NEET 2026: National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Exam Date, Syllabus, Pattern, Registration, Eligibility & Preparation Guide
The NEET 2026 exam will be one of the most competitive medical entrance tests in India. Conducted every year as the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, it serves as the single national-level entrance exam for MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BSMS, BUMS, and B.Sc Nursing admissions across India.
This comprehensive guide covers the NEET 2026 exam date, registration process, syllabus, exam pattern, eligibility, preparation tips, cutoff, and FAQs—everything a NEET aspirant must know.
What is NEET? (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)
NEET is a national-level medical entrance examination conducted by NTA (National Testing Agency) for admission into:
MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery)
BDS (Dental)
AYUSH Courses (BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS)
B.Sc. Nursing
Veterinary Courses
It is the only mandatory entrance exam for medical admissions in India.
⭐ NEET 2026 Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | NEET 2026 (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Courses Offered | MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, B.Sc Nursing |
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen & Paper – OMR) |
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours 20 Minutes |
| Type of Questions | MCQs |
| Total Marks | 720 |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany + Zoology) |
| Official Website | nta.ac.in / neet.nta.nic.in |
📅 NEET 2026 Expected Exam Dates
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| NEET 2026 Notification | December 2025 |
| Start of Application | January 2026 |
| Last Date for Registration | March 2026 |
| Application Form Correction | March–April 2026 |
| NEET 2026 Exam Date | May 2026 (1st Sunday Expected) |
| Result Announcement | June 2026 |
| Counselling | July 2026 Onwards |
👩⚕️ NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
1. Nationality
Indian citizens
NRI / OCI / PIO
Foreign nationals
2. Age Limit
Minimum: 17 years (as of 31 Dec 2026)
Maximum: No upper age limit
3. Educational Qualification
Must have completed 10+2 with:
Physics
Chemistry
Biology/Biotechnology
English (Core)
4. Minimum Marks
| Category | Minimum % |
|---|---|
| General | 50% |
| OBC / SC / ST | 40% |
| PwD | 45% |
🧪 NEET 2026 Exam Pattern
| Subject | Section | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | A + B | 50 | 180 |
| Chemistry | A + B | 50 | 180 |
| Biology | Botany + Zoology | 100 | 360 |
| Total | — | 200 (180 to be attempted) | 720 |
Marking Scheme
✔️ +4 for every correct answer
❌ –1 for every incorrect answer
0 marks for unattempted questions
📚 NEET 2026 Syllabus (Updated)
The NEET syllabus is based on the NCERT Class 11 & 12 curriculum.
Physics
Laws of Motion
Thermodynamics
Electromagnetism
Optics
Modern Physics
Chemistry
Organic Chemistry (Important!)
Physical Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Biology
Human Physiology
Plant Physiology
Genetics
Ecology
Biotechnology
📝 NEET 2026 Application Process – Step-by-Step
Visit the official NTA NEET website
Register using email and phone number
Fill out the application form
Upload documents
Passport-sized photo
Signature
10th & 12th certificates
Pay the registration fee
Download the confirmation page
💸 NEET 2026 Application Fees
| Category | Fees (Approx) |
|---|---|
| General | ₹1700 |
| OBC/SC/ST | ₹1000 |
| PwD | ₹1000 |
| Foreign Students | ₹9500 |
📊 NEET 2026 Cutoff (Expected)
| Category | Expected Cutoff Marks |
|---|---|
| General | 580–610 |
| OBC | 520–560 |
| SC/ST | 460–500 |
| General-PwD | 300–320 |
🎯 How to Prepare for NEET 2026 – Top 10 Tips
Follow NCERT books thoroughly
Create a daily study plan (6–8 hours)
Solve at least 80–100 MCQs per subject daily
Practice mock tests weekly
Revise formulas, reactions, diagrams regularly
Use online test platforms like mock tests, PYQs, sample papers
Strengthen Biology (carries highest weightage)
Make short notes for quick revision
Analyze mistakes after every mock test
Stay consistent and avoid burnout.
❓ NEET 2026 FAQs
1. Will NEET 2026 be held twice a year?
Currently, NEET is conducted once a year.
2. What is the mode of NEET 2026?
NEET is an offline OMR-based exam.
3. Is NEET mandatory for B.Sc Nursing?
Yes, NEET is compulsory for B.Sc Nursing admissions in several central and state institutions.
4. What is the difficulty level of NEET?
Moderate to high, with Biology being the scoring subject.
