NEET 2026 (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a national-level medical entrance exam in India conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is held for admission to undergraduate medical courses like MBBS, BDS, BSc Nursing, and AYUSH programs in government and private colleges.
NEET exam is expected to be held in May 2026 and is conducted in offline mode (pen-and-paper). The exam tests students in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology based on the Class 11 and 12 NCERT syllabus.
Students must meet the NEET 2026 eligibility criteria, including age limit, subject requirements, and qualifying marks, to appear for the exam. Students should check complete details about what is NEET, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, tips, and more below.
What is NEET?
NEET 2026 is a national-level exam administered by India to students seeking to pursue MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, BSc Nursing, and other medical degrees. It is administered by the National testing agency (NTA) and is the sole exam to enter into both government and private medical colleges in India.
The purpose of NEET is to offer a single, fair, and transparent exam that selects candidates based on merit. NEET is considered to be one of the most competitive exams in India among medical aspirants because every year, lakhs of students take it.
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NEET Full Form
The full form of NEET is National Eligibility cum Entrance Test. It is a centralized entrance test introduced by the Government of India to simplify medical admissions under the “One Nation, One Exam” policy.
Before NEET, different states and colleges conducted their own exams. NEET has replaced them to ensure a uniform admission process for medical, dental, and allied health courses like MBBS, BDS, and BAMS. The exam is conducted by the NTA and is accepted by all recognized medical institutions in India.
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NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
NTA has established NEET 2026 eligibility criteria to determine who is eligible to take medical entrance exams such as MBBS, BDS, BSc Nursing, and AYUSH programs.
1. Minimum Age Qualification: Candidate needs to be at least 17 years on or before 31st December 2026 (born on or before 31 Dec 2009).
2. Upper Age Limit: NEET 2026 does not have any upper age limit to apply.
3. Educational Qualification: Students should have completed or should be taking Class 12 in Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English.
4. Minimum Marks in PCB Subjects:
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General: 50%
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PwD (General): 45%
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SC/ST/OBC: 40%
5. Nationality: Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and foreign nationals can apply.
6. Number of Attempts: NEET UG 2026 has no attempt limit.
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NEET 2026 Exam Pattern
NEET exam is conducted in offline mode and includes multiple-choice questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Understanding the exam pattern helps students plan their preparation better. NEET Exam Pattern is as follows:
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NEET 2026 Exam Pattern |
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|---|---|
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Parameter |
Details |
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Mode of Exam |
Offline (Pen and Paper – OMR Based) |
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Duration |
3 Hours (180 Minutes) |
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Total Questions |
180 MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) |
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Subjects |
|
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Total Marks |
720 |
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Marking Scheme |
+4 for each correct answer, -1 for each incorrect answer, 0 for unanswered |
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Type of Questions |
Objective-type (MCQs) |
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Medium of Exam |
13 Languages (including English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, etc.) |
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NEET 2026 Syllabus
NEET 2026 syllabus covers essential subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology based on the NCERT Class 11 and 12 curriculum. The syllabus is designed to test students’ understanding, problem-solving, and application skills in these core areas.
The official NEET 2026 syllabus PDF is expected to be released around December 2025, with no major changes expected compared to previous years. Students should focus on the NCERT textbooks to prepare effectively, as these form the base for the exam questions. Understanding the syllabus is key to planning your study and achieving success in NEET 2026.
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NEET 2026 Preparation Tips
Preparing well for NEET 2026 requires a smart and consistent approach. Follow these simple tips to improve your chances of success in this competitive medical entrance exam:
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Start Early: Begin your NEET 2026 preparation from Class 11 to build a strong foundation in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
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Focus on NCERT Books: NCERT textbooks are the primary study material for NEET 2026. Understand all concepts thoroughly before using other reference books.
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Create a Study Timetable: Make a daily study schedule that balances learning, revision, and practice. Include breaks to avoid burnout.
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Practice Previous Year Questions: Solve NEET past papers and sample questions regularly to get familiar with the exam pattern and improve speed.
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Take Mock Tests: Attempt full-length mock tests to improve time management and exam confidence. Analyze your mistakes to avoid them in the future.
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Prioritize Important Topics: Focus more on high-weightage subjects and chapters to maximize your score in NEET 2026.
Also Know: How Many Attempts for NEET 2026 are Allowed?
What is NEET FAQs
Q1: What is NEET?
Ans: NEET stands for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test. It is the national-level exam for admission to MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses across India.
Q2: When is the NEET 2026 exam date?
Ans: The NEET 2026 exam date is expected to be announced soon by the NTA. Candidates should keep track of all NEET 2026 important dates to stay updated.
Q3: When does NEET 2026 registration start?
Ans: The NEET 2026 registration date will be released along with the official notification. Students need to fill the NEET 2026 application form online during the registration period.
Q4: How can I download the NEET 2026 admit card?
Ans: The NEET 2026 admit card will be available for download on the official NTA website once the registration process is complete.
Q5: Is there a limit on NEET UG 2026 attempts?
Ans: There is no limit on NEET UG 2026 attempt limit, allowing candidates to appear multiple times as long as they meet the qualification requirements.
