When is NEET UG 2026? Application Date, Eligibility & 5 Major Updates

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the Information Bulletin for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026. The registration process has officially begun. Medical students appearing for the NEET-UG 2026 Entrance Examination must take note of significant changes in the exam pattern and duration this year.

This article provides the finalized dates, updated exam structure, and the 5 major changes you need to know before applying.

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5 Major Updates for NEET UG 2026

The 2026 bulletin introduces critical structural changes compared to previous years.

1. Exam Duration Reduced to 3 Hours

Unlike recent years where candidates were given 3 hours and 20 minutes, the NEET UG 2026 duration is strictly 180 minutes (03 hours). Candidates will need to manage their time more efficiently.

2. "Compulsory" Questions (No Section B Choices?)

The official pattern states the paper will consist of 180 compulsory questions. The breakdown is 45 questions each for Physics and Chemistry, and 90 for Biology. The bulletin does not mention the "Section A + Section B" format with internal choices (200 questions total) that was present in previous years.

3. New "Live Photograph" Protocol

During the online application, candidates must capture a Live Photograph using a webcam or mobile camera. This live photo will be matched against the photograph in the Aadhaar database to prevent impersonation.

4. No Change in Syllabus

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has notified that there is no change in the syllabus for NEET UG 2026 compared to the previous year.

5. Tie-Breaking Criteria Confirmed

If two candidates have the same score, the rank will be decided in this order:

1. Higher marks in Biology.
2. Higher marks in Chemistry.
3. Higher marks in Physics.
4. Less proportion of incorrect answers.

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.
• Date of Birth: Born on or before 31.12.2009.
• 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:

1. Registration: Create an application profile on the official NTA portal (neet.nta.nic.in) once the notification is live.
2. Form Filling: Enter academic, personal, and contact details accurately.
3. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of photo, signature, and category certificates (if applicable).
4. Fee Payment: Pay the examination fee using the provided payment options.
5. 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. 

Also See: Documents Required for NEET UG 2026

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

Subject	Number of Questions	Marks
Physics	45	180
Chemistry	45	180
Biology (Botany & Zoology)	90	360
Total	180	720

This structure aligns with past exam patterns and official notifications.

Download NEET UG 2026 Syllabus PDF

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

With the application window now open until March 8, 2026, students should prioritize completing their registration early to avoid technical glitches. The reduction in exam duration to 3 hours and the removal of optional questions (returning to 180 compulsory questions) are major shifts that require a change in mock test strategy.