NEET Exam 2026: Exam Date, Syllabus, Eligibility & Application Form

NEET 2026 Exam Overview

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026 is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to undergraduate medical and allied courses across India. This includes MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BSMS, BUMS, B.V.Sc & AH, and B.Sc Nursing programs offered by both government and private institutions.

It is a mandatory examination for all students aspiring to become doctors or healthcare professionals in India, as it serves as the single gateway to medical admissions. Separate entrance exams for institutes like AIIMS and JIPMER have already been merged with NEET, making it the most important medical exam in the country.

The NEET exam is conducted once a year, in offline (pen-and-paper OMR-based) mode, typically on the first Sunday of May. The questions are based on the Class 11 and 12 NCERT syllabus of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, with Biology holding the maximum weightage.

Only candidates who qualify NEET 2026 will be eligible to participate in All India Quota (AIQ) counselling (15% seats) and State Quota counselling (85% seats) for admission to medical colleges.

NEET 2026 Exam Dates

The NEET UG 2026 exam is most likely to be held on the first Sunday of May 2026, which falls on 3rd May 2026 (tentative date). The National Testing Agency (NTA) will confirm the exact schedule when it publishes the official NEET 2026 Information Bulletin on its website. Along with the exam date, the bulletin will also provide details about registration, admit card, result, and counselling.

Below is the tentative timeline for NEET 2026:

NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has set certain eligibility rules for students who wish to appear for the NEET UG 2026 exam. These criteria are related to age, educational qualification, nationality, and number of attempts. Students must carefully go through them before applying, as only those who meet all requirements will be allowed to write the exam.

1. Nationality

• Candidates must be Indian nationals, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), or Foreign nationals.
• Foreign candidates can also apply, but they will need to check additional eligibility rules prescribed by the Medical Council of India (MCI)/respective state authorities.

2. Age Limit

• The minimum age to apply is 17 years as of 31st December 2026.
• There is no upper age limit for NEET as per the Supreme Court’s ruling. Candidates of any age (17+) can appear, subject to other qualifications.

3. Educational Qualification

• Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 (or equivalent) in 2024, 2025, or 2026.
• The qualifying exam must include the following subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, English (core or elective).
• Students appearing in Class 12 in 2026 can also apply, but admission will be granted only after they pass their exam with required marks.

4. Minimum Marks in Class 12

To be eligible, candidates must score a minimum aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB):

• General Category: 50% marks in PCB
• OBC/SC/ST Category: 40% marks in PCB
• PwD Candidates: 45% marks in PCB

5. Number of Attempts

• There is no restriction on the number of attempts for NEET.
• A student can appear as many times as they are eligible by age and qualification.

6. Other Important Points

• Open School/Private Candidates: As per current rules, students who completed Class 12 from recognized Open Schools or as private candidates are also eligible, but they must check the updated notification for final confirmation.
• Foreign Students: Must have studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English at the 12th level with marks equivalent to Indian standards.

NEET 2026 Exam Pattern & Syllabus

NEET 2026 Exam Pattern

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG 2026) will be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in offline, pen-and-paper (OMR) mode. Candidates will answer using an OMR sheet by shading the correct option.

For NEET 2026, the exam pattern has been revised back to the pre-COVID format. This means the paper will consist of 180 compulsory multiple-choice questions (MCQs) without any optional questions.

The exam will test students on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from Class 11 and 12 NCERT syllabus, with Biology carrying the highest weightage.

Key Features of NEET 2026 Exam Pattern

• Mode of Examination: Offline (Pen-and-Paper OMR sheet)
• Duration: 3 hours (180 minutes) – no extra time given
• Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Total Questions: 180 (compulsory for all students)
• Subjects and Distribution:
  • Physics – 45 questions
  • Chemistry – 45 questions
  • Biology – 90 questions (45 from Botany, 45 from Zoology)
• Total Marks: 720
• Marking Scheme:
  • +4 marks for every correct answer
  • -1 mark for every incorrect answer
  • 0 marks for unattempted questions
• Languages Offered: 13 languages – English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Oriya, Malayalam, Kannada, Punjabi, Urdu

NEET 2026 Syllabus

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has not yet officially released the NEET 2026 syllabus. However, it is expected to remain the same as NEET 2025 (and NEET 2024), since no major changes have been announced. Until the final syllabus is published, students preparing for NEET 2026 should follow the NEET 2025 syllabus, which covers Physics, Chemistry, and Biology from both Class 11 and Class 12 NCERT curriculum.

