Medical & Healthcare · Updated October 2026
NEET UG ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
Conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA), NEET (UG) is the statutory single-window all-India medical entrance exam for admission to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BSMS, BUMS, BHMS, and B.Sc. (Hons) Nursing courses across all medical colleges including AIIMS and JIPMER. It is a 180-question offline OMR pen-and-paper test carrying 720 marks across Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
- Type
- Entrance
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- Healthcare
Start for free with NEET UG syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
NEET UG exam overview and highlights
About NEET UG
NEET UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, Undergraduate) is the single national entrance examination for admission to MBBS, BDS and AYUSH undergraduate courses in India, including AIIMS and JIPMER. It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) on behalf of the National Medical Commission. The score is used for the All India Quota, state quota, deemed and private medical college counselling across the country.
The examination process for NEET UG comprises 2 stages: Written examination, followed by Counselling. The official syllabus tests candidates across 4 core areas — Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. An All India Rank is drawn from the NEET score. Seats are then allotted through MCC counselling for the All India Quota and central institutes, and through state counselling for state quota seats, based on rank and choices filled.
Key subjects
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Botany
- Zoology
What clearing NEET UG leads to
- MBBS
- BDS
- BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS (AYUSH courses)
- BVSc and AH (through VCI quota)
- BSc Nursing in AIIMS and some central institutions
- Admission & Seat Allotment: Admission to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSc Nursing and other undergraduate medical seats through MCC and state counselling
Quick facts
- Conducting body
- National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Frequency
- Once a year (usually May)
- Exam mode
- Offline (pen and paper, OMR sheet)
- Languages
- English, Hindi and 11 regional languages (Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu)
- Stages & papers
- 2 stages (1 paper total)
- Negative marking
- One mark deducted per wrong answer; four marks for each correct answer
- Official website
- neet.nta.nic.in
NEET UG — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of NEET UG conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | NEET UG |
| Conducting Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Category | Medical & Healthcare |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Entrance (Academic Admission & Seat Allotment) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year (usually May) |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Registration in February; exam on the first Sunday of May; result in June; counselling from July |
| Mode of Application | Online on neet.nta.nic.in |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (pen and paper, OMR sheet) |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English, Hindi and 11 regional languages (Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu) |
| Selection Stages | 2 Stages (1 Paper Total): Written examination → Counselling |
| Negative Marking | One mark deducted per wrong answer; four marks for each correct answer |
| Selection / Merit Process | An All India Rank is drawn from the NEET score. Seats are then allotted through MCC counselling for the All India Quota and central institutes, and through state counselling for state quota seats, based on rank and choices filled. |
| Educational Qualification | Passed or appearing in Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Biotechnology and English. General category candidates need 50% aggregate in PCB (40% for SC, ST and OBC, 45% for PwD general). |
| Age Limit | Minimum 17 years on or before 31 December of the year of admission. There is no upper age limit. |
| Admission Scope & Seats | Admission to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSc Nursing and other undergraduate medical seats through MCC and state counselling |
| Scorecard / Certificate Validity | Score valid for that admission cycle only |
| Competition Scale | Over 20 lakh candidates appear for roughly one lakh MBBS seats |
| Official Website | neet.nta.nic.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
NEET UG exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for NEET UG. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official Healthcare website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| NEET UG Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Registration in February; exam on the first Sunday of May; result in June; counselling from July | Once a year (usually May) |
| 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 Testing Agency (NTA) |
| NEET UG — Written examination | Registration in February; exam on the first Sunday of May; result in June; counselling from July | Offline (pen and paper, OMR sheet) |
| NEET UG — 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
- Over 20 lakh candidates appear for roughly one lakh MBBS seats. Seat matrix and institute-wise intake across General, OBC-NCL, EWS, SC, ST, and PwBD categories are released by National Testing Agency (NTA) 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 Testing Agency (NTA) 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 UG Information Bulletin.
How to apply online for NEET UG
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit neet.nta.nic.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on neet.nta.nic.in.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the NEET UG application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English, Hindi and 11 regional languages (Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu)), 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 UG Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
NEET UG eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for NEET UG must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by Healthcare.
