Medical & Healthcare · Updated October 2026
NEET PG ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
Administered by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), NEET-PG is the single national eligibility-cum-ranking examination for admission to MD, MS, PG Diploma, and DNB post-MBBS courses across medical colleges in India. The single-day Computer-Based Test features 200 multiple-choice clinical and foundational questions divided into five time-bound sections.
- Type
- Entrance
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- Healthcare
Start for free with NEET PG syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
NEET PG exam overview and highlights
About NEET PG
NEET PG is the national entrance test for admission to MD, MS and PG Diploma courses in medical colleges across India, and it also serves as the entrance for DNB postgraduate seats. It is conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS). The single rank list is used for All India Quota and state quota counselling.
The examination process for NEET PG comprises 2 stages: Computer-based test, followed by Counselling. The official syllabus tests candidates across 3 core areas — Pre-clinical subjects, Para-clinical subjects, Clinical subjects — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Candidates who clear the qualifying percentile get a rank. MD, MS and PG Diploma seats are allotted through MCC counselling for the All India Quota and deemed or central institutes, and through state counselling for state quota seats.
Key subjects
- Pre-clinical subjects
- Para-clinical subjects
- Clinical subjects
What clearing NEET PG leads to
- MD and MS courses
- PG Diploma courses
- DNB (post MBBS) seats in NBEMS-accredited hospitals
- Admission & Seat Allotment: Admission to MD, MS and PG Diploma seats, and to DNB courses, through MCC and state counselling
- Centralised merit counselling and seat allocation through National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) participating institutes
- Validity & Eligibility Window: Score valid for that admission cycle only
Quick facts
- Conducting body
- National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS)
- Frequency
- Once a year
- Exam mode
- Online (computer-based test)
- Languages
- English
- Stages & papers
- 2 stages (1 paper total)
- Negative marking
- One mark deducted per wrong answer; four marks for each correct answer
- Official website
- natboard.edu.in
NEET PG — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of NEET PG conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | NEET PG |
| Conducting Body | National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) |
| Exam Category | Medical & Healthcare |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Entrance (Academic Admission & Seat Allotment) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Registration in April or May; exam usually between June and August; result within about two weeks; counselling from the following months |
| Mode of Application | Online on natboard.edu.in |
| Mode of Examination | Online (computer-based test) |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English |
| Selection Stages | 2 Stages (1 Paper Total): Computer-based test → Counselling |
| Negative Marking | One mark deducted per wrong answer; four marks for each correct answer |
| Selection / Merit Process | Candidates who clear the qualifying percentile get a rank. MD, MS and PG Diploma seats are allotted through MCC counselling for the All India Quota and deemed or central institutes, and through state counselling for state quota seats. |
| Educational Qualification | MBBS degree (or provisional pass certificate) from a recognised institution, with completion of the compulsory rotating internship by the cut-off date given in the notification, and registration with the NMC or a State Medical Council. |
| Age Limit | No age limit. |
| Admission Scope & Seats | Admission to MD, MS and PG Diploma seats, and to DNB courses, through MCC and state counselling |
| Scorecard / Certificate Validity | Score valid for that admission cycle only |
| Competition Scale | Around two lakh candidates for roughly 70,000 postgraduate seats |
| Official Website | natboard.edu.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
NEET PG exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for NEET PG. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official Healthcare website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| NEET PG Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Registration in April or May; exam usually between June and August; result within about two weeks; counselling from the following months | Once a year |
| Online Registration & Application Fee Window | Typically remains open for 21 to 30 days from the date of notification release | Online Portal |
| Application Form Correction / Edit Window | 2 to 5 days immediately following the close of the online registration window | As Notified |
| Exam City Intimation & Admit Card Release | City slip 10–15 days prior; Hall Ticket / E-Admit Card 4 to 10 days before the exam date | Via National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) |
| NEET PG — Computer-based test | Registration in April or May; exam usually between June and August; result within about two weeks; counselling from the following months | Online (computer-based test) |
| NEET PG — Counselling | Typically 6 to 12 weeks after declaration of Stage 1 results | Shortlisted Candidates |
| Provisional Answer Key & Objection Representation Window | Within 3 to 10 days after completion of the objective examination shifts | Online Challenge |
| Final Answer Key, Normalized Result & Merit List / Scorecard | Typically 3 to 6 weeks after conclusion of the examination stage | Merit List PDF / Login |
- Seat Intake & Competition
- Around two lakh candidates for roughly 70,000 postgraduate seats. Seat matrix and institute-wise intake across General, OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, ST, and PwBD categories are released by National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) and participating counselling authorities prior to choice filling.
