The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has yet to announce the official notification for NEET PG 2026. The exam for 2025 was conducted on 23 June 2025 in CBT mode and the results were declared on 15 July 2025.
Candidates can expect the official notification around March–April 2026 and the exam tentatively in July 2026.
- NEET PG is conducted once a year by NBEMS
- Exam mode is Computer-Based Test across designated centres
- The paper includes 200 multiple-choice questions
- The maximum score is 800 marks with negative marking
- The duration of the exam is 3 hours and 30 minutes
- Scores are valid for admission to MD, MS, and PG Diploma seats through AIQ and state quotas
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What is NEET PG 2026
NEET PG 2026 is the single entrance examination for admissions into postgraduate medical programs (MD / MS / Diploma) in the country, which will be conducted for the government, private, centra,l and deemed universities. The NBEMS will be conducting the examination for the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam name | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Postgraduate (NEET PG) |
| Conducting body | National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) |
| Exam level | National-level postgraduate medical entrance |
| Mode of exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Language | English only |
| Courses offered | MD, MS, PG Diploma |
| Frequency | Once every year |
Also check: NEET UG & PG Seats Increased Across India
Ques. Who organizes NEET PG?
Ans. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), on behalf of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, organizes NEET PG. They will be the body holding the examination, issuing the information booklet, and preparing all documents related to the results.
- Organizing body: NBEMS
- Supervising ministry: MoHFW, Government of India
- Official internet page: nbe.edu.in
Ques. Why is NEET PG important?
Ans. NEET PG is the only authentic entrance examination for postgraduate medical programs in India; without this exam, a candidate cannot be admitted to a university offering an MD, MS, or PG Diploma program whether it be a government or private institution.
- The only nationwide postgraduate medical entrance examination
- Mandatory for AIQ (All India Quota) and state quota seats
- All government, private, central, and deemed universities will accept it
Ques. What is the difference between NEET PG and NExT?
Ans. Although NExT is proposed to gradually replace NEET PG, it will still be administered until its rollout. NEET PG will be an active exam in 2026.
| Feature | NEET PG | NExT |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Active exam in 2025–26 | Proposed, not implemented |
| Purpose | Admission to PG medical seats | Final MBBS exam + PG eligibility + licensure |
| Conducting body | NBEMS | National Medical Commission (planned) |
NEET PG Exam Pattern 2026
The NEET PG exam is a structured CBT based exam. The paper is expected to be based on knowledge from the MBBS curriculum, covering preclinical, para-clinical and clinical subjects. The total paper contains 200 MCQs, and needs to be completed in 210 minutes.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Question type | Multiple Choice Questions (single correct answer) |
| Total questions | 200 |
| Maximum marks | 800 |
| Duration | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Mode | Computer Based Test at designated centres |
| Sections | Pre-clinical, Para-clinical, Clinical |
| Language | English |
Also read: NEET PG Admit Card
Ques. How many questions does the NEET PG 2026 consist of?
Ans. The exam is made up of 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs). The questions will be from the MBBS subjects (pre-clinical, para-clinical, clinical).
- Question type: MCQs one answer is correct.
- Total questions: 200.
- Subjects: Pre-clinical, Para-clinical, Clinical.
Ques. What is the total duration of NEET PG?
Ans. Candidates have 3 hours and 30 minutes (210 minutes) to attempt the examination paper. The NEET PG exam is divided into sections, and candidates will be given a certain period of time to attempt that section. once the section time is up, the candidates will not be allowed to return to that section.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total duration | 210 minutes (3.5 hours) |
| Sections | 5 |
| Time per section | ~42 minutes |
| Navigation | Section-locked pattern |
Ques. Is there a negative marking for answers in NEET PG 2026?
Ans. Yes. NEET PG exams have a negative marking scheme in order for the question paper to maintain the integrity of the rankings. For answers that are incorrect, a deduction of -1 mark will be applied and for answers that are correct, +4 will be applied.
- Correct answer: +4.
- Incorrect answer: -1.
- Not attempted: 0.
- Maxium score: 800.
NEET PG 2026 Marking Scheme
NBEMS adheres to both a positive marking system and a negative marking system for the purpose of fairness. Each correct answer is awarded +4 marks while each failure to answer correctly will incur a penalty of -1 mark. A question going unanswered will be afforded no penalty and incur 0 marks.
| Response type | Marks awarded |
|---|---|
| Correct answer | +4 |
| Incorrect answer | −1 |
| Unattempted | 0 |
| Total marks | 800 |
Also check: NEET PG Exam Analysis
Ques. What is the NEET PG score calculated?
Ans. To calculate the score, all attempted questions are then scored based on the marking scheme: while a correct answer awards 4 marks and an incorrect one deducts 1 mark, it does not penalise for unattempt questions.
- Correct : +4 marks
- Incorrect: −1 marks
- Unattempted: 0 marks
Therefore, total score = (Correct × 4) − (Incorrect × 1)
Ques. What is the NEET PG maximum score in 2026?