Educational qualification
Passed or appearing in Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Biotechnology and English. General category candidates need 50% aggregate in PCB (40% for SC, ST and OBC, 45% for PwD general).
Age limit & relaxations
Minimum 17 years on or before 31 December of the year of admission. There is no upper age limit.
Number of attempts
No limit on the number of attempts.
Nationality & domicile
Indian nationals, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs and foreign nationals can appear.
Other conditions & standards
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed medical fitness, character verification, and document authenticity norms (including valid EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwBD certificates in the prescribed format) at the time of verification.
NEET UG — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) & EWS | Minimum 17 years on or before 31 December of the year of admission. There is no upper 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 UG selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One mark deducted per wrong answer; four marks for each correct answer. Selection & Merit Weightage: An All India Rank is drawn from the NEET score. Seats are then allotted through MCC counselling for the All India Quota and central institutes, and through state counselling for state quota seats, based on rank and choices filled.
Stage 1: Written examination
Offline (OMR sheet) • 1 Paper (NEET UG paper (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)) • Questions: 180 (45 each in Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology) • 720 Total Marks • Duration: 3 hours • A single pen and paper test of 180 compulsory multiple-choice questions from Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology.
A single pen and paper test of 180 compulsory multiple-choice questions from Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology. The score and All India Rank decide eligibility and seat allotment through MCC and state counselling.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration NEET UG paper (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)+4 for a correct answer, -1 for a wrong answer 180 (45 each in Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology) 720 3 hours Stage 2: Counselling
Offline (pen and paper, OMR sheet) • Qualified candidates register for MCC counselling (All India Quota, deemed and central universities, AIIMS, JIPMER, ESIC) and for their state counselling.
Qualified candidates register for MCC counselling (All India Quota, deemed and central universities, AIIMS, JIPMER, ESIC) and for their state counselling. Seats are allotted on rank, choices and category.
NEET UG 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.
Physics — Part I (Units and measurement, kinematics, laws)
- Units and measurement, kinematics, laws of motion
- Work, energy and power, rotational motion, gravitation
- Properties of matter, thermodynamics, kinetic theory
- Oscillations and waves
Physics — Part II (Electrostatics, current electricity, magnetism)
- Electrostatics, current electricity, magnetism
- Electromagnetic induction and alternating current
- Ray and wave optics
- Modern physics: dual nature, atoms, nuclei, semiconductors
Chemistry — Part I (Atomic structure, chemical bonding, periodic)
- Atomic structure, chemical bonding, periodic table
- Thermodynamics, equilibrium, solutions, electrochemistry
- Chemical kinetics, redox reactions
- p-block, d- and f-block elements, coordination compounds
Chemistry — Part II (Basic organic chemistry, hydrocarbons, haloalkanes)
- Basic organic chemistry, hydrocarbons, haloalkanes
- Alcohols, phenols, ethers, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids
- Amines, biomolecules
Botany — Part I (Diversity of living world and)
- Diversity of living world and plant classification
- Cell structure and cell division
- Plant morphology and anatomy
- Photosynthesis, respiration, plant growth
Botany — Part II (Sexual reproduction in flowering plants)
- Sexual reproduction in flowering plants
- Genetics and molecular basis of inheritance
- Ecology, ecosystems and biodiversity
Zoology — Part I (Animal kingdom and structural organisation)
- Animal kingdom and structural organisation in animals
- Biomolecules and enzymes
- Human physiology: digestion, breathing, circulation, excretion
- Neural control, chemical coordination, locomotion
Zoology — Part II (Human reproduction and reproductive health)
- Human reproduction and reproductive health
- Evolution, human health and disease
- Biotechnology principles and applications
NEET UG admission scope, counselling, seat allotment & career pathways
Admission to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSc Nursing and other undergraduate medical seats through MCC and state counselling. High percentiles / All-India Ranks unlock top-tier specialisations, scholarships, and high-placement campuses.
