NEET UG 2026 Overview: Complete Guide, Exam Pattern & Dates
Brainseed Academic Team
Education Experts
Your ultimate roadmap to clearing India's toughest medical entrance exam.
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate), or NEET (UG), is the definitive pre-medical entrance test for students aspiring to secure admission in undergraduate medical programs at government, private, and international institutions.
NEET 2026 Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Examination Name | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (UG) |
| Organising Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Official Website | neet.nta.nic.in |
| Eligibility | 12th passed with Physics, Chemistry, Biology |
| Exam Date | May 2026 (Tentative) |
| Mode | Pen and Paper (OMR-based) |
| Languages | 13 Languages including English, Hindi, Regional |
Programmes Offered Through NEET UG 2026
NEET UG is the gateway for several prestigious medical and paramedical programmes:
College Landscape in India
There are a total of 542 medical colleges, 313 dental colleges, and 914 AYUSH colleges. Notably, all 15 AIIMS campuses and 2 JIPMER campuses accept NEET scores.
Important Tentative Dates
Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
Questions
Total Marks
Questions
Total Marks
Questions
Total Marks
Marking Scheme: +4 for every correct answer, -1 for every incorrect response. Unattempted questions carry zero marks.
NEET Cut-off Trends (Previous Year)
| Category | Percentile | Score Range (2024) |
|---|---|---|
| UR / EWS | 50th | 720 - 164 |
| OBC / SC / ST | 40th | 163 - 129 |
| UR / EWS & PH | 45th | 163 - 146 |
Expert Preparation Tips for 2026
Master NCERT First
Over 90% of questions in NEET directly or indirectly relate to NCERT textbooks. Treat them as your Bible.
Consistent Mock Tests
Attempt full-length mock tests every weekend to build stamina and identify weak areas.
Analyze Previous Papers
Solve last 10 years' question papers to understand recurring trends and weightage.
Effective Time Management
Allocate more time to Physics if it's your weak area, but don't ignore Biology—it's 50% of the paper.