NEET 2026 is a national-level entrance exam for admission to medical and dental colleges in India. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The NEET 2026 overview PDF is not officially released yet by the NTA, but it is likely to be available by December 2025. It is expected that the NEET 2026 overview PDF will align with the NCERT syllabus of Classes 11 and 12.
The Exam covering Physics, Chemistry and Biology is conducted in pen-and-paper format with 180 questions in total. The NEET 2026 exam is expected to be in May 2026.
Seats are allotted through counselling:
- All India Quota (AIQ): 15% of government college seats and all deemed colleges (deemed universities) are also regulated by MCC.
- State Quota: 85% of government college seats, managed under the state authority.
Note: The NEET 2026 overview PDF is not available, so candidates can refer to the NEET 2025 Overview PDF.
NEET 2026 overview: Tentative Important Dates for NEET 2026
| NEET 2026 Events | Expected Dates |
|---|---|
| Application form release & exam date notice | 1st week of February 2026. |
| Last date to apply | 1st week of March 2026. |
| Correction window | 3rd week of March 2026. |
| City intimation slip | 4th week of April 2026. |
| Admit card release | 1st week of May 2026. |
| Exam date | 1st Sunday of May 2026 (May 3, 2026). |
| Provisional answer key & objections | 4th week of May 2026. |
| Result & final answer key | 2nd week of June 2026. |
Also Read
Key Summary
- Exam Name: NEET 2026 (Conducted by NTA)
- Mode: Offline (pen-and-paper OMR)
- Course: 200 total questions; 180 to be answered
- NEET 2026 Age Limit: Minimum age - 17 years; Upper age limit according to age limit as per classification
- NEET 2026 Syllabus: NCERT-based (Class 11 & 12 - Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Seat Distribution: All India Quota (AIQ): 15% seats in government colleges + 100% deemed universities
- State Quota: 85% seats in government colleges
NEET 2026 Overview: The Possible Changes for NEET 2026
While the NEET 2025 is expected to follow the exam format as is, here are some proposed updates for NEET 2026 that can bring about more justice in terms of accessibility and exam-security issues.
- A Multi-Stage Exam: NEET-UG 2026 may be conducted across multiple sessions instead of just one day to dilute risks of paper leaks arising from the possibility of paper leakage from one session to another, and also to ensure equal opportunity for all candidates.
- Being Computer-Based Test: There has been discussion about changing the exam to CBT in future, possibly by 2027 or 2028, but the NEET 2026 will remain offline.
- Expanded Infrastructure: Approximately 1,000 exam centres may be set up across the country as venues for the multi-stage or CBT exam of over 25 lakh candidates.
- NTA: The National Testing Agency is considering the logistics, security arrangements, and training of the personnel concerned to ensure a smooth conduct of the Exam 2026.
Also Read
NEET Full Form: What is NEET?NEET 2026 Overview: How Many Days Left for NEET 2026?
There are approximately 254 days left for NEET preparation as the tentative exam date is on May 3 or 4, 2026.
To keep track of how many days are left for NEET 2026, candidates can refer to a website like www.neetcountdown.com that provides real-time countdowns based on the tentative dates. But it is advised that candidates should check the official website neet.nic.in regularly for the latest updates and the actual NEET 2026 exam date.
NEET 2026 Overview: NEET Preparation Strategy
NEET 2026 Overview highlights that cracking the exam requires smart planning, NCERT-based learning, and consistent practice. A well-structured NEET Preparation strategy with mock tests and timely revision helps students maximise their score.
NEET Preparation Key Points:
- Understand the complete NEET 2026 syllabus & exam pattern.
- Focus on NCERT books, PYQs, and high-weightage chapters.
- Practice mock tests regularly and analyse mistakes for improvement.
NEET Preparation Strategy Checklist
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Go through the NEET 2026 syllabus & exam pattern |
| 2 | Use NCERT + reference materials for concepts |
| 3 | Create a balanced study timetable |
| 4 | Solve daily MCQs & previous year questions |
| 5 | Attempt mock tests and analyse performance |
| 6 | Revise high-weightage topics regularly |
| 7 | Manage time effectively during practice |
| 8 | Strengthen all 3 subjects: Physics, Chemistry & Biology |
| 9 | Continuously evaluate and adjust preparation |
Also Read
Books For NEET 2026NEET 2026 Overview: Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible candidates: Indian nationals, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and foreign candidates are all allowed to appear.
- Age Limit: The applicants should be 17 years of age as of 31st December of that year of examination. For the general category, candidates should not be above 25 years, with relaxations applicable to reserved categories.
- Educational Qualification: Candidate should have passed 12th or an equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects.