Ans. The test has a total of 200 questions, each question worth 4 marks, therefore the maximum score it is possible to receive is 800.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Total questions | 200 |
| Marks per question | 4 |
| Maximum score | 800 |
Ques. Does negative marking affect NEET PG ranking?
Ans. Yes, whenever we talk about a NEET PG ranking, the negative marking will impact the final score and ranking. Students can lose their score without a deliberate attempt on many questions they are not sure of, therefore students should avoid attempting uncertain questions.
- How the negative marks lower the score
- Even just a few extra answer wrong negatives can impact rank quite a bit
- If in doubt, the make smart attempts will improve security for a home gain.
Sectional Timing in NEET PG 2026
The examination is organized into time-restricted components to promote a sequential approach to attempting the paper. Based on NEET PG 2025, the examination might consist of five components with restricted deliberation and navigation. Once the candidates have attempted the allocated time for that component, they will not be allowed to go back to that component.
| Sectional distribution | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of sections | 5 |
| Questions per section | 40 |
| Time per section | ~42 minutes |
| Navigation rule | Cannot return to a section after time expires |
NEET PG 2026 Exam Dates and Registration
NEET PG 2025 happened in the month of June, and it is assumed that similar timelines will be for the next 2026 test cycle. Candidates will be able to apply online on the NBE website nbe.edu.in whenever the registration window is open. Admit cards for the applicants will be made available 1 week before the exam date, and the results will be made available within a month after the exam date.
| Event | Tentative date for NEET PG 2026 |
|---|---|
| Information bulletin release | March 2026 |
| Registration begins | March–April 2026 |
| Registration closes | April 2026 |
| Correction window | April–May 2026 |
| Admit card release | July 2026 (1st week) |
| NEET PG 2026 exam date | July 2026 (3rd–4th week, tentative) |
| Result declaration | August 2026 |
Also read: NEET PG Exam Date
Ques. When will the NEET PG 2026 notification be released?
Ans. Based on prior experience, we might get the information bulletin in March 2026. Generally, NBEMS provides a brochure 3 – 4 months before the date of the examination.
- Tentative Month: March 2026
- Registration Start: March–April 2026
- Tentative Exam Date: July 2026
Ques. What is the tentative NEET PG 2026 exam date?
Ans. NBEMS hasn't yet announced the date; however, based on the NEET PG 2025 exam (23 June 2025), candidates can expect the exam to take place in July 2026 (3rd or 4th week).
| Year | Exam date |
|---|---|
| NEET PG 2024 | 7 July 2024 |
| NEET PG 2025 | 23 June 2025 |
| NEET PG 2026 (expected) | July 2026 (3rd–4th week) |
Ques. How soon will candidates be able to apply for NEET PG 2026?
Ans. NBEMS usually opens the registration window for approximately 3–4 weeks. Candidates should complete the registration form in week 1, to avoid technical issues on the last day of registration.
- Registration Window: ~3–4 weeks
- Safe Window: Apply in first 7 days
- Mode: Online at nbe.edu.in
NEET PG 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To apply for NEET PG 2026, candidates must fulfill MBBS, internship and registration requirements. The eligibility criteria are fixed by NBEMS and reviewed every year.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Qualification | MBBS degree/provisional pass certificate from recognised university |
| Internship | Completion of one-year internship on or before cut-off date (31 July 2026 expected) |
| Registration | Valid registration with State Medical Council (SMC) or National Medical Commission (NMC) |
| Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) | Must have FMGE pass certificate, internship completion, and valid registration |
Check: NEET PG Eligibility Criteria
Ques. Are foreign medical graduates permitted to register for NEET PG 2026?
Ans. Yes, foreign medical graduate (FMG) candidates can register for NEET PG 2026, as long as they pass their FMGE screening examination, finish their internship in India, and register for medical practice either with the NMC or SMC.
- Must pass FMGE exam
- Internship completion in India required
- Valid NMC/SMC registration required
Ques. Is being successfully completed your internship a requirement to apply for NEET PG?
Ans. Yes, it is a requirement. For example, if you were to apply for NEET PG 2026, you must have the internship completed successfully on or before 31 July 2026 if the date was to be set today (as of 27 October 2023).
| Requirement | NEET PG 2026 |
|---|---|
| Internship duration | 1 year compulsory |
| Cut-off date | 31 July 2026 (expected) |
| Proof required | Completion certificate |
Ques. As an MBBS student in final year, can I register to NEET PG?
Ans. No, only those candidate that have successfully graduated with their MBBS degree or holding a provisional pass certificate will be eligible. Final-year students can register to NEET PG if they graduated with their MBBS degree and completed their internship the following year.
- Final-year MBBS not eligible
- Required MBBS pass
- Complete Internship
NEET PG 2026 Seat Matrix and Counselling
Seat distribution for NEET PG is carried out through MCC for All India Quota (AIQ) and state authorities for state quota seats. For 2025, around 24,000 seats were offered across MD, MS and PG Diploma programs. With discussions on expanding postgraduate seats, candidates can expect similar or slightly higher intake in 2026.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total seats (approx.) | 24,000+ (MD, MS, PG Diploma) |
| Counselling authority | MCC (AIQ 50%), state authorities (state quota 50%) |
| Institutes covered | Government, private, central and deemed universities |
| Seat matrix release | Published before counselling on MCC/state websites |
Also check:
Ques. What is the number of available NEET PG 2026 seats?
