NEET UG 2026: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Medical Professionals

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG is the single national-level entrance examination for admissions to undergraduate medical (MBBS), dental (BDS), AYUSH (BAMS, BUMS, BHMS, and BSMS), and other allied medical courses in India. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts this prestigious examination annually.

As we look towards NEET UG 2026, it’s crucial for aspiring candidates to have a comprehensive understanding of the exam, including important dates, eligibility criteria, application process, syllabus, and effective preparation strategies.

NEET UG 2026 Highlights

Important Dates for NEET UG 2026

While the official notification with the exact dates will be released by the NTA, based on previous years’ trends, here are some tentative dates for NEET UG 2026:

Note: These dates are tentative and are subject to change based on the official notification released by the NTA. Candidates are advised to regularly visit the official NTA NEET website (neet.nta.nic.in) for the latest updates.

Eligibility Criteria for NEET UG 2026

To be eligible for NEET UG 2026, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:

• Nationality: Indian Citizens, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs), and foreign nationals are eligible to appear for NEET UG.  
• Age Limit: Candidates must have completed 17 years of age on or before December 31, 2026. There is no upper age limit for appearing in NEET UG.
• Educational Qualification:
  • Candidates must have passed the Class 12 or equivalent examination from a recognized board with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects.  
  • Candidates appearing for the Class 12 or equivalent examination in 2026 are also eligible to apply provisionally, subject to fulfilling the qualifying criteria.  
• Minimum Marks in Qualifying Examination:
  • General Category: 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology.
  • OBC/SC/ST Category: 40% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology.
  • PwD Category: 45% aggregate marks for General and 40% for OBC/SC/ST in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology.
• Number of Attempts: There is no limit on the number of attempts for the NEET UG examination.

NEET UG 2026 Application Process

The application process for NEET UG 2026 will be conducted entirely online through the official NTA NEET website. The general steps involved are:

1. Registration: Visit the official NTA NEET website and register by providing a valid email ID and mobile number. Upon successful registration, candidates will receive a unique application number and password.
2. Filling the Application Form: Log in using the generated credentials and fill in the required personal, academic, and contact details accurately.
3. Uploading Images: Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-sized photograph, signature, and other required documents (like category certificate, PwD certificate, etc.) in the specified format and size.
4. Payment of Application Fee: Pay the prescribed application fee online through Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, or UPI. The fee amount varies based on the candidate’s category. For NEET 2026, the application fee for the general category was ₹1700 in the previous year, and it is subject to change.
5. Downloading the Confirmation Page: After successful payment, download and print the confirmation page. This serves as proof of your successful application submission. Keep it safe for future reference.

Important Points:

• Ensure all the information provided in the application form is accurate. Any discrepancy may lead to the rejection of your candidature.
• Upload clear and legible scanned images as per the specified dimensions and format.
• Keep a record of your application number and password for all future correspondence.

NEET UG 2026 Exam Pattern

The NEET UG 2026 examination will be conducted in offline (pen and paper) mode. The exam pattern is as follows:

• Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany & Zoology).
• Number of Questions: 180 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs).
  • Physics: 45 MCQs
  • Chemistry: 45 MCQs
  • Botany: 45 MCQs
  • Zoology: 45 MCQs
• Total Marks: 720 marks.
• Marking Scheme:
  • +4 marks for each correct answer.
  • -1 mark for each incorrect answer.
  • 0 marks for unanswered questions.
• Duration of Examination: 3 hours and 20 minutes.
• Language of Examination: The question paper will be available in 13 languages: English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Odia, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, and Punjabi. Candidates can choose their preferred language while filling the application form.  

NEET UG 2026 Syllabus

The NEET UG syllabus is primarily based on the Class 11 and Class 12 syllabi of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology prescribed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT). Although the NTA has not officially released the NEET 2026 syllabus yet, it is expected to remain largely similar to the previous years’ syllabus.

