NEET UG 2026, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is the national entrance exam for MBBS, BDS, and other undergraduate medical courses in India. The official notification and exam date were announced on February 8, 2026, with the test scheduled for May 3, 2026 (Sunday), in pen-and-paper mode from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM IST.
Key Dates
Applications opened on February 8, 2026, with the last date to apply being March 8, 2026 (9:00 PM).
Admit cards are expected in the third week of April 2026, provisional answer keys in late May, final results in early June, and counseling from July 2026 onward.
Exam Overview
It features 180 multiple-choice questions (Physics 45, Chemistry 45, Biology 90) for 720 marks, with +4 for correct answers and -1 for incorrect ones; no Section B this year.
Eligibility includes Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and 50% aggregate (40% for reserved categories); upper age limit removed.
Check neet.nta.nic.in for the bulletin PDF, registration (ongoing), and updates.
NEET UG 2026 eligibility criteria
NEET UG 2026 eligibility criteria, as outlined in the official NTA notification, ensure candidates are qualified for medical undergraduate admissions.
Age Limit
Candidates must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026, with no upper age limit per the latest NMC guidelines.
This applies uniformly across categories, allowing droppers and repeaters of any age to attempt the exam.
Educational Qualifications
Applicants need to have passed or be appearing in Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core/additional subjects.
Minimum aggregate marks in PCB: 50% for General/EWS, 40% for OBC/SC/ST, 45% for General-PwD, and 40% for reserved-PwD.
Nationality and Attempts
Indian nationals, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, and foreign nationals are eligible; foreign candidates require proof, such as passports.
No limit on the number of attempts; scores are valid for one academic year.
NEET UG 2026 exam date and schedule
NEET UG 2026 follows a structured timeline set by NTA, with the exam on May 3, 2026.
Exam Schedule
| Event | Date/Details |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | February 8, 2026 |
| Application Start | February 8, 2026 (ongoing) |
| Last Date to Apply & Pay Fee | March 8, 2026 (9:00 PM) |
| Correction Window | Second week of March 2026 |
| Exam Date & Time | May 3, 2026 (Sunday), 2:00-5:00 PM IST |
| Admit Card Release | First week of May 2026 |
| Provisional Answer Key | Third week of May 2026 |
| Final Results | Early June 2026 |
| Counseling Start | July 2026 |
Minimum marks required in Class 12 for NEET categories
NEET UG 2026 requires a minimum aggregate mark in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology/Biotechnology (PCB) from Class 12, calculated across categories.
Category-wise Minimum Marks
| Category | Minimum Aggregate % in PCB |
|---|---|
| General/EWS | 50% |
| OBC-NCL/SC/ST | 40% |
| PwBD (General) | 45% |
| PwBD (Reserved) | 40% |
Guidelines
NEET UG 2026 application guidelines from NTA emphasize online submission only, accurate document uploads, and strict adherence to deadlines.
Key Guidelines
Apply solely via neet.nta.nic.in or nta.ac.in using one application per candidate; multiple forms lead to disqualification.
Use personal/parent/guardian email and mobile for all communications; verify OTP during registration.
Complete registration (personal/academic details, address, exam center/language choices), upload docs, pay the fee, and download the confirmation.
Required Documents
| Document | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Photo | Recent, 20-200 KB JPG, clear face (80% frame). |
| Signature | Blue/black ink on white paper, 10-200 KB JPG. |
| Class 10/12 Marksheets | Scanned PDFs for verification. |
| ID Proof | Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID (updated/valid). |
| Category/PwD Certificate | If applicable (valid UDID for PwD). |
General/OBC: ₹1700 (₹1700 OCIs); SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender: ₹1600; fees via card/UPI/net banking/SBI challan. Correction window: March 10-12, 2026.
NEET UG 2026 admit card download process
Download Steps
Visit neet.nta.nic.in and click “NEET UG 2026 Admit Card Download” under Candidate Activity.
Enter your application number, date of birth (DOB), and security PIN/captcha; log in.
Verify details on the displayed admit card (name, photo, exam center, timings); download PDF.
Print multiple color copies on A4 paper; sign in the space provided at the exam hall.
NEET UG 2026 Admit Card Errors: What to Do
If your NEET UG 2026 admit card shows errors like photo/signature mismatch or incorrect details, act quickly using NTA’s specified procedures.
Q: What if my photo on the admit card doesn’t match the application?
A: Use Annexure-VI from the Information Bulletin: paste the correct photo, get it attested by the School Principal/Class-I Gazetted Officer, and carry it with the admit card/ID on exam day.
Q: Can I correct the admit card errors after the correction window?
A: No direct edits post-March 12, 2026; immediately email neetug2026@nta.ac.in (attach application confirmation + correct photo) or call NTA helpline 011-40759000 (10 AM-5 PM).
Q: What about name/DOB discrepancies on the admit card?
