NEET 2026: Everything You Need to Know
NEET 2026: Everything You Need to Know.
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026 is the mandatory entrance exam for admission to all undergraduate medical (MBBS), dental (BDS), and AYUSH (BAMS, BHMS, etc.) courses in India. The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), and the official syllabus is specified by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
| Particulars | Details (Expected 2026 Pattern) |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate 2026 (NEET UG 2026) |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Official Website | neet.nta.nic.in |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper-based, using OMR sheet) |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours (180 minutes) |
| Total Marks | 720 |
| Total Questions | 180 |
| Language Medium | 13 languages, including English, Hindi, and various regional languages |
Detailed Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
The question paper comprises 180 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) divided into three subjects. Unlike previous patterns that included optional questions in Section B, the latest expected model for NEET 2026 reverts to 180 compulsory questions with no internal choice, to be completed in a duration of 3 hours (180 minutes).
Subject-wise Question Distribution
| Subject | Total Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 45 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 45 | 180 |
| Biology (Botany & Zoology) | 90 (45 questions each) | 360 |
| Grand Total | 180 Compulsory Questions | 720 |
Marking Scheme
| Response Type | Marks Awarded |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +4 Marks |
| Incorrect Answer | –1 Mark (Negative Marking) |
| Unanswered/Unattempted | 0 Marks |
| Multiple Responses | –1 Mark (Treated as incorrect) |
The use of a blue or black ballpoint pen to darken the appropriate circle on the OMR sheet is mandatory.
Syllabus Details and Key Revisions
The syllabus for NEET 2026 is mandated by the NMC and strictly adheres to the core concepts from the Class 11 and Class 12 NCERT curriculum for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Aspirants should note that the NMC revised the syllabus recently by removing or reducing several topics in alignment with the rationalized NCERT textbooks.
Key Areas of Reduction/Deletion
It is essential for candidates to refer to the official NTA information bulletin when released, but based on recent changes, certain topics that have been removed or reduced include:
- Physics: Topics such as the Communication Systems unit, certain portions of Semiconductor Devices, and concepts like Doppler Effect in waves.
- Chemistry: Complete deletion of chapters like Polymers and Chemistry in Everyday Life. Reduction in topics like States of Matter and Surface Chemistry.
- Biology: Deletion of chapters like Reproduction in Organisms and Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production. Certain sub-topics within Plant Physiology (e.g., Transport in Plants, Mineral Nutrition) and Human Physiology (e.g., Digestion and Absorption) have also been removed or reduced.
For effective preparation, candidates should focus on units with higher weightage, such as Human Physiology, Genetics and Evolution in Biology, Organic Chemistry and Inorganic Chemistry in the Chemistry section, and Mechanics and Modern Physics in the Physics section.
Eligibility and Application Requirements
Eligibility Criteria Addendum
| Criteria | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Required Subjects | Must have passed or appeared in the 10+2 equivalent exam with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as compulsory subjects. |
| Age Limit | Minimum age is 17 years as of December 31, 2026. |
Application Process Key Reminders
- Mandatory Documents: Candidates must upload documents including a recent passport-size photograph, signature, left-hand thumb impression, and the Class 10 certificate (for proof of date of birth) in the specific format and size required by the NTA.
- Contact Information: Use a valid and active email address and mobile number, as all official communication, including the release of the admit card and results, will be routed through them.
- Single Application: Submitting more than one application form is strictly prohibited and leads to disqualification.
Courses
| Course Category | Course Name | Full Form |
|---|---|---|
| Allopathy | MBBS | Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery |
| BDS | Bachelor of Dental Surgery | |
| AYUSH | BAMS | Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery |
| BHMS | Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery | |
| BUMS | Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery | |
| BSMS | Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery | |
| BNYS | Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yoga Sciences | |
| Veterinary | BVSc & AH | Bachelor of Naturopathy and Yoga Sciences |
| Nursing | B.Sc. Nursing | Bachelor of Science in Nursing (Admissions to selected Central/State colleges) |
MBBS Seat Matrix (2024-2025 Data)
| Region | College Type | |
|---|---|---|
| All India Total | Government Colleges | approx 59,782 |
| Private/Deemed Universities | approx 58,366 | |
| Grand Total | approx 1,18,148 | |
| Kerala Total | Government Colleges | approx 1,755 |
| Private/Self-Financing Colleges | approx 3,150 | |
| State Total | approx 4,905 |
Preparation Tips
- NCERT Mastery: The NCERT textbooks are the primary resource. You must be thorough with every line, diagram, and summary, especially for Biology and Inorganic Chemistry.
- Focus on Concepts: Dedicate more time to understanding the underlying concepts rather than just memorizing facts.
- Practice MCQs: Regularly solve a large volume of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) to improve speed and accuracy.
- Mock Tests: Take full-length mock tests under the 3-hour exam condition to build stamina and identify weak areas.
- Daily Revision: Maintain a dedicated notebook for formulas, key reactions, and tricky biological concepts for quick daily revision.
- Time Management: Create a realistic study schedule that allows for deep study, problem-solving, and adequate sleep.