Subject-wise broad topics include:

• Physics: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism, Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents, Electromagnetic Waves, Optics, Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation, Atoms and Nuclei, Electronic Devices, and Experimental Skills.  
• Chemistry:
  • Physical Chemistry: Some Basic Concepts of Chemistry, Structure of Atom, Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties, Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure, States of Matter: Gases and Liquids, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Redox Reactions, Electrochemistry, Chemical Kinetics, Solutions, and Surface Chemistry.  
  • Inorganic Chemistry: General Principles and Processes of Isolation of Elements, p-Block Elements, d- and f-Block Elements, Coordination Compounds.  
  • Organic Chemistry: Purification and Characterisation of Organic Compounds, Some Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry, Hydrocarbons, Organic Compounds Containing Halogens, Organic Compounds Containing Oxygen, Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen, Biomolecules, Polymers, and Chemistry in Everyday Life.  
• Biology:
  • Botany: Diversity in Living World, Structural Organisation in Plants, Cell Structure and Function, Plant Physiology, Reproduction, Genetics and Evolution, Biology and Human Welfare, Biotechnology and its Applications, and Ecology and Environment.  
  • Zoology: Diversity in Living World, Structural Organisation in Animals, Cell Structure and Function, Human Physiology, Reproduction, Genetics and Evolution, Biology and Human Welfare, Biotechnology and its Applications, and Ecology and Environment.  

Candidates are strongly advised to thoroughly study the NCERT textbooks of Classes 11 and 12 for all three subjects as they form the foundation for the NEET UG examination.

NEET UG 2026 Preparation Tips

Cracking NEET UG requires a strategic and dedicated approach. Here are some effective preparation tips:

1. Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Begin by thoroughly familiarizing yourself with the NEET UG 2026 syllabus and the exam pattern. This will help you plan your studies effectively.
2. Create a Realistic Study Plan: Develop a well-structured and realistic study timetable, allocating sufficient time to each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses. Ensure you include time for revision and mock tests.
3. Focus on Conceptual Clarity: Aim for a deep understanding of the fundamental concepts rather than rote memorization. Use visual aids, diagrams, and real-life examples to grasp complex topics.
4. Study NCERT Books Thoroughly: NCERT textbooks are the most important resource for NEET preparation. Read them multiple times and understand every concept, diagram, and example.
5. Solve Previous Years’ Question Papers: Solve previous years’ NEET question papers to understand the exam pattern, the type of questions asked, and the difficulty level. This will also help you improve your time management skills.
6. Take Mock Tests Regularly: Attempt mock tests regularly in a timed environment to simulate the actual exam conditions. Analyze your performance after each test to identify your weak areas and track your progress.
7. Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to success in NEET. Solve a variety of MCQs from different sources to reinforce your understanding of the concepts and improve your problem-solving speed and accuracy.
8. Revision is Crucial: Regularly revise all the topics you have studied. Prepare short notes and flashcards for quick revision.
9. Manage Time Effectively: Learn to manage your time effectively during the exam. Don’t spend too much time on a single question.
10. Stay Healthy and Positive: Get adequate sleep, eat nutritious food, and exercise regularly to keep your mind and body healthy. Maintain a positive attitude and stay motivated throughout your preparation.

Realistic Study Plan for NEET UG 2026

Best Books for NEET UG 2026 Preparation

• Physics:
  • NCERT Physics Class 11 & 12
  • Concepts of Physics by H.C. Verma (Vol. 1 & 2)
  • Objective Physics by DC Pandey
• Chemistry:
  • NCERT Chemistry Class 11 & 12
  • Organic Chemistry by O.P. Tandon
  • Inorganic Chemistry by O.P. Tandon
  • Physical Chemistry by N. Awasthi
• Biology:
  • NCERT Biology Class 11 & 12
  • Trueman’s Elementary Biology (Vol. 1 & 2)
  • Objective Biology by Bhatia & Khandelwal

NEET UG 2026 is a significant milestone for aspiring medical professionals in India. With a clear understanding of the exam pattern, eligibility criteria, syllabus, and a well-planned preparation strategy, candidates can significantly enhance their chances of success.

Consistent effort, dedicated study, and effective time management are the keys to cracking this highly competitive examination and realizing your dream of pursuing a career in medicine. Stay updated with the official NTA website for the latest announcements and begin your preparation early and diligently. Good luck!