NEET 2026 Exam Date, Syllabus, Pattern, Counselling & Preparation Tips

The Ultimate NEET 2026 Resource Hub by Hodu Academy
NEET 2026 (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is India’s premier entrance exam for MBBS, BDS, BAMS, B.Sc Nursing, and other medical UG courses. Conducted by NTA, NEET opens doors to top medical and dental colleges nationwide.
This page by Hodu Academy covers everything: exam dates, complete syllabus, pattern, application process, eligibility, cut-off, counselling, preparation tips, answer keys, previous year papers, FAQs and more — all in one place.

NEET 2026 Highlights

Particulars Details
Exam Name NEET UG 2026 (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)
Conducting Authority National Testing Agency (NTA)
Exam Level National Level (UG)
Courses Offered MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BVSc & AH, B.Sc Nursing, etc.
Mode of Exam Offline (Pen & Paper)
Expected Exam Date May 3, 2026 (First Sunday of May)
Duration 3 hours 20 minutes (200 minutes)
Total Questions 200 (180 to be attempted)
Subjects Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany + Zoology)
Total Marks 720
Marking Scheme +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect
Medium of Exam 13 Languages (English, Hindi, Urdu, etc.)
Official Website neet.nta.nic.in

Programmes Offered Through NEET 2026

Programme Full Form Duration Key Institutions Career Prospects
MBBS Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery 5.5 yrs AIIMS, JIPMER, State Medical Colleges Doctor, Surgeon, Researcher
BDS Bachelor of Dental Surgery 5 yrs Maulana Azad, Manipal College Dentist, Oral Surgeon
BAMS Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery 5.5 yrs BHU, State Institutes Ayurveda Doctor
BHMS Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine & Surgery 5.5 yrs National Institute of Homeopathy Homeopathy Practitioner
BUMS Bachelor of Unani Medicine & Surgery 5.5 yrs Aligarh Muslim University Unani Physician
BVSc & AH Bachelor of Veterinary Science & Animal Husbandry 5 yrs IVRI, Veterinary Colleges Veterinarian
B.Sc Nursing Bachelor of Science in Nursing 4 yrs AIIMS, CMC Vellore Clinical Nurse

NEET 2026 Exam Dates (Tentative)

Event Expected Date
Notification Release December 2025
Application Form Starts January 2026
Last Date to Apply March 2026
Admit Card Release First week of May 2026
NEET Exam May 3, 2026
Provisional Answer Key Fourth week of May 2026
Final Result Second week of June 2026
Counselling Begins July 2026

NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

  • Minimum Age: 17 years by December 31, 2026
  • Maximum Age: No upper age limit (as per current rules)
  • Academic Qualification: Passed or appearing in Class 12 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English
  • Minimum Marks: General/EWS: 50% in PCB, OBC/SC/ST: 40%, PwD: 45%
  • Attempts Allowed: Unlimited
  • Nationality: Indian Nationals, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, Foreign Nationals

NEET 2026 Application Process & Fees

The NEET 2026 application will be available online at neet.nta.nic.in.
  1. Register online and fill personal, academic & contact details
  2. Upload required documents (photo, signature, certificates)
  3. Pay the application fee online (Debit/Credit/UPI/Net Banking)
  4. Submit the form and print the confirmation page
Category Expected Fee
General/OBC ₹1,700
EWS ₹1,600
SC/ST/PwD ₹1,000
Foreign Nationals ₹9,500

NEET 2026 Exam Pattern

  • Mode: Offline (Pen & Paper OMR)
  • Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
  • Total Questions: 200 (180 to be attempted)
  • Subjects: Physics (45), Chemistry (45), Biology (90: Botany+Zoology)
  • Marking Scheme: +4 for correct, -1 for wrong, 0 for unattempted
  • Duration: 3 hrs 20 min (200 min)
  • Sections: Each subject divided into Section A (Compulsory) & Section B (Choice based)
  • Medium: 13 languages including English, Hindi, Urdu
Subject Questions Maximum Marks
Physics 45 180
Chemistry 45 180
Biology (Botany + Zoology) 90 360
Total 720

NEET 2026 Syllabus (Subject-wise)

