NEET (UG) For Admission to Undergraduate Medical Courses – 2026
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, commonly known as NEET (UG) 2026, will be conducted on 03 May 2026 across 552 cities in India by the National Testing Agency.
As of 29 October 2025, there are approximately 1,28,875 MBBS seats available in 819 medical colleges across the country. In addition, nearly 950 AYUSH colleges offer courses such as BAMS, BHMS, BUMS and BSMS. Around 2,10,774 seats are currently operational, including 27,868 BDS seats in 330 dental colleges.
Admissions to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other undergraduate medical courses for the academic session 2026–27 will be based on the results of NEET (UG) 2026.
About NEET (UG) – 2026
National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test NEET (UG) – 2026, hereafter referred to as NEET (UG) – 2026, is the common entrance examination for admission to undergraduate medical education institutions across India.
The examination will be conducted in multiple languages including Hindi and English, along with other regional languages, in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the designated authorities.
The Government of India has mandated a uniform entrance examination system to ensure transparency and equal opportunity for students seeking admission to medical courses nationwide.
As per the notification issued through Letter No. MCI (34)(41)(Gen) Med./140542-44 dated 22/10/2018 by the Medical Council of India, NEET has been established as the single national-level entrance examination for medical admissions.
About NTA
The National Testing Agency was established by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India, as an independent, autonomous and self-sustained premier testing organisation.
The Department of Higher Education, Government of India, through its notification dated 06 July 2018, authorised NTA to conduct NEET (UG).
Objectives of NTA
The primary objectives of NTA include:
- Conducting efficient, transparent and international-standard examinations
- Assessing the competency of candidates for admission to higher education institutions
- Undertaking research in educational and testing systems
- Identifying subject experts and institutions for question preparation
- Producing and sharing information related to educational and professional standards
The role of NTA is limited to conducting the examination, declaring the result and providing the All India Rank (AIR) to the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
NEET UG 2026 Entrance Test Date
National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test NEET (UG) – 2026 will be conducted on:
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Re-Exam Date | 03 May 2026 (Sunday) |
| Timing | 02:00 PM to 05:15 PM |
| Duration | 03:15 Hours |
| Mode | Offline (Pen & Paper) |
The examination schedule will remain unchanged even if the examination date is declared a public holiday.
NEET UG 2026 General Instructions
NEET (UG) – 2026 will be conducted as per the regulations of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 and the Dentists Act, 1948, including amendments made from time to time.
Merely appearing in or qualifying NEET (UG) – 2026 does not automatically guarantee admission to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BUMS or BSMS courses. Admission will depend on eligibility criteria, merit rank, medical fitness and other rules prescribed by the Government of India, State Governments, Universities and respective institutions.
Candidates submitting incorrect, false or fabricated information in the application form will be disqualified, and such candidates may also be debarred from future examinations conducted by NTA.
Incomplete applications or applications not submitted according to the prescribed instructions are liable to be rejected without further notice. Examination fees once paid will not be refunded under any circumstances.
The application fee cannot be carried forward to future examinations. Candidates should note that deduction of money from the bank account alone is not proof of successful payment. Submission is considered complete only after fee confirmation and generation of the Confirmation Page.
Candidates are advised to regularly visit the official NEET website for the latest updates, notifications and announcements:
NTA reserves the right to cancel candidature or withdraw permission granted to any candidate found ineligible, even if the admit card or roll number has already been issued.
Eligibility for NEET (UG) – 2026 remains provisional and is subject to verification by NTA, MCC, MoHFW and the concerned admitting authorities.
In case of any confusion or dispute regarding eligibility, examination rules or interpretation of guidelines, the decision of NTA shall be treated as final and binding.
The entire NEET (UG) – 2026 examination process will be monitored through videography. Candidates must keep their face clearly visible and maintain an upright posture during the recording process to ensure proper identity verification.
NEET (UG) 2026 Exam Pattern
The NEET (UG) 2026 examination will consist of 180 objective-type questions from Physics, Chemistry and Biology (Botany & Zoology). Each question will have four options with only one correct answer.
Candidates must answer the questions on a specially designed machine-readable OMR sheet using the ballpoint pen provided at the examination centre.
