NEET (National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test) is India’s national medical entrance exam for admission into:
- MBBS, BDS
- AYUSH courses (BAMS, BHMS, etc.)
- Nursing & related paramedical courses
It’s a single-stage, national-level exam organized by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
Key Dates (Tentative)
While official dates are usually announced in late 2025, the schedule typically follows this pattern:
- Notification Release: January 2026
- Registration Period: February – March 2026
- Admit Card Release: Late April 2026
- NEET 2026 Exam Date: May 3, 2026 (First Sunday of May)
- Results Declaration June 2026
Eligibility Criteria
To appear for NEET 2026, you must meet the following requirements:
- Age Limit: You must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026. Currently, there is no upper age limit for candidates.
- Qualifying Exam: You must have passed (or be appearing for) Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English.
- Minimum Marks (PCB Aggregate):
- General/EWS: 50%
- OBC/SC/ST: 40%
- PwD: 45%
- Nationality: Open to Indian Citizens, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and Foreign Nationals.
Documents Required for Registration
You will need digital copies of the following for your application:
- Passport-size photograph (White background, 80% face coverage).
- Postcard-size photograph (4"x6").
- Scanned signature (Black ink on white paper).
- Left and Right-hand finger & thumb impressions.
- Class 10 Passing Certificate.
- Category Certificate (if applicable).
- Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID).
Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
- Total Duration: 3 hours and 20 minutes.
- Total Questions: 200 questions (you only need to attempt 180).
- Total Marks: 720.
- Marking Scheme:
- +4 for every correct answer.
- -1 for every incorrect answer.
- 0 for unattempted questions.
Language & Mode
- Mode: Offline (Pen-and-Paper). You will use a ballpoint pen (provided at the center) to fill an OMR sheet.
- Medium: 13 languages (English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu).
- Bilingual Option: If you choose any language other than English, you will receive a bilingual booklet (English + your chosen language). In case of translation ambiguity, the English version is final.
Section Breakdown
| Subject | Questions (Section A + B) | Total to Attempt | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 35 + 15 | 45 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 35 + 15 | 45 | 180 |
| Botany | 35 + 15 | 45 | 180 |
| Zoology | 35 + 15 | 45 | 180 |
Note: In Section B (15 questions), you only need to attempt any 10.
Syllabus Overview
The syllabus is based on the NCERT curriculum for Classes 11 and 12.
- Physics: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electrostatics, Optics, and Modern Physics.
- Chemistry: Physical, Organic, and Inorganic Chemistry.
- Biology: Diversity in Living Organisms, Cell Structure, Genetics, Plant & Human Physiology, and Ecology.
Strategic Preparation Shifts
- Time Management is King: With 180 questions to solve in 180 minutes, you essentially have 60 seconds per question. There is no longer "selection time" to pick easier questions from Section B.
- NCERT Supremacy: The syllabus remains aligned with the revised NCERT (post-2024 rationalization). Focus strictly on the 79 chapters currently in the curriculum.
- Biology Weightage: Biology still accounts for 50% of the paper (360 marks). Botany and Zoology are divided equally with 45 questions each.
Pro-Tip: Start practicing with OMR sheets now. Since you cannot change an answer once a bubble is filled, accuracy in "bubbling" is just as important as knowing the answer.