- Application Fee & Payment Norms
- Category-wise examination/registration fee is payable online via UPI, Net Banking, or Debit/Credit Card on the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) portal. Concessional fee slabs (typically 50% or lower) apply to SC, ST, PwBD, OBC-NCL/EWS, and female candidates as specified in the current NEET PG Information Bulletin.
How to apply online for NEET PG
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit natboard.edu.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on natboard.edu.in.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the NEET PG application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final NEET PG Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
NEET PG eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for NEET PG must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by Healthcare.
Educational qualification
MBBS degree (or provisional pass certificate) from a recognised institution, with completion of the compulsory rotating internship by the cut-off date given in the notification, and registration with the NMC or a State Medical Council.
Age limit & relaxations
No age limit.
Number of attempts
No limit on attempts.
Nationality & domicile
Citizen of India (or eligible subjects of Nepal/Bhutan and categories of Indian origin as notified under Government of India recruitment/admission rules).
Other conditions & standards
Foreign medical graduates must have passed the FMGE and completed their internship in India.
NEET PG — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) & EWS | No age limit. | Must satisfy qualifying examination passing year and minimum aggregate marks criteria. |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) | Up to 5 years relaxation (wherever an age limit applies) + 5% relaxation in qualifying aggregate marks | Requires a valid SC/ST certificate issued by a competent authority in the prescribed central/state format. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) | Up to 3 years relaxation (wherever an age limit applies) + 5% relaxation in qualifying aggregate marks | Candidate must belong to the central/state OBC-NCL list with a certificate issued within the notified financial window. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD / PwD) | Up to 5 to 10 years relaxation + scribe & compensatory time (20 minutes per hour) facility | Applicable to candidates with 40% or more benchmark disability under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
NEET PG selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One mark deducted per wrong answer; four marks for each correct answer. Selection & Merit Weightage: Candidates who clear the qualifying percentile get a rank. MD, MS and PG Diploma seats are allotted through MCC counselling for the All India Quota and deemed or central institutes, and through state counselling for state quota seats.
Stage 1: Computer-based test
Online (computer-based test) • 1 Paper (NEET PG paper) • 200 Questions • 800 Total Marks • Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes • A single online test of 200 multiple-choice questions covering all 19 MBBS subjects.
A single online test of 200 multiple-choice questions covering all 19 MBBS subjects. The score decides the rank used in MCC and state counselling.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration NEET PG paper+4 for a correct answer, -1 for a wrong answer; time-bound sections in recent patterns 200 800 3 hours 30 minutes Stage 2: Counselling
Online (computer-based test) • MCC conducts All India Quota, deemed, central and DNB counselling; state authorities conduct state quota counselling.
MCC conducts All India Quota, deemed, central and DNB counselling; state authorities conduct state quota counselling. Seats are allotted on rank and choices.
