Every year, the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) serves as the gateway for aspiring medical and dental students across India. If you’re preparing for NEET (UG) 2026, it’s important to stay updated about the exam details, syllabus, pattern, and eligibility criteria.
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about NEET (UG) 2026.
NEET (UG) 2026 Exam Date
The National Testing Agency (NTA) typically announces the NEET exam date well in advance to give candidates sufficient time to prepare.
For NEET (UG) 2026, the exam is tentatively expected to be held in May 2026. It will be most likely held on a Sunday, based on the pattern followed in previous years.
For example, in 2024 and 2025, NEET (UG) was conducted on the first Sunday of May, and the same trend is anticipated for 2026. However, the exact date will be officially confirmed through a notification on the NTA’s official website.
Quick Tip: Even though May is the expected month, the final schedule can change due to unforeseen circumstances. Keep an eye on the official NTA website for the exact date and related notifications.
NEET (UG) 2026 Exam Pattern
Knowing the NEET exam pattern will help you identify scoring opportunities and allocate your time and effort more effectively. It is most likely to follow the same paper pattern as NEET (UG) 2025 exam.
- Mode: Offline (Pen and Paper-based Test)
- Duration: 03 hours
- Section: 01 (Section A)
- Total Questions: 180 questions (Physics: 45, Chemistry: 45, Biology: 90)
- Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Marking Scheme: +4 for each correct answer, -1 for each incorrect answer, 0 for unattempted question
- Total Marks: 720 marks
- Optional Questions: No optional questions
NEET (UG) 2026 Exam Pattern Overview
NEET (UG) 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, you must ensure that you meet the NEET eligibility criteria set by the NTA and Medical Council of India. The NEET (UG) 2026 exam will likely follow the same eligibilty criteria as NEET (UG) 2025.
The key eligibility requirements for NEET (UG) 2026 are:
- Nationality: Indian Nationals, NRIs, PIOs, OCIs, and Foreign Nationals are eligible.
- Age Limit: Minimum age is 17 years as of 31 December, 2026. The maximum age limit varies depending on category and other guidelines.
- Educational Qualification: You must have completed 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects.
- Minimum Marks: General category candidates must have secured at least 50% aggregate in PCB in their Class 12 or equivalent exam. Reserved category candidates have relaxed criteria.
- Number of Attempts: Currently, there is no limit on the number of attempts for general category candidates. However, always check the latest NTA notification for any updates.
How to Apply for NEET (UG) 2026?
The application process usually begins a few months before the exam date. Before applying, make sure to check the NEET eligibility criteria. You can register online through the official NTA NEET website by:
- Filling in personal, academic, and contact details.
- Uploading scanned documents and photographs.
- Paying the application fee online.
- Submitting the form and downloading the confirmation page.
NEET (UG) 2026 Syllabus
The NEET 2026 syllabus is based on the NCERT curriculum for classes 11 and 12.
It covers the following subjects:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology (Botany and Zoology)
1. NEET 2026 Physics Syllabus:
| NEET (UG) Physics Syllabus 2026 Breakdown |
| UNIT 1: Units and Measurements |
| UNIT 2: Kinematics |
| UNIT 3: Laws Of Motion |
| UNIT 4: Work, Energy, and Power |
| UNIT 5: Rotational Motion |
| UNIT 6: Gravitation |
| UNIT 7: Properties of Solids and Liquids |
| UNIT 8: Thermodynamics |
| UNIT 9: Kinetic Theory of Gases |
| UNIT 10: Oscillation and Waves |
| UNIT 11: Electrostatics |
| UNIT 12: Current Electricity |
| UNIT 13: Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism |
| UNIT 14: Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents |
| UNIT 15: Electromagnetic Waves |
| UNIT 16: Optics |
| UNIT 17: Dual Nature of Matter and Radiation |
| UNIT 18: Atoms and Nuclei |
| UNIT 19: Electronic Devices |
| UNIT 20: Experimental Skills |
2. NEET 2026 Chemistry Syllabus:
| NEET (UG) Chemistry Syllabus 2026 Breakdown |
| UNIT 1: Some Basic Concepts in Chemistry |
| UNIT 2: Atomic Structure |
| UNIT 3: Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure |
| UNIT 4: Chemical Thermodynamics |
| UNIT 5: Equilibrium |
| UNIT 6: Redox Reactions and Electrochemistry |
| UNIT 7: Solutions |
| UNIT 8: Chemical Kinetics |
| UNIT 9: Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties |
| UNIT 10: P-Block Elements |
| UNIT 11: D- and F-Block Elements |
| UNIT 12: Co-ordination Compounds |
| UNIT 13: Purification and Characterization of Organic Compounds |
| UNIT 14: Some Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry |
| UNIT 15: Hydrocarbons |
| UNIT 16: Organic Compounds Containing Halogens |
| UNIT 17: Organic Compounds Containing Oxygen |
| UNIT 18: Organic Compounds Containing Nitrogen |
| UNIT 19: Biomolecules |
| UNIT 20: Principles Related to Practical Chemistry |
NEET 2026 Biology Syllabus:
| NEET (UG) Biology Syllabus 2026 Breakdown |
| UNIT 1: Diversity in Living World |
| UNIT 2: Structural Organization in Animals and Plants |
| UNIT 3: Cell Structure and Function |
| UNIT 4: Plant Physiography |
| UNIT 5: Human Physiology |
| UNIT 6: Reproduction |
| UNIT 7: Genetics & Evolution |
| UNIT 8: Biology and Human Welfare |
| UNIT 9: Biotechnology and its Applications |
| UNIT 10: Ecology and Environment |
While the NEET syllabus remains consistent, the distribution of questions across chapters can vary. Understanding the NEET chapterwise weightage can help you prioritise high-weightage topics and plan your preparation more strategically.
Pro Tip: Make NCERT textbooks and Exemplar your primary study resources, as a significant number of NEET questions are directly based on them. In addition, use well-structured NEET (UG) notes that simplify complex concepts, which are aligned with NCERT.
Preparation Tips for NEET (UG) 2026
- Start early and make a study plan covering the entire syllabus.
- Focus on NCERT textbooks, as they form the basis of the exam.
- Practise solving NEET (UG) previous years’ question papers and take mock tests weekly.
- Leveraging NEET paper analysis can help you understand recurring questions, important chapters, and exam difficulty.
- Allocate additional study time to Biology, as it includes the highest number of questions.
- Maintain good health and take breaks to avoid burnout.
Final Thoughts
The NEET (UG) 2026 exam is your stepping stone toward a rewarding career in the medical field. Staying informed about the NEET 2026 exam date, syllabus, pattern, and eligibility will help you prepare confidently and efficiently. Keep checking official updates and dedicate yourself to studying consistently.
