- NEET UG 2026 was originally set for 3 May 2026 but the NTA cancelled it and conducted a re-examination on 21 June 2026, with results and scorecards now released
- From 2025 the exam reverted to 180 compulsory questions for 720 marks over three hours, and the optional Section B was removed
- Counselling for 2026 admissions is under way through mcc.nic.in and state authorities.
What Is NEET and Who Conducts It?
NEET, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (UG), is India's single entrance exam for undergraduate medical admission. Conducted by the National Testing Agency, it governs entry to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, veterinary and allied courses across government and private colleges nationwide, replacing earlier tests like AIPMT.
NEET is the mandatory qualifying examination for admission to nearly all undergraduate medical and dental seats in India, in both government and private institutions. The National Testing Agency, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education, conducts the exam once a year in a single pen-and-paper session across hundreds of cities.
What Is the NEET 2026 Exam Pattern?
From 2025 onwards NEET follows the pre-COVID pattern of 180 compulsory questions carrying 720 marks. Physics and Chemistry have 45 questions each, while Biology contributes 90 questions split between Botany and Zoology. The optional Section B was removed, and the total duration is now three hours in pen-and-paper OMR mode.
| Subject 2026 | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Physics | 45 | 180 |
| Chemistry | 45 | 180 |
| Biology (Botany + Zoology) | 90 | 360 |
| Total | 180 | 720 |
How Is NEET Marked and Scored?
NEET uses a straightforward marking scheme. Every correct answer earns four marks, each incorrect answer deducts one mark, and unanswered questions score zero. With 180 questions of four marks each, the maximum possible score is 720. Negative marking makes accuracy as important as speed, so avoid reckless guessing during the exam.
- Correct answer: +4 marks
- Incorrect answer: -1 mark
- Unanswered or multiple answers: 0 marks
- Maximum score: 720 marks
What Are the NEET Eligibility Criteria for 2026?
Candidates must have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Biotechnology, and English as core subjects. The minimum qualifying marks are 50 percent for general, 45 percent for PwD, and 40 percent for SC, ST and OBC candidates. Applicants must be at least 17 years old, with no upper age limit or attempt cap.
- Nationality: Indian nationals, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs and foreign nationals are eligible
- Minimum age: 17 years as on 31 December of the admission year
- Upper age: no upper age limit
- Qualification: Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Biotechnology and English
- Attempts: no restriction on the number of attempts
When Is NEET 2026 and What Happened to the Exam?
NEET UG 2026 was originally scheduled for 3 May 2026 but was cancelled by the NTA. A re-examination was held on 21 June 2026, with existing registrations carried forward and fresh admit cards issued. Results and scorecards were subsequently released on the official portal, and counselling for 2026 admissions has since begun.
Because the re-examination replaced the cancelled May sitting, candidates did not need to register afresh; their existing candidature and chosen examination centres were carried forward. Fresh admit cards were issued for the 21 June 2026 exam, after which the NTA published the answer key, results and downloadable scorecards on its official website.
Medical Council of India and the NMCRead →How Is NEET Counselling Conducted?
NEET counselling runs in two streams. The Medical Counselling Committee conducts the 15 percent All India Quota, along with central and deemed universities, while state authorities handle the remaining 85 percent state-quota seats. Qualified candidates register online, fill college and course preferences, and are allotted seats by rank in successive rounds until vacancies are filled.
- Qualify NEET by meeting the required cut-off percentile
- Register on the relevant counselling portal within the notified window
- Fill and lock college and course preferences
- Seats are allotted by rank across successive rounds
- Report to the allotted college and complete document verification
How Should You Prepare for NEET?
Effective NEET preparation starts with mastering the NCERT syllabus for Physics, Chemistry and Biology, since most questions map directly to it. Build a realistic timetable, revise regularly, and attempt daily mock tests to improve speed and accuracy. Analyse each mock to fix weak areas, and practise previous years' papers to understand the difficulty level.
- Master the NCERT textbooks for Physics, Chemistry and Biology
- Build and follow a realistic study timetable
- Attempt at least one mock test daily
- Analyse mistakes and revise weak areas
- Practise previous years' question papers
Which Is the Official NEET Website?
The only official NEET portal is neet.nta.nic.in, run by the National Testing Agency and hosted by the National Informatics Centre. Candidates should use it for registration, admit cards, answer keys, results and scorecards. For counselling, refer to mcc.nic.in for All India Quota seats. Avoid unofficial sites claiming to offer scores or documents.