NEET PG subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
Pre-clinical subjects: Anatomy & Physiology
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Biochemistry
Para-clinical subjects — Part I (Pathology)
- Pathology
- Pharmacology
- Microbiology
Para-clinical subjects — Part II (Forensic Medicine and Toxicology)
- Forensic Medicine and Toxicology
- Community Medicine (PSM)
Clinical subjects — Part I (General Medicine, Dermatology, Psychiatry)
- General Medicine, Dermatology, Psychiatry
- General Surgery, Orthopaedics, Anaesthesia, Radiology
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Clinical subjects — Part II (Paediatrics)
- Paediatrics
- Ophthalmology
- ENT
Previous Year Trend Analysis & High-Weightage Topics (NEET PG)
- Recurring multi-concept questions from past NEET PG cycles
- High-yield chapters and section-wise mark distribution patterns
- Statement-based, assertion-reason and matching question formats
- Elimination techniques and negative-marking risk management
- Time allocation strategy across sections and papers
Analytical Problem Solving, Data Sufficiency & Applied Concepts
- Multi-step numerical and conceptual application problems
- Graphical, tabular and experimental data interpretation
- Cross-chapter synthesis and formula derivation problems
- Speed calculation, approximation and unit-dimension verification
- Caselets, comprehension passages and critical reasoning scenarios
Language Comprehension, Administrative / Academic Expression & Communication
- Reading comprehension of dense analytical, policy and scientific passages
- Contextual vocabulary, idioms, phrases, synonyms and antonyms
- Grammatical accuracy, sentence correction, para-jumbles and cloze tests
- Structured essay/précis writing or verbal reasoning inference
- Official terminology, formal communication and logical coherence
NEET PG admission scope, counselling, seat allotment & career pathways
Admission to MD, MS and PG Diploma seats, and to DNB courses, through MCC and state counselling. High percentiles / All-India Ranks unlock top-tier specialisations, scholarships, and high-placement campuses.
Programmes & Institutes Covered
Admission to MD, MS and PG Diploma seats, and to DNB courses, through MCC and state counselling.
Exam & Counselling Authority
National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS)
Scorecard Validity
Score valid for that admission cycle only
Seat Reservation Norms
Statutory vertical & horizontal reservations (GEN-EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST, PwBD, Female Supernumerary / State Quota where applicable).
Key Benefits & Institutional Opportunities
- Centralised multi-round online choice filling and merit-based seat upgrades
- Eligibility for AICTE / UGC / Ministry / Institute merit-cum-means scholarships and tuition waivers
- Access to funded research laboratories, industry-sponsored capstone projects, and international exchange semesters
- Direct campus placement eligibility across marquee technology, consulting, core engineering, finance, clinical, or legal recruiters
- PSU recruitment shortlisting or direct fellowship stipends where scores are accepted by public sector enterprises
Academic & Career Progression Roadmap
- Qualify NEET PG with a strong All-India Rank (AIR) / Percentile
- Participate in Centralised / Institute Counselling, GD-PI / Clinical / Studio rounds & Document Verification
- Core Academic Curriculum, Specialisation Electives & Summer Research / Corporate Internships
- Final Campus Placements, PSU Recruitment, Clinical Residency, or Higher Doctoral / Global Studies
- Long-Term Domain Leadership in Industry, R&D, Academia, or Public Policy
NEET PG cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) releases the official NEET PG qualifying cut-off and opening/closing ranks (or percentiles) after each exam cycle. While clearing the qualifying cut-off makes you eligible for counselling, admission to top participating institutes depends on your All-India Rank (AIR) and category seat matrix.
NEET PG — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
When NEET PG is conducted across multiple shifts or sessions, National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) applies standard score normalization (Equi-Percentile or Mean-Standard Deviation method) to account for any variation in paper difficulty across shifts. Because raw marks are governed by one mark deducted per wrong answer; four marks for each correct answer, maintaining high accuracy (85%+) significantly boosts your normalized score.
Factors Determining NEET PG Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the NEET PG cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
NEET PG admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
NEET PG Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official NEET PG Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on natboard.edu.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the NEET PG e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
NEET PG Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on natboard.edu.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
NEET PG Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) declares the NEET PG result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on natboard.edu.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official NEET PG Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
NEET PG mock tests
Practice in the official NEET PG pattern on the Free plan, and unlock 10 full or sectional mocks every month, unlimited chapter and topic tests, and the CBT Exam Simulator with SmartRank Pass.