The overall exam duration will remain 3 hours, from 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM.
| Subject | Number of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 45 Questions | 180 Marks |
| Chemistry | 45 Questions | 180 Marks |
| Biology (Botany & Zoology) | 90 Questions | 360 Marks |
| Total | 180 Questions | 720 Marks |
Marking Scheme
- Each correct answer carries 4 marks
- For every incorrect answer, 1 mark will be deducted
- Unattempted questions will receive no marks
NEET UG 2026 Medium of Question Papers
Candidates can choose the language of the question paper while filling out the application form. The selected language option cannot be changed later.
Available Languages
- English
- Hindi
- Assamese
- Bengali
- Gujarati
- Kannada
- Malayalam
- Marathi
- Odia
- Punjabi
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Urdu
Important Language Instructions
- Candidates choosing English will receive the question paper only in English.
- Candidates choosing Hindi will receive a bilingual paper in English and Hindi.
- Candidates selecting any regional language will receive a bilingual paper in English and the selected regional language.
- In case of any difference or confusion in translation, the English version of the question will be treated as final.
Availability of Regional Languages by Examination Centres
| S. No. | Medium of Question Paper | Examination Centre Cities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | All Examination Centre Cities in India |
| 2 | English & Hindi | All Examination Centre Cities in India |
| 3 | English & Assamese | Centres in Assam |
| 4 | English & Bengali | Centres in West Bengal, Tripura and Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
| 5 | English & Gujarati | Centres in Gujarat, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli |
| 6 | English & Kannada | Centres in Karnataka |
| 7 | English & Malayalam | Centres in Kerala and Lakshadweep |
| 8 | English & Marathi | Centres in Maharashtra |
| 9 | English & Odia | Centres in Odisha |
| 10 | English & Punjabi | Centres in Punjab, Chandigarh and Delhi/NCR including Faridabad, Ghaziabad, Gurugram, Meerut and Noida/Greater Noida |
| 11 | English & Tamil | Centres in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Andaman & Nicobar Islands |
| 12 | English & Telugu | Centres in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana |
| 13 | English & Urdu | All Examination Centre Cities in India |
NEET UG 2026 Eligibility Criteria & Qualifications
Eligibility to Appear in NEET (UG) – 2026
The eligibility criteria for NEET (UG) – 2026 are governed by the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 and the Dentists Act, 1948, including amendments made from time to time.
Candidates seeking admission to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BUMS and BSMS courses through NEET 2026 must fulfil the following eligibility conditions.
Age Limit for NEET UG 2026
A candidate must have completed 17 years of age at the time of admission or should complete the age on or before 31 December 2026.
Minimum Age Requirement
| Category | Date of Birth Requirement |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) Category | Born on or before 31.12.2009 |
| SC/ST/OBC/PwD Category | Born on or before 31.12.2009 |
The upper age limit for NEET (UG) has been subject to policy updates from time to time. Candidates are advised to check the latest official notification before applying.
Indian Citizens and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) who wish to pursue MBBS or BDS courses from foreign medical or dental institutions are also required to qualify NEET (UG).
Eligibility for Different Categories of Seats
State Quota, Central Universities & Deemed Universities
The following candidates are eligible for admission under State quota seats, Deemed Universities, Central Universities, ESIC and AFMC institutions, subject to rules prescribed by respective authorities:
- Indian Nationals
- Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)
- Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)
- Persons of Indian Origin (PIO)
- Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals should confirm their eligibility directly from the concerned medical or dental college.
Eligibility for 15% All India Quota (AIQ) Seats
The following categories are eligible for 15% All India Quota seats:
- Indian Nationals
- NRIs
- OCI candidates
- PIO candidates
- Foreign Nationals
Candidates from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh
Candidates from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are eligible for 15% All India Quota seats subject to submission of a self-declaration form during counselling.
The declaration submitted by the candidate will be verified during counselling. If any information is found incorrect, the candidature or admission may be cancelled and legal action may also be initiated.
Candidates from these regions are also eligible for admission to:
- Private Medical Colleges
- Private Dental Colleges
- Deemed Universities
- Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune
subject to fulfilment of eligibility conditions.