Ans. In India, the expected number of postgraduate medical seats will be approximately 24,000 - 25,000 MD, MS, PG Diploma seats including those available in government, private, central and deemed universities.
- AIQ (All India Quota): 50% of total seats
- State quota: 50% of seats available to domicile candidates
- Deemed universities & central universities will have their own seat matrix
Ques. Who publishes the NEET PG seat matrix?
Ans. The seat matrix is published officially by the MCC (Medical Counselling Committee) for AIQ seats and state authorities publish the state quota seats during the counselling process before it begins.
| Authority | Seats covered |
|---|---|
| MCC | All India Quota (AIQ) 50% |
| State Counselling Authorities | State quota seats 50% |
| Deemed & Central Universities | Separate counselling portals |
Ques. Was there any increase in PG seats under PG seat matrix for 2026?
Ans. Yes, the Union Government approved a new addition of more than 5,000 new postgraduate medical seats in various government colleges from (Expansion scheme - PHASE III). The total number of seats under the PG seat matrix for NEET PG 2026 will slightly increase.
- Seats expansion under Phase III: 5000+ new PG seats
- Expected increase in government and private colleges
- Long term target of ~25,000 total PG seats by 2030
NEET PG 2026 Syllabus
The syllabus for NEET PG 2026 is derived from the MBBS curriculum approved by the NMC. It covers all three subject groups: pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical.
| Subject group | Subjects included |
|---|---|
| Pre-clinical | Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry |
| Para-clinical | Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine |
| Clinical | Medicine, Surgery, Paediatrics, Orthopaedics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Psychiatry, Ophthalmology, ENT, Dermatology |
Also check: NEET PG Syllabus
Ques. Is the NEET PG based on the full syllabus of the MBBS program?
Ans. Yes, all subjects from the MBBS program are in the NEET PG syllabus, including clinical, para-clinical, and pre-clinical areas of study. To maximize your score, you should consider studying all subjects and topics.
- Pre-clinical: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry
- Para-clinical: Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine
- Clinical: Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Orthopaedics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Psychiatry, Dermatology
Ques. Are some subjects more heavily weighted than others in NEET PG?
Ans. Yes, questions based on clinical subjects will constitute the majority of the exam, followed by para-clinical, and then pre-clinical subjects. Knowing this weightage will help you to tailor your preparation.
| Subject Group | Approx. Question Distribution |
|---|---|
| Clinical | 50–60% of questions |
| Para-clinical | 25–30% of questions |
| Pre-clinical | 10–15% of questions |
Ques. Does NEET PG syllabus/information ever change from year to year.
Ans. The core syllabus in each year remains unchanged and is based on the MBBS program syllabus approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC). There may be minor changes in year-to-year syllabi based on rapidly emerging science in the field, but generally they are minimal.
- Core Syllabus: MBBS syllabus (pre-clinical, para-clinical, clinical areas of study)
- Changes: Rare and will appear in an official bulletin
FAQs
Ques. What is NEET PG and who is it for?
Ans. NEET PG, or the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Post Graduate) is a national education examination to aid in admissions to MD, MS, and PG Diploma courses in India. Candidates with an MBBS degree and have also completed the internship can apply to take the exam.
Here are the course types: MD, MS, PG Diploma
- NEET PG will be administered by NBEMS
- NEET PG is mandatory for admission for Government medical colleges, Private and Deemed medical colleges
Ques. How is the NEET PG 2026 exam structured?
Ans. You will encounter 200 multiple-choice questions in a Computer Based Test (CBT) format. All questions will be covered in time-bound sections pertaining to pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical modules.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total questions | 200 |
| Duration | 3 hours 30 minutes (210 minutes) |
| Sections | 5 blocks (time-bound) |
| Marking scheme | +4 correct, −1 incorrect, 0 unattempted |
Ques. What are the important dates for NEET PG 2026?
Ans. Though we are still awaiting the notification for 2026 that will come from theoBEMS, we can predict tentative timelines, like in previous years.
- Information bulletin: March, 2026
- Registration form: March - April, 2026
- Exam dates: July, 2026 (3rd or 4th week)
- Results: August, 2026
- Counselling round: September, 2026
Ques. What is the marking system and score?
Ans. There is a positive and negative marking system for NEET PG, so the final score you get is crucial to realise your ranking and allotment at the time of counselling.
- For a correct answer: +4
- For an incorrect answer: -1
- For an unattempted answer: 0
- Maximum units amiss: 800
Ques. How many seats are there and who will conduct the counselling round?
Ans. There are approximately 24,000 - 25,000 seats in PG medical.
| Authority | Seats managed |
|---|---|
| MCC | AIQ 50% |
| State authorities | State quota 50% |
| Deemed & Central Universities | Separate counselling portals |
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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