The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the gateway for lakhs of aspirants who dream of becoming doctors in India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), NEET is a national-level medical entrance examination for admission to undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) medical courses in India.
With NEET 2026 on the horizon, it’s time for serious aspirants to get a complete understanding of the NEET syllabus, NEET exam pattern, and all important dates. Whether you’re preparing for NEET UG or NEET PG, this blog covers everything you need to know.
NEET 2026 Overview – A Comprehensive Insight
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is India’s largest and most competitive medical entrance exam, opening the gateway to prestigious careers in medicine, dentistry, AYUSH, veterinary sciences, and allied health sciences. Governed and conducted by different bodies for undergraduate and postgraduate levels, NEET has become the single-window entrance exam for most medical seats across the country.
There are two main types of NEET exams:
- NEET UG 2026 – for students seeking admission into MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BVSc, BUMS, BSMS, and allied health sciences.
- NEET PG 2026 – for graduates who wish to pursue postgraduate medical degrees like MD, MS, PG Diploma, or DNB courses in India.
Why is NEET Important?
- Single Entrance Test: Eliminates the need for multiple entrance exams.
- Pan-India Validity: Accepted in all government and private medical colleges.
- Transparent Admissions: Ensures merit-based selection through centralised counselling.
- Mandatory for Abroad Returnees: Even Indian students with foreign MBBS degrees need to clear NEET UG to be eligible for MCI screening tests.
NEET 2026 Exam Date (Expected)
Although the official notification for NEET 2026 is yet to be released, based on previous trends, here’s a tentative schedule:
| Event | NEET UG 2026 (Tentative) | NEET PG 2026 (Tentative) |
| Notification Release | December 2025 | February 2026 |
| Application Start Date | January 2026 | February 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | April 2026 | May 2026 |
| Exam Date | First Sunday of May 2026 | Last Sunday of May 2026 |
| Result Declaration | June 2026 | July 2026 |
📌 Stay updated through the official NTA and NBEMS websites.
NEET UG vs NEET PG: Key Differences Explained
Here’s a clear and detailed comparison of NEET UG and NEET PG across various parameters:
| Feature | NEET UG 2026 | NEET PG 2026 |
| Purpose | Admission into MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and veterinary courses | Admission into MD, MS, PG Diploma, and DNB specializations |
| Conducting Body | NTA (National Testing Agency) | NBEMS (National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences) |
| Eligibility | Class 12 pass with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | MBBS degree + completion of 1-year rotatory internship |
| Exam Level | Undergraduate (10+2 level) | Postgraduate (MBBS level) |
| Exam Mode | Offline – Pen & Paper mode | Online – Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Syllabus Base | Based on NCERT Class 11 and 12 | Based on the complete MBBS curriculum |
| Question Type | Objective type (MCQs) | Objective type (MCQs) with case-based clinical questions |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate | High – application and concept-driven |
| Frequency | Once a year | Once a year |
| Seats Offered | ~1,07,000 MBBS seats, 27,000 BDS, 52,000 AYUSH | ~25,000 MD/MS/DNB seats |
NEET UG 2026 Syllabus – Subject-Wise Breakdown
The NEET UG Syllabus 2026 is designed to test students’ command over core science subjects studied in Class 11 and 12. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has standardised the syllabus based on NCERT textbooks.
Here’s a detailed look at each subject:
Biology Syllabus for NEET UG 2026
Class 11 Biology:
- Diversity of Living Organisms
- Structural Organisation in Animals and Plants
- Cell Structure and Function
- Plant Physiology
- Human Physiology
Class 12 Biology:
- Reproduction in Organisms, Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants, Human Reproduction
- Genetics and Evolution
- Biology and Human Welfare
- Biotechnology: Principles and Processes
- Ecology and Environment
Tip: 50% of NEET paper is from Biology, so focus on diagrams, definitions, and NCERT line-by-line revisions.
Chemistry Syllabus for NEET UG 2026
Class 11 Chemistry:
- Basic Concepts of Chemistry
- Structure of Atom
- Periodic Table
- Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
- States of Matter
- Thermodynamics
- Equilibrium
- Redox Reactions
- Hydrocarbons
Class 12 Chemistry:
- Solid State
- Solutions
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical Kinetics
- Surface Chemistry
- Coordination Compounds
- Organic Chemistry – Haloalkanes, Alcohols, Aldehydes, Ketones
- Biomolecules, Polymers, and Chemistry in Everyday Life
Strategy: Organic Chemistry is scoring; make flowcharts and reaction charts.
Physics Syllabus for NEET UG 2026
Class 11 Physics:
- Physical World & Measurement
- Kinematics
- Laws of Motion
- Work, Energy, and Power
- Gravitation
- Thermodynamics
- Oscillations and Waves
Class 12 Physics:
- Electrostatics
- Current Electricity
- Magnetic Effects of Current and Magnetism
- Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Current
- Optics (Ray and Wave)
- Modern Physics
- Semiconductor Electronics
Tip: Practice numerical problems daily from PYQs and mock tests.
NEET PG 2026 Syllabus – Subject-Wise Breakdown
The NEET PG Syllabus 2026 is vast and entirely based on the MBBS course curriculum prescribed by the National Medical Commission. It includes subjects from pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical phases.