NEET UG 2026 Qualification Codes
Candidates applying for NEET (UG) 2026 must select the appropriate qualifying examination code.
CODE 01
Candidates appearing in Class 12 or equivalent examination in 2026 and awaiting results are eligible to apply.
However, they must pass the qualifying examination with the required marks before the first round of counselling.
CODE 02
Candidates who have passed the Higher/Senior Secondary Examination (10+2) with:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology/Biotechnology
- English
including practical examinations in science subjects.
Mathematics or any elective subject may also be included.
Candidates from recognised Open Schools or private candidates should refer to the latest court decisions and official NTA guidelines regarding eligibility.
CODE 03
Candidates who have passed Intermediate or Pre-degree Examination in Science from a recognised Indian University or Board with:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology/Biotechnology
- English
CODE 04
Candidates who have completed Pre-professional or Pre-medical Examination after Higher Secondary or equivalent examination with:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology/Biotechnology
- English
including practical tests.
CODE 05
Candidates who have completed the first year of a recognised three-year degree course with:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology/Biotechnology
including practical examinations, along with earlier qualification in PCB and English.
CODE 06
Candidates who have passed B.Sc. Examination from a recognised Indian University with at least two of the following subjects:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology/Botany/Zoology/Biotechnology
and must also have passed earlier qualifying examination with PCB and English.
CODE 07
Any other examination found equivalent in scope and standard to the Intermediate Science Examination of an Indian University or Board, with:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology/Biotechnology
- English
including practical examinations in science subjects.
Minimum Qualifying Marks for NEET UG 2026
To become eligible for admission, candidates must pass Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English individually in the qualifying examination.
Minimum Required Aggregate Marks in PCB Subjects
| Category | Minimum Marks Required |
|---|---|
| General/Unreserved | 50% |
| SC/ST/OBC | 40% |
| PwD | 45% |
The aggregate percentage is calculated using Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Biotechnology marks together.
Eligibility for Students Educated Abroad
Students who completed education from foreign or international boards must have studied:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology/Biotechnology
- English
up to Class 12 level and must obtain at least 50% marks collectively in PCB subjects.
Their qualification must also be recognised as equivalent by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU).
Important Notes
- Marks obtained in Mathematics are not considered for NEET eligibility.
- Pre-medical courses may be conducted in either Medical Colleges or Science Colleges.
- Candidates from foreign or international boards should ensure their qualification matches the standards mentioned under CODE 07.
- If a candidate does not fall under Codes 01 to 07, complete qualification details must be submitted for eligibility verification.
NEET UG 2026 Application Form, Fee Submission & Exam Guidelines
NEET UG 2026 Application Form Submission
Candidates can apply for NEET (UG) 2026 only through online mode by visiting the official NTA NEET website.
Before filling out the application form, candidates should keep all required documents and details ready to ensure smooth registration and successful submission.
Preparation Before Filling the Application Form
Candidates should keep the following information ready before starting the online application process:
- Candidate’s name, father’s name and mother’s name with correct spelling
- Date of birth
- Complete postal address with PIN code
- Mobile number and email ID
- Aadhaar Number (last 4 digits) or other valid ID proof
- Academic details
- Scanned photograph and signature
Acceptable Identity Proofs
| Candidate Category | Accepted ID Proofs |
|---|---|
| Indian Nationals | Aadhaar Number (last 4 digits), EPIC/Voter ID, Ration Card, Bank Account Number, Passport or any Government-issued ID |
| NRI Candidates | Passport Number or Aadhaar Number |
| OCI/PIO/Foreign Nationals | Passport Number |
Photograph & Signature Upload Guidelines
Candidates must upload scanned images in JPG/JPEG format only.
| Document | Size Requirement |
|---|---|
| Photograph | 10 KB to 300 KB |
| Signature | 4 KB to 50 KB |
Photograph Instructions
- Passport-size recent photograph with white background
- Face should be clearly visible
- Eyes must look directly into the camera
- Ears should be visible
- No caps or goggles allowed
- Spectacles are allowed if used regularly
- Edited or morphed photographs are strictly prohibited
Signature Instructions
- Signature must be in running handwriting
- Initials or capital letters will not be accepted
- Signature must be uploaded in the correct field
Candidates should carry the same passport-size photograph to the examination centre for attendance verification.
