NEET UG 2026: Exam Date, Eligibility, Pattern & Question Papers
What is the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET)?
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), officially known as NEET (Undergraduate) or NEET (UG), is the premier and mandatory entrance examination in India for students aspiring to pursue careers in medicine and dentistry.
Conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA), NEET serves as the single gateway for admission to:
- MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery)
- BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
- AYUSH courses (BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, etc.)
- Selected B.Sc. Nursing programs in all government and private medical institutions across the country.
NEET UG 2026: Key Dates and Tentative Schedule
Aspirants for NEET 2026 must adhere to the following projected timeline, based on the NTA's previous patterns:
| Event | Tentative Dates |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | December 2025 – Early February 2026 |
| Online Application Form Availability | February 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | March 2026 |
| NEET UG 2026 Examination Date | First Sunday of May 2026 (Expected: May 3, 2026) |
| Result Declaration | June 2026 |
Essential Eligibility Criteria for NEET (UG)
To avoid rejection of the application, candidates must ensure they meet the specific NEET eligibility criteria set by the NTA and the National Medical Commission (NMC).
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit (Minimum) | Must be at least 17 years old by December 31 of the admission year. |
| Age Limit (Maximum) | No upper age limit applies for candidates. |
| Educational Qualification | Must have passed or be appearing in the 10+2 (or equivalent) exam with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology, along with English. |
| Minimum Qualifying Marks (10+2 PCB) | General Category (UR/EWS): 50% aggregate marks in PCB. SC/ST/OBC: 40% aggregate marks in PCB. |
NEET Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
The NEET (UG) question paper is a single examination conducted in Offline (Pen and Paper) Mode (OMR-based).
Exam Structure
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 45 | +4 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 45 | +4 | 180 |
| Biology (Botany & Zoology) | 90 (45 each) | +4 | 360 |
| TOTAL | 180 Compulsory MCQs | 720 |
Marking Scheme
A strict negative marking system is in place:
- Correct Answer: +4 Marks
- Incorrect Answer: -1 Mark (Deducted)
- Unattempted Question: 0 Marks
- Duration: The total examination time is 3 hours (180 minutes).
The syllabus is based on the NCERT Class 11 and 12 curriculum.
🔑 Preparation Strategy & Accessing NEET Question Papers
Success in NEET requires strategic planning and disciplined practice. Focusing on the official syllabus and mastering time management are key.
Practice is Paramount
The best way to prepare is to rigorously practice with official NEET Question Papers. Practicing under timed conditions familiarizes you with the exam pressure and the paper's structure.
- You can access previous years' official NEET Question Papers and mock tests to refine your preparation strategy here: NEET Question Papers.
- For a detailed overview of the exam structure, eligibility, and comprehensive preparation guides, visit the dedicated NEET UG section: NEET UG Entrance Exam Details.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The following table provides quick answers to common questions about the NEET exam:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are we allowed to write on the NEET question paper? | Yes, candidates are typically allowed to make rough notes or mark answers on the physical question booklet for rough work. However, only the OMR sheet is evaluated. |
| What is the minimum qualifying percentile for NEET? | The minimum required percentile to qualify the exam is the 50th percentile for the General (UR/EWS) category and the 40th percentile for the SC/ST/OBC categories. |
| What is the difference between Qualifying Marks and Admission Cutoff? | Qualifying Marks are the minimum scores set by the NTA to be eligible to apply for counselling. Admission Cutoff is the much higher score needed to actually secure a seat in a specific college, determined by MCC/State authorities based on competition. |
| What is the NEET Counselling process? | It is the centralized seat allocation process conducted by the MCC (for 15% AIQ seats and all Deemed/Central University seats) and respective State Counselling Authorities (for 85% State Quota seats). The process involves registration, choice filling, seat allotment, and reporting. |
| How many rounds of counselling are there for All India Quota (AIQ)? | Typically four rounds are conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC): Round 1, Round 2, Mop-Up Round, and a final Stray Vacancy Round. |
| What are the essential documents required for counselling? | Key documents include the NEET Admit Card, NEET Scorecard/Rank Letter, Provisional Allotment Letter, Class 10th and 12th Certificates/Mark Sheets, Photo ID Proof, and valid Category/Domicile Certificates. |
| What is the full form of NEET? | NEET stands for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate). |
| How many times is NEET held in a year? | NEET (UG) is currently held once a year. |
| Who is the conducting body for NEET? | The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the NEET (UG) exam. |
| What is the penalty for a wrong answer? | 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer (negative marking). |
| What is the total time given for the exam? | The total duration is 3 hours (180 minutes). |