NEET 2026 is approaching, and if you haven’t started planning for it yet, it’s high time you do so! The NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is one of the most competitive and prestigious entrance exams in India for admission into medical and dental courses such as MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, and others. It’s the key to unlocking a future in the medical field, and this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from exam dates to preparation strategies.
NEET 2026 Exam Dates: Start Preparing Now!
The NEET 2026 exam will be held in May 2026. However, it’s crucial to understand the important dates leading up to the exam. Here’s a rundown of the key milestones:
Important Dates:
- Application Form Release: February 2026
- Last Date to Apply: First week of April 2026
- Correction Window: April 2026
- Admit Card Release: Last week of April 2026
- Exam Date: May 2026 (Tentative)
- Result Declaration: June 2026
- Counseling Process: Starts in July 2026
By understanding these dates, you can plan ahead and ensure you stay on track for a successful exam attempt.
NEET 2026 Syllabus: What You’ll Be Studying
NEET will cover a wide range of topics, primarily from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. You will be tested on both Class 11th and 12th syllabi. It’s vital to cover every topic thoroughly, because each of these subjects contributes significantly to your overall score.
Syllabus Breakdown:
- Physics: Key topics such as Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Optics, Electromagnetic Induction, Current Electricity, and more.
- Chemistry: You’ll study Inorganic, Organic, and Physical Chemistry.
- Biology: Focus on Botany and Zoology, covering essential topics from the study of living organisms to ecology.
Class-wise Breakdown:
- Class 11th Topics: Laws of Motion, Work and Energy, Properties of Matter, Chemical Bonding, Redox Reactions, etc.
- Class 12th Topics: Optics, Electromagnetic Induction, Biomolecules, Polymers, Genetics, Ecology, and Reproduction.
Having a clear grasp of these topics will significantly improve your chances of success.
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Are You Eligible to Appear for NEET?
The next question you’ll have is whether you’re eligible to take the exam. Let’s go over the eligibility criteria for NEET to help you find out.
Basic Eligibility Requirements:
- Age Limit: Candidates must be at least 17 years old as of December 31, 2026.
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have completed or be appearing for their 12th-grade exams with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English.
- Minimum Marks: Candidates belonging to the General category must have secured at least 50% marks in their 12th-grade exams, while reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC-NCL) require at least 40%.
Special Categories:
- NRIs, OCI, PIO, and Foreign Nationals: These categories are also eligible to appear for NEET 2026.
- Candidates from Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh: These candidates are eligible for the All India Quota if they meet the eligibility requirements.
NEET 2026 Exam Pattern: Understand the Structure Before You Sit for the Exam
Understanding the NEET exam pattern is essential because it helps you create a focused study plan. The NEET exam will be offline, meaning it will be conducted on paper, and you’ll be required to fill in answers using a pen.
Key Features of the Exam Pattern:
- Mode of Examination: Pen-and-paper based (offline).
- Duration: The exam will be 3 hours long. Candidates with disabilities (PwBD) will receive an additional hour.
- Subjects Covered: Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology).
- Languages: The exam will be available in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, Gujarati, and more.
- Marking Scheme:
- 4 marks for each correct answer
- -1 mark for each incorrect answer
- 0 marks for unanswered questions
Detailed Question Distribution:
- Physics: 45 questions, 180 marks
- Chemistry: 45 questions, 180 marks
- Biology: 90 questions, 360 marks
- Total Marks: 720 marks
It’s important to note that negative marking is implemented, so you need to be careful while answering the questions.
NEET 2026 Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide
The application process for NEET will be entirely online. The steps are straightforward, but it’s important to follow them precisely to ensure your application is submitted correctly.
Application Steps:
- Visit the NEET Website: Go to the official NEET website to begin the application process.
- Register for the Exam: Click on the “New Registration” option, fill in your details, and create your login credentials.
- Fill the Application Form: Enter personal, academic, and contact information as required in the form.
- Upload Documents: You’ll need to upload your recent photograph, signature, and proof of identity (Aadhaar card, etc.).
- Pay the Application Fee: The last step is to pay the required application fee through online payment methods.
Application Fee:
- General Category: Rs. 1700
- OBC/EWS Category: Rs. 1600
- SC/ST/PwBD Category: Rs. 1000
- NRI/Outside India: Rs. 9500
Once you complete the payment, you’ll receive a confirmation receipt and an application number that you should keep safe.
NEET 2026 Preparation Tips: How to Prepare Like a Pro
To crack NEET with flying colors, it’s important to stay focused and organized. Here are some preparation tips that can guide you through the process:
Tips for NEET Preparation:
- Create a Study Schedule: Make a realistic and well-balanced study schedule that covers all subjects. Stick to it and set specific goals for each week.
- Regular Practice with Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests and solve previous year’s question papers to understand the exam pattern and boost your confidence.
- Focus on NCERT: NEET is heavily based on NCERT books, so make sure you study them thoroughly, especially for Biology.
- Don’t Skip Revision: Plan regular revision sessions to consolidate what you have learned and reinforce weak areas.
- Stay Healthy: Get adequate sleep, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly to keep your mind and body fit during your preparation.
NEET 2026 Recommended Books: Get the Right Resources
You’ll need to choose the right books to prepare for NEET. The following books are widely recommended by experts to help you understand the concepts in depth.
Best Books for NEET:
- Physics:
- NCERT Physics Textbook
- Concepts of Physics by H.C. Verma
- Chemistry:
- NCERT Chemistry Textbook
- Organic Chemistry by Morrison & Boyd
- Biology:
- NCERT Biology Textbook
- Truemans’s Biology Vol 1 & 2
These books will give you a solid foundation, especially if you’re planning to pursue self-study.
NEET 2026 Counselling: What Happens After You Crack NEET?
Once the NEET results are announced, the next step is the counseling process. The Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) conducts this process, which is where you will be allotted seats based on your rank. The counseling is done in multiple rounds, and you can either accept or opt for a new college based on availability.
Documents Required for NEET Counseling:
- NEET Admit Card and Scorecard
- 10th and 12th Mark Sheets
- Birth Certificate/ID Proof
- Category Certificate (If applicable)
- Passport-size photographs
NEET 2026 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the qualifying score for NEET 2026?
A: For General candidates, the qualifying percentile is 50%, and for SC/ST/OBC candidates, it is 40%.
Q2: How many attempts are allowed for NEET?
A: There is no limit on the number of attempts for NEET as long as you meet the age and qualification criteria.
Q3: When will the NEET 2026 exam be held?
A: The NEET 2026 exam will be conducted in May 2026.
Q4: How do I apply for NEET 2026?
A: You can apply for NEET by visiting the official website, filling out the application form, uploading the necessary documents, and paying the fee online.