Important Instructions for Filling the Application Form
Candidates are advised to carefully read the Information Bulletin before submitting the form.
Key Instructions
- Fill complete postal address and personal contact details
- Use only personal mobile number and email ID
- Do not use coaching institute contact details
- Class 12 appearing candidates should select qualifying code “01”
- Submit only one application form
- Multiple applications may lead to cancellation of candidature
- Incomplete forms will be rejected
- Requests for correction after the correction window closes will not be accepted
Candidates from Jammu & Kashmir seeking eligibility under the 15% All India Quota must submit an online self-declaration form.
OTP Verification
Any OTP generated during registration or application submission will remain valid for only 15 minutes. If expired, candidates must click on “Resend OTP” to generate a new OTP.
NEET UG 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General (UR) | ₹1700 |
| General-EWS/OBC-NCL | ₹1600 |
| SC/ST/PwD/Transgender | ₹1000 |
| NRI Candidates | ₹9500 |
Additional bank processing charges and GST may apply depending on the payment mode.
Important Dates for NEET UG 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | Awaited |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | Awaited |
| Correction Window | To be announced |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced |
| Examination Date | 03 May 2026 (Sunday) |
| Exam Timing | 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM |
| Result Declaration | Tentatively by 14 June 2026 |
Methods of Fee Payment
Candidates can pay the examination fee using:
Online Payment Modes
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
Offline Mode
- Cash deposit through e-challan at designated bank branches
After successful payment, candidates must download and print the Confirmation Page.
Confirmation Page
Generation of the Confirmation Page confirms successful submission of the application form.
Candidates are advised to keep at least 3–4 printed copies of the Confirmation Page for future reference.
If the Confirmation Page is not generated, the application process is considered incomplete.
NEET UG 2026 Admit Card
The Admit Card will be available online on the official NTA website.
Candidates must download it and carry a printed copy to the examination centre.
The Admit Card will contain:
- Roll Number
- Candidate’s Name
- Photograph & Signature
- Date of Birth
- Category
- Examination Centre Details
- Medium of Question Paper
Admit cards will not be sent by post.
Documents Required at the Examination Centre
Candidates must carry the following documents:
- Printed copy of Admit Card
- One passport-size photograph (same as uploaded in application)
- Original valid photo ID proof
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
Accepted ID proofs include:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Voter ID
- Driving License
- Ration Card
Examination Day Instructions
| Activity | Timing |
|---|---|
| Last Entry to Examination Centre | 01:30 PM |
| Sitting in Examination Hall | 01:15 PM |
| Admit Card Checking | 01:30 PM – 01:45 PM |
| Distribution of Test Booklet | 01:45 PM |
| Writing Particulars on Booklet | 01:50 PM |
| Examination Begins | 02:00 PM |
| Examination Ends | 05:00 PM |
Candidates arriving after 01:30 PM will not be permitted to enter the examination centre.
Important Examination Hall Rules
- Candidates must sit only on the allotted seat
- No candidate may leave the hall before the exam ends
- Smoking is strictly prohibited
- Electronic devices and barred items are prohibited
- Rough work must be done only in the test booklet
- OMR sheets must be handed over before leaving
Candidates with diabetes may carry permitted eatables like fruits or sugar tablets with prior approval.
NEET UG 2026 Marking Scheme
| Response Type | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +4 Marks |
| Incorrect Answer | -1 Mark |
| Unanswered Question | 0 Marks |
More than one response marked for a question will be treated as an incorrect answer.
Unfair Means & Malpractice Rules
Any unfair practice during the examination may lead to cancellation of candidature and further legal action.
Activities Considered as Unfair Means
- Possession of prohibited items
- Use of electronic devices
- Impersonation
- Copying or assisting others
- Carrying answer sheets outside the hall
- Manipulation of documents
- Uploading edited photographs
- Providing false information
- Disturbing the examination process
NTA reserves the right to take strict action against candidates involved in malpractice or violation of examination rules.