NEET syllabus is primarily based on Class 11 & 12 NCERT topics. No major change is expected for 2026. For latest detailed topics, always refer to official NEET site.
Physics
  • Physical World & Measurement
  • Kinematics
  • Laws of Motion
  • Work, Energy & Power
  • Rotational Motion
  • Gravitation
  • Thermodynamics
  • Oscillations & Waves
  • Electrostatics
  • Current Electricity
  • Magnetism
  • Electromagnetic Induction & AC
  • Optics
  • Dual Nature of Matter
  • Atoms & Nuclei
  • Electronic Devices
  • Experimental Skills
Chemistry
  • Some Basic Concepts
  • Atomic Structure
  • Chemical Bonding & Molecular Structure
  • Chemical Thermodynamics
  • Equilibrium
  • Solutions
  • Redox & Electrochemistry
  • Chemical Kinetics
  • Classification of Elements
  • p-, d-, f-block Elements
  • Coordination Compounds
  • GOC & Hydrocarbons
  • Alcohols, Ethers & Phenols
  • Aldehydes, Ketones, Acids
  • Biomolecules
  • Principles Related to Practical Chemistry
Biology
  • Diversity in Living Organisms
  • Structural Organisation
  • Cell Structure & Function
  • Plant Physiology
  • Human Physiology
  • Reproduction
  • Genetics & Evolution
  • Biology & Human Welfare
  • Biotechnology
  • Ecology & Environment

NEET 2026 Admit Card

NEET 2026 admit card will be released online on the official NTA NEET website about one week before the exam. Candidates must download, print, and carry the admit card to the exam center.
Steps:
  1. Visit neet.nta.nic.in
  2. Login with application number & date of birth
  3. Download and print the admit card
  4. Check details; contact NTA for discrepancies
Documents to carry: Admit card, valid photo ID, passport photo (same as uploaded)

NEET 2026 Answer Key

Official NEET answer keys for all paper codes are released by NTA on their website about 7–10 days after the exam. Students can challenge the provisional answer key by paying a fee per question. After considering objections, NTA publishes the final answer key.
Check latest NEET answer keys here

NEET 2026 Result

NEET 2026 results will be announced online in the second week of June 2026. The result includes All India Rank, category rank, percentile, and qualifying status. Download your scorecard and use it for counselling and admissions.
Check NEET Results

NEET 2026 Cut-off

Category Qualifying Percentile 2024 Cut-off (Score Range)
UR / EWS 50 720 – 164
OBC, SC, ST 40 163 – 129
UR/EWS & PH 45 163 – 146
OBC & PH 40 145 – 129

NEET 2026 Counselling Process

Counselling for MBBS/BDS and allied health courses is held after result declaration in two formats:
  • 15% All India Quota (AIQ) and Deemed Universities: Conducted by MCC
  • 85% State Quota: By respective state authorities
  • AYUSH, B.Sc Nursing, Veterinary: Separate rounds by respective councils
Process:
  1. Register and pay fee at official counselling portals
  2. Fill and lock choices of colleges/courses
  3. Seat allotment as per rank and choices
  4. Download allotment letter & report to allotted college with all original documents
  5. Participate in further rounds if upgradation needed
Documents Required: NEET admit card, result, Class 10 & 12 marksheets, category certificate, domicile (state quota), valid ID, photos, allotment letter, etc.

NEET 2026: Important Topics & Preparation Strategy

Physics: Laws of Motion, Work-Energy, Rotational Motion, Thermodynamics, Optics, Current Electricity, Magnetism
Chemistry: GOC, Hydrocarbons, Equilibrium, Chemical Bonding, p-block, Biomolecules, Coordination Compounds
Biology: Diversity, Structural Organisation, Physiology, Genetics, Biotechnology, Ecology

Preparation Tips:
  • Master NCERT textbooks for all subjects
  • Use concise notes and regular revision
  • Solve previous years’ NEET question papers and attempt weekly mock tests
  • Analyze performance, focus on weak topics, and revise frequently
  • Practice time management in every test

FAQs: NEET 2026

  • What is NEET? The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test is India’s national-level exam for MBBS, BDS, AYUSH & allied medical courses.
  • How many times is NEET conducted in a year? Once a year, in May (usually the first Sunday).
  • Is NEET score valid for all states? Yes, NEET is required for admission in all medical colleges across India.
  • Are NCERT books enough for NEET? Yes, but practice additional MCQs and previous years’ questions for maximum confidence.
  • Can I apply for NEET if I am appearing in Class 12? Yes, provided you clear the exam before admission.
  • Is there any age limit? Minimum 17 years. No upper age cap as per current guidelines.
  • Is NEET compulsory for AIIMS/JIPMER? Yes, MBBS admissions for all national institutes use NEET UG.
  • What are the cut-offs? Cut-off varies by category and year. Check the Cut-off section above for latest updates.
Bookmark Hodu Academy’s NEET Hub for official updates, syllabus, mock tests, question banks, and expert tips!
Last modified: Monday, 7 July 2025, 12:51 PM