- Minimum Marks Requirement: For the PCB course, general category candidates must have scored at least 50%, while SC/ST/OBC candidates must have scored 40%. Another 5% relaxation applies to PwD candidates.
NEET 2026 Overview: Exam Pattern
| Exam Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Offline (Pen-and-Paper / OMR Sheet) |
| Total Questions | 200 questions (180 to be attempted) |
| Subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany & Zoology) |
| Duration | 3 hours 20 minutes |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct answers, -1 for incorrect answers |
| Medium / Language | English, Hindi, and other regional languages |
| Type of Questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Weightage | Biology carries the highest weight, followed by Physics and Chemistry |
What is the NEET 2026 Syllabus?
The NEET 2026 syllabus works out to be as per the NCERT Class 11 and Class 12 course content.
- Physics: Motion, thermodynamics, optics, and modern physics.
- Chemistry: Organic, inorganic, and physical chemistry.
- Biology: Human physiology, plant physiology, genetics, ecology, and biotechnology.
The candidate should primarily focus on NCERT books while solving previous years' questions from time to time to get familiarised with trends in the questions.
Also Read
Deleted Syllabus of NEET 2026 ChemistryNEET 2026 Overview: Application Process
- Registration: Enter a valid email ID and mobile number to register for an account and to create an account for the official NTA( https://neet.nta.nic.in/) NEET portal.
- Form Filling: Enter personal and academic information in the NEET 2026 Application. Each information field should be entered accurately.
- Document Upload: Upload scanned photographs/ Signatures and scanned versions of all the other Certificates, according to the required specifications.
- Application fee: Pay the Application fee category-wise via online means using a Debit/Credit card, net banking, or UPI.
- Confirmation: After successful submission, download or save the confirmation page and screenshot it, if needed.
- Correction window: If, as per NTA, you can make limited corrections in the application form.
Also Read
NEET Application ProcessNEET 2026 Overview: Admit Card
The admit card for NEET 2026 would be downloaded from the official NTA website. To download the admit card, candidates must log in with their application number, password, and security pin. The candidate must bring their admit card because they will not be allowed to enter the examination centre without the admit card.
NEET Cutoff Category-wise
| NEET Cut-off | Percentile | NEET 2026 Scores |
| Unreserved | 50th percentile | To be announced |
| SC/ST/OBC | 40th percentile | To be announced |
| Unreserved-PH | 45th percentile | To be announced |
| SC/ST/OBC-PH | 40th percentile | To be announced |
NEET 2026 Overview: Process of Counselling
Counselling for NEET 2026 is categorised into two major types:
- All India Quota (AIQ) 15% seats in Government Colleges and all seats in Deemed Universities, managed by the MCC.
- State Quota: 85% seats of Government Colleges, handled by State Authorities.
Steps involved in Counselling:
1. Registration: Register through the official counselling website.
2. Choice Filling: Choose colleges and courses of preference.
3. Seat Allotment: Seats are allotted depending on rank and preferences.
4. Reporting: Report to the allotted college with the respective documents.
5. Document Verification: Academic, identity, and category certificates are to be submitted for verification.
Also Read
NEET Counselling ProcessNEET 2026 Overview FAQS
Ques. How will the NEET 2026 exam be?
Ans. The NEET 2026 exam is to retain its structure of recent years, with hardly any minor changes, if any. It will be done offline (pen-and-paper), and candidates will have to choose answers for multiple-choice questions on subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, & Biology. The exam time duration will be 3 hours (180 minutes), and there will be a penalising marking scheme, with some of the rewards being given for answering questions correctly.
Key points to remember:
- Question format-Type of questions: About 180 multiple-choice questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Marking scheme: +4 marks for every correct answer and -1 mark for every wrong answer.
Ques. Is NEET 2026 in two phases?
Ans. There is currently no official statement regarding NEET 2026 being held in two phases. A lot of speculation followed by discussion regarding changing the exam structure, but the National Testing Agency (NTA) has yet to put forward any formal notification about an impending change.
Key points to be kept in mind:
- NTA has not announced splitting NEET 2026 into two phases.
- Students should keep their eyes focused only on official NTA updates to avoid getting confused.
Ques. What is the NEET syllabus 2026?
Ans. Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, as the subjects of study, form part of the NEET 2026 syllabus for the curriculum of Class 11 and the syllabus as prescribed by the NMC. For NEET 2026, the syllabus will be designed in keeping with the NCERT. To judge a student's ability for conceptual thinking, the syllabus must be followed.
- Class 11: Fundamental concepts of Physics, introductory Chemical Principles and concepts, and the Biological basis.
- Class 12: Advanced applications of Physics, organic and inorganic Chemistry, and human Physiology and Genetics in the context of Biology.
Comments