Pre-Clinical Subjects
- Anatomy – Gross anatomy, embryology, histology
- Physiology – General, cardiovascular, renal, respiratory systems
- Biochemistry – Metabolism, enzymes, molecular biology
Para-Clinical Subjects
- Pathology – General and systemic pathology
- Microbiology – Bacteriology, virology, parasitology, immunology
- Pharmacology – Drug mechanisms, therapeutics, adverse effects
- Forensic Medicine – Toxicology, medical jurisprudence
- SPM (PSM) – Epidemiology, vaccines, health indicators, national programs
Clinical Subjects
- General Medicine – Cardiovascular, neurology, infectious diseases
- Surgery – General surgery, GI, trauma, hernia, burns
- Pediatrics – Neonatology, common childhood diseases
- Obstetrics & Gynaecology – Pregnancy, labor, infertility, contraception
- ENT, Ophthalmology – Hearing loss, ear infections, cataracts, glaucoma
- Psychiatry, Radiology, Dermatology, Anesthesia, Orthopedics – System-wise coverage
Pro Tip: Emphasize clinical questions & image-based questions which are trending in NEET PG.
NEET UG 2026 Exam Pattern
Understanding the NEET exam pattern is essential to plan your preparation strategically.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Type |
| Physics | 50 (45 to attempt) | 180 | MCQs |
| Chemistry | 50 (45 to attempt) | 180 | MCQs |
| Biology (Botany + Zoology) | 100 (90 to attempt) | 360 | MCQs |
| Total | 200 (180 to attempt) | 720 Marks |
- Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes
- Negative Marking: -1 for each incorrect answer
- Marking Scheme: +4 for each correct answer
NEET PG 2026 Exam Pattern
The NEET PG exam pattern is more complex and application-based.
| Feature | Details |
| Mode of Exam | Online (CBT) |
| Duration | 3.5 Hours |
| No. of Questions | 200 |
| Total Marks | 800 |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct, -1 for wrong |
| Language | English |
Questions are asked from all MBBS subjects, with a mix of clinical case-based scenarios and theory questions.
Conclusion: NEET 2026 is Your Gateway to a Medical Career
The NEET 2026 examination is not just a test—it’s a launchpad to your medical journey. Whether you’re preparing for NEET UG to pursue MBBS, BDS, or AYUSH courses, or aiming for NEET PG to specialize in your chosen medical branch, the key lies in understanding the syllabus, mastering the exam pattern, and planning your preparation with precision.
With competition expected to rise in 2026, early preparation with the right resources, strategic mock testing, and consistent revision is non-negotiable. Focus more on NCERT-based clarity for NEET UG, and on clinical case-based understanding for NEET PG.
Also, keep yourself regularly updated via official websites like nta.ac.in for NEET UG and natboard.edu.in for NEET PG, so you don’t miss important announcements, changes in syllabus or pattern, and counselling dates.
Remember: NEET is not just about how much you study, but how smartly, consistently, and strategically you prepare. The syllabus is vast—but with a proper roadmap, cracking it is absolutely possible.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions about NEET 2026
Here are the answers to the most commonly asked questions by NEET 2026 aspirants:
1. When will NEET UG 2026 be conducted?
NEET UG 2026 is expected to be held on the first Sunday of May 2026, as per the usual NTA schedule. Final dates will be confirmed in the official notification released by NTA in December 2025.
2. Will there be any change in the NEET UG or PG syllabus for 2026?
As of now, no major changes have been announced in the NEET UG syllabus or NEET PG syllabus. It is advisable to stick to NCERT for UG and MBBS textbooks for PG until official updates are provided.
3. Is NEET mandatory for studying medicine abroad?
Yes. Even if you are planning to study MBBS abroad, qualifying NEET UG is mandatory to be eligible for FMGE/MCI screening and future medical practice in India.
4. What is the minimum eligibility to apply for NEET UG 2026?
You must:
- Be at least 17 years old by 31st Dec 2026
- Have passed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotech, and English
- Have at least 50% aggregate marks (40% for reserved categories)
5. How many attempts are allowed for NEET UG or NEET PG?
There is no restriction on the number of attempts for NEET UG or NEET PG, as long as the age and qualification criteria are met.
6. Is NEET PG being replaced by the National Exit Test (NExT)?
Yes, the NExT exam is expected to replace NEET PG in the near future. However, for 2026, NEET PG is still likely to be conducted, but final confirmation from NMC is awaited.
7. How many government MBBS seats are available through NEET UG?
There are currently over 55,000+ government MBBS seats available in India through NEET UG, and the number is increasing each year with new colleges opening.
8. What is a good score in NEET UG 2026 for government college admission?
- For MBBS in government colleges (General Category), a score of 620+ out of 720 is typically considered competitive.
- For reserved categories or for BDS/AYUSH, the required score may vary between 480–600+ depending on the state and year.
9. What subjects should I focus more on for NEET PG?
Focus more on:
- Clinical subjects like Medicine, OBG, Surgery
- Image-based questions
- Integrated topics like pathology + medicine
- Repeated MCQs from PYQs (Previous Year Questions)
10. Can I prepare for NEET UG without coaching?
Yes, many toppers have cracked NEET UG with self-study using NCERT books, mock tests, YouTube resources, and online test series. However, coaching can provide structured guidance if you’re starting late or need regular mentorship.
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