A detailed understanding of the subject-wise syllabus is very important, as Biology holds the maximum weightage, followed by Chemistry and Physics.

NEET 2026 Syllabus – Subject-Wise Topics

Biology (Class 11 & 12)

• Diversity of Living Organisms
• Structural Organization in Animals and Plants
• Cell Structure and Function
• Plant Physiology
• Human Physiology
• Reproduction
• Genetics and Evolution
• Biology and Human Welfare
• Biotechnology and Its Applications
• Ecology and Environment

Physics (Class 11 & 12)

• Physics and Measurement
• Kinematics
• Laws of Motion
• Work, Energy, and Power
• Rotational Motion
• Gravitation
• Properties of Solids and Liquids
• Thermodynamics
• Kinetic Theory of Gases
• Oscillations and Waves
• Electrostatics
• Current Electricity
• Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism
• Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents
• Electromagnetic Waves
• Optics
• Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation
• Atoms and Nuclei
• Electronic Devices
• Experimental Skills

Chemistry (Class 11 & 12)

• Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry
• Structure of Atom
• Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties
• Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
• States of Matter: Gases and Liquids
• Thermodynamics
• Equilibrium
• Redox Reactions
• The P-block Element
• The d- and f-Block Elements
• Coordination Compounds
• Purification and Characterisation of Organic Compounds
• Some Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry
• Hydrocarbons
• Organic Compounds Containing Halogens
• Organic Compounds Containing Oxygen
• Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen
• Biomolecules
• Polymers
• Principles Related to Practical Chemistry

Key Points for Aspirants

• Biology dominates the syllabus with the highest number of questions (90 out of 180).
• NCERT textbooks (Class 11 & 12) are the most reliable source for preparation.
• Physics requires strong conceptual clarity, while Chemistry needs both theory understanding and reaction practice.
• Students should keep track of NMC updates in case of minor revisions for NEET 2026.

How to Apply for NEET 2026

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts NEET UG every year, and the application process is completely online through the official NEET website. Students must carefully follow the procedure to ensure successful registration and submission of the application form.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Visit the Official NEET Website: Open the official NEET portal once the application form is released: neet.nta.nic.in. The NEET 2026 application form link will be available after the release of the official notification.
2. Registration: Click on the “Apply for NEET 2026” link. Fill in the basic details including your full name, date of birth, email ID, mobile number, and nationality. After registration, a system-generated Application Number will be provided. Keep this number safe.
3. Fill the Application Form: Log in using the Application Number and password. Fill in personal details, academic details (Class 10 & 12), contact details, and exam centre preferences carefully.
4. Upload Documents: Scan and upload the required documents in the prescribed format and size: Recent Passport-Sized Photograph, Signature, Left Thumb Impression, and Class 10/12 Certificates (if required).
5. Pay the Application Fee: Application fee can be paid online via Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. The fee is non-refundable.
6. Review and Submit: Carefully review all the details entered. Make corrections before the final submission. Submit the application form.
7. Download and Print: Download and save the confirmation page for future reference.
8. Keep Track of Updates: Regularly check the official NEET website for updates on admit card, exam date, answer key, and results.

Preparation Tips for NEET Exams 2026

• Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Thoroughly understand the pattern and syllabus to plan your preparation effectively.
• Make a Daily Study Plan: Stick to a consistent daily study plan for better time management.
• Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak topics and work on improving accuracy in those areas.
• Practice Previous Year Papers and Mock Tests: Regularly solve past papers and mock tests to get familiar with the exam format and manage your time.
• If you’re using a learning app like Invictaa Plus, make sure to utilize the Mock Tests provided and carefully analyze your performance after each test to identify and improve your weak points.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)