- Start freeFREE
NEET PG Full Mock Test 1
Computer-based test · 200 questions · 3 hours 30 minutes
- Start freeFREE
NEET PG Full Mock Test 2
Computer-based test · 200 questions · 3 hours 30 minutes
- Unlock with SmartRank PassPASS
NEET PG Full Mock Test 3
Computer-based test · 200 questions · 3 hours 30 minutes
- Unlock with SmartRank PassPASS
NEET PG Full Mock Test 4
Computer-based test · 200 questions · 3 hours 30 minutes
- Unlock with SmartRank PassPASS
NEET PG Full Mock Test 5
Computer-based test · 200 questions · 3 hours 30 minutes
NEET PG previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all NEET PG previous year papers by year
- Explore freeFREE
Recent NEET PG question papers
Included on the Free plan with step-by-step solutions
- Unlock with SmartRank PassPASS
Complete 10-year NEET PG paper archive
Up to 10 years of solved papers with SmartRank Pass (4 years with Learn)
- Unlock with SmartRank PassPASS
Predicted questions for NEET PG
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for NEET PG
- Weightage is spread across all 19 subjects, so cover the high-yield clinical subjects (Medicine, Surgery, OBG, Paediatrics) first and then the para-clinical ones that are easy to score.
- Image-based questions on X-rays, ECGs, histopathology slides and instruments appear regularly, so revise visual material alongside theory.
- Attempt full-length mock tests with 200 questions in a single sitting to train for the 3.5-hour format and the time-bound sections.
- Use previous NEET PG and INI-CET questions to understand how clinical vignettes are framed rather than memorising one-liners alone.
- Guess only when you can rule out at least two options; the negative marking affects the rank sharply at the top.
- Plan your study around the internship schedule and keep daily revision slots rather than long gaps between subjects.
NEET PG FAQs
What is the NEET PG exam pattern?
NEET PG is an online test of 200 multiple-choice questions for 800 marks, with 4 marks for a correct answer and 1 mark deducted for a wrong answer. The duration is 3 hours 30 minutes.
Can I appear in NEET PG before completing my internship?
Yes, if you will complete the compulsory rotating internship by the cut-off date mentioned in the NBEMS notification for that session.
Is there any age limit for NEET PG?
No, there is no upper age limit for NEET PG.
Does NEET PG also cover DNB seats?
Yes, the NEET PG rank is used for admission to DNB post-MBBS seats in NBEMS-accredited hospitals through MCC counselling.
Is the NEET PG score valid for AIIMS and PGIMER?
No, AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER and NIMHANS admit postgraduate students through INI-CET, which is a separate examination.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for NEET PG?
NEET PG is conducted by National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) across 2 stages: Computer-based test → Counselling. Candidates who clear the qualifying percentile get a rank. MD, MS and PG Diploma seats are allotted through MCC counselling for the All India Quota and deemed or central institutes, and through state counselling for state quota seats.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for NEET PG?
Educational Qualification: MBBS degree (or provisional pass certificate) from a recognised institution, with completion of the compulsory rotating internship by the cut-off date given in the notification, and registration with the NMC or a State Medical Council. Age Limit: No age limit.
Is there negative marking in the NEET PG exam?
Yes — One mark deducted per wrong answer; four marks for each correct answer. Candidates should use a two-pass attempt strategy during mock tests to keep accuracy above 85% and minimise negative marking deductions.
Which institutes and programmes accept NEET PG scores?
Admission to MD, MS and PG Diploma seats, and to DNB courses, through MCC and state counselling. Validity: Score valid for that admission cycle only.
When is the NEET PG notification released and how can I apply online?
NEET PG is held once a year (Registration in April or May; exam usually between June and August; result within about two weeks; counselling from the following months). Online on natboard.edu.in.
How can I prepare for NEET PG on SmartRank?
Select NEET PG as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering Pre-clinical subjects, Para-clinical subjects, Clinical subjects, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact NEET PG pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.