in June.
Tentative Schedule for NEET UG 2026
| Event | Expected Date (2026) |
| Official notification release | Likely January–February 2026 |
| Application period begins | First/second week of February 2026 |
| Last date to submit application | March 2026 |
| Correction window | March 2026 |
| Admit card availability | April 2026 |
| NEET UG 2026 Exam | Early May 2026 (likely May 3) |
| Result announcement | June 2026 |
| Start of counselling | July 2026 |
Note: These dates are estimated; official confirmation is awaited.
Eligibility Criteria for NEET UG 2026
Meeting the eligibility criteria is a prerequisite for appearing in NEET UG 2026. The standards are set to ensure only qualified candidates take the exam.
Age Requirements
- Minimum age: 17 years by December 31, 2026.
- Upper age limit: As per the latest information, there is no maximum age restriction specified for NEET UG.
Academic Qualifications
- Candidates must have passed or be appearing (in 2026) for the Class 12 examination from a recognised board.
- Essential subjects in Class 12 must include Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English.
- There is no requirement for a specific board, but the subjects listed above are compulsory.
Minimum Marks in PCB
| Category | Aggregate Minimum in Physics, Chemistry & Biology |
| General (UR) | 50% |
| OBC/SC/ST | 40% |
| PwD | 45% |
Note: These thresholds are based on standard criteria from previous years and are likely to remain the same.
Nationality
Eligible candidates include Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, and foreign nationals with appropriate documentation.
Application Process: Step-by-Step
The NEET UG application process is entirely online and typically involves the following stages:
- Registration: Create an application profile on the official NTA portal (neet.nta.nic.in) once the notification is live.
- Form Filling: Enter academic, personal, and contact details accurately.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of photo, signature, and category certificates (if applicable).
- Fee Payment: Pay the examination fee using the provided payment options.
- Print Confirmation: Take a print of the confirmation page for records.
After submission, NTA traditionally opens a correction window in March, allowing candidates to make limited edits.
Exam Structure and Pattern
NEET UG has a consistent structure. While the official 2026 pattern will be clarified closer to the exam, the format is expected to be:
| Exam Feature | Details |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (Pen-and-Paper, OMR-based) |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours |
| Total Number of Questions | 180 multiple-choice questions |
| Subjects Covered | Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany & Zoology) |
| Total Marks | 720 |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for each correct answer, −1 for each incorrect answer |
This structure aligns with past exam patterns and official notifications.
5 Major Updates for NEET UG 2026
The following updates highlight key regulatory, structural, and procedural changes expected to shape the NEET UG 2026 examination cycle.
1. New Identity Verification Procedures
From 2026 onwards, the National Testing Agency plans to implement facial recognition and live photo checks at exam centres to strengthen identity verification and reduce malpractices. This is a significant move in exam security.
2. Syllabus Confirmation by NMC
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has officially released the NEET UG 2026 syllabus. Notably, no chapters have been removed from Physics, Chemistry, or Biology compared with the previous years, meaning candidates do not need to adapt to a significantly altered syllabus framework. The syllabus is aligned with NCERT Class 11 and 12 content.
Download NEET UG 2026 Syllabus PDF
3. Exam Date Expected in May
Reports from credible educational news outlets indicate that the NEET UG 2026 exam is likely scheduled for May 3, 2026. This aligns with previous trends where NEET has been conducted on the first Sunday of May to align with academic calendars.
4. Application Window Trend
Although exact dates are pending official notification, the application window is widely expected to open in February 2026 and close in March 2026, following the pattern from earlier years.
5. Continued Offline Mode
Despite discussions about alternative testing modes in broader education debates, the NEET UG remains an offline, pen-and-paper exam for 2026 unless the NTA officially announces a change. No confirmed shift to computer-based testing has been announced so far.
Preparing Strategically
Here are some of the effective preparation strategies for NEET UG 2026:
- Base preparation strictly on the official NEET UG 2026 syllabus, covering all NCERT Class 11 and 12 concepts thoroughly.
- Rely heavily on NCERT textbooks, especially for Biology and Chemistry, as most NEET questions are directly sourced from them.
- Practise previous years’ NEET papers and mock tests regularly to improve accuracy, speed, and understanding of exam patterns.
- Follow a structured revision plan with daily reviews, weekly consolidation, and periodic full-syllabus revisions to retain concepts effectively.
- Analyse mock test results carefully to identify weak areas and adjust preparation strategies for continuous score improvement.
Conclusion
NEET UG 2026 is poised to follow the established structure and timeline that aspirants have come to expect. While official dates are awaited, credible projections suggest that the application window will be open in early 2026 (February–March) and the exam is likely to occur on May 3, 2026. Clear eligibility criteria, a stable syllabus, implementation of enhanced identity verification, and a reliable exam pattern offer a predictable framework for preparation. Continued monitoring of official NTA announcements is recommended to ensure awareness of confirmed schedules and procedural updates.
This consolidated article serves as a single reference to understand the key dates, eligibility conditions, application process, exam structure, and major changes related to NEET UG 2026.