A: Contact NTA immediately via email/helpline with supporting docs (Class 10 certificate, Aadhaar); carry originals + attested Annexure-VI for verification at the center.
Q: Will minor errors prevent exam entry?
A: Minor issues are often resolved on-spot with ID proof + Annexure; major mismatches (e.g., Aadhaar) may require prior NTA approval to avoid denial.
Q: When does the admit card release?
A: First week of May 2026; download from neet.nta.nic.in using application number/DOB.
Exam Day Requirements
Carry admit card + valid photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport); paste a recent passport photo if instructed. Report 1-1.5 hours early; no entry after gate closing time.
Items required to carry with the NEET admit card on exam day
Candidates must carry specific essentials with their NEET UG 2026 admit card to enter the exam center on May 3, 2026, as per NTA guidelines.
Required Items
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Admit Card | Printed on an A4 sheet (2-3 copies); must have a clear photo/signature. |
| Photo ID Proof | Original: Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, PAN, Driving License, or School ID. |
| Passport Photos | 1-2 recent (same as application); affix if needed. |
| Transparent Ball Pen | Blue/black (transparent body preferred); center may provide. |
Transparent water bottle (small, label-free).
Hand sanitizer (50ml), face mask (health protocols).
PwD certificate or medication (with prior approval).
Prohibited Items
No mobiles, calculators, smartwatches, bags, stationery, food, metallic objects, or jewelry; frisking mandatory.
NEET UG 2026 exam day dress code rules
NEET UG 2026 exam day dress code rules by NTA prioritize security and fairness, requiring simple, light-colored clothing to speed up frisking and avoid metal detector issues.
Rules for All Candidates
Wear half-sleeve tops/shirts (light colors like white, avoiding prints/embroidery); simple pants/trousers/leggings/salwar without pockets, zippers, or large buttons.
Footwear: Open sandals/slippers with thin soles (no shoes, heels, socks, or closed footwear).
No jewelry, watches, belts with metal, layers, or accessories; empty all pockets.
Gender-Specific Guidelines
Males: Half-sleeve shirts/T-shirts, plain trousers; no full-sleeve kurtas, jackets, or cargo pants.
Females: Half-sleeve kurtis/tops, simple bottoms; no dupattas with heavy work, heavy jewelry, or frills.
Exceptions
Customary/religious attire (e.g., turban, hijab) allowed if declared during application; report 1 hour early for checks. Tattoos or innerwear checked but permitted if non-metallic/simple.
Instructions
NEET UG 2026 exam day instructions from NTA focus on timely reporting, document verification, and rule compliance to ensure smooth conduct on May 3, 2026 (2:00-5:00 PM IST).
Reporting and Entry
Arrive by 11:00 AM for frisking/biometrics; last entry at 1:30 PM sharp—no late entry allowed.
Invigilators announce instructions 1:30-1:45 PM; test booklets distributed at 1:45 PM.
During Exam Rules
Fill OMR details carefully (both sides); sign the answer sheet at the start/end; use only the provided blue/black ballpoint pen.
No guessing (negative marking: -1 per wrong); match booklet code with OMR; hand over OMR before leaving post-5:00 PM.
Follow time announcements (half-time/end); stay seated until permitted to exit orderly.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do: Carry admit card + ID; wear dress code; manage time (180 questions, 3 hours).
Don’t: Carry prohibited items; talk/leave early; impersonate or violate rules (leads to disqualification).
Official websites for NEET UG 2026 are managed by NTA for all notifications, applications, and updates.
Key Websites
| Purpose | Website |
|---|---|
| Main NEET Portal | neet.nta.nic.in |
| NTA Main Site | nta.ac.in |
NEET UG 2026 FAQs
Key questions and answers based on NTA’s official notification and guidelines were discussed.
Q: What is the NEET UG 2026 exam date?
A: May 3, 2026 (Sunday), 2:00-5:00 PM IST, offline mode.
Q: When does registration close?
A: March 8, 2026 (9:00 PM), with correction window March 10-12.
Q: What are the minimum Class 12 PCB marks?
A: 50% General/EWS; 40% OBC/SC/ST; 45% General-PwD; 40% Reserved-PwD.
Q: Age eligibility?
A: Minimum 17 years by Dec 31, 2026; no upper limit.
Q: Admit card release?
A: First week of May 2026 on neet.nta.nic.in.
Q: Exam pattern?
A: 180 compulsory MCQs (Physics 45, Chemistry 45, Biology 90); 720 marks, 3 hours; +4 correct, -1 wrong.
Q: Dress code rules?
A: Half-sleeve light tops, simple pants/salwar, open sandals; no jewelry, metal items.
Q: Items to carry?
A: Admit card, photo ID, passport photos, transparent ball pen.
Q: Official websites?
A: neet.nta.nic.in (main); nta.ac.in (updates).