Programmes & Institutes Covered
Admission to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSc Nursing and other undergraduate medical seats through MCC and state counselling.
Exam & Counselling Authority
National Testing Agency (NTA)
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 UG 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 UG cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
National Testing Agency (NTA) releases the official NEET UG 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 UG — 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
Because NEET UG is evaluated on a uniform single-session paper scale under one mark deducted per wrong answer; four marks for each correct answer, raw score accuracy directly determines your rank on the official merit list.
Factors Determining NEET UG 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 UG 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 UG admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
NEET UG Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
National Testing Agency (NTA) releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official NEET UG Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on neet.nta.nic.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 UG 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 UG Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, National Testing Agency (NTA) uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on neet.nta.nic.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 UG Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
National Testing Agency (NTA) declares the NEET UG result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on neet.nta.nic.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official NEET UG 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 UG mock tests
Practice in the official NEET UG 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.
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NEET UG Full Mock Test 1
Written examination · 180 (45 each in Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology) questions · 3 hours
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NEET UG Full Mock Test 2
Written examination · 180 (45 each in Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology) questions · 3 hours
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NEET UG Full Mock Test 3
Written examination · 180 (45 each in Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology) questions · 3 hours
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NEET UG Full Mock Test 4
Written examination · 180 (45 each in Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology) questions · 3 hours
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NEET UG Full Mock Test 5
Written examination · 180 (45 each in Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology) questions · 3 hours
NEET UG previous year papers
Papers come with a solution for every question. Read them, or attempt them as timed tests. See all NEET UG previous year papers by year
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Recent NEET UG question papers
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Complete 10-year NEET UG paper archive
Up to 10 years of solved papers with SmartRank Pass (4 years with Learn)
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Predicted questions for NEET UG
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for NEET UG
- Treat the NCERT textbooks of Class 11 and 12 as the primary source, especially for Biology and Inorganic Chemistry, since most questions are framed directly from them.
- Biology carries 360 of the 720 marks, so aim for near-perfect accuracy there before chasing difficult Physics problems.
- Solve previous NEET papers under a strict 3-hour limit on an OMR sheet to build the pacing and bubbling habit.
- Keep a mistake log for every mock test and revise it weekly; repeated errors in a chapter show where to re-read NCERT.
- Avoid blind guessing because the one-mark penalty adds up; leave questions where you can eliminate fewer than two options.
- Finish the syllabus early enough to leave at least two months purely for revision and full-length tests.
NEET UG FAQs
What is the NEET UG exam pattern?
NEET UG is a 3-hour pen and paper test of 180 compulsory multiple-choice questions, 45 each from Physics, Chemistry, Botany and Zoology, for a total of 720 marks. Each correct answer gets 4 marks and each wrong answer loses 1 mark.
Is there an age limit or attempt limit for NEET UG?
You must be at least 17 years old by 31 December of the admission year. There is currently no upper age limit and no restriction on the number of attempts.
Which subjects do I need in Class 12 for NEET UG?
You need Physics, Chemistry, Biology (or Biotechnology) and English in Class 12, with 50% aggregate in PCB for the general category and lower percentages for reserved categories.
Is NEET UG held online or offline?
NEET UG is an offline, pen and paper exam where answers are marked on an OMR sheet. Always confirm the mode in the current year's information bulletin.
Which colleges accept the NEET UG score?
All government and private medical and dental colleges in India, AIIMS, JIPMER and AYUSH colleges admit students through NEET UG. Counselling is done by MCC for the All India Quota and by state authorities for state seats.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for NEET UG?
NEET UG is conducted by National Testing Agency (NTA) across 2 stages: Written examination → Counselling. An All India Rank is drawn from the NEET score. Seats are then allotted through MCC counselling for the All India Quota and central institutes, and through state counselling for state quota seats, based on rank and choices filled.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for NEET UG?
Educational Qualification: Passed or appearing in Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Biotechnology and English. General category candidates need 50% aggregate in PCB (40% for SC, ST and OBC, 45% for PwD general). Age Limit: Minimum 17 years on or before 31 December of the year of admission. There is no upper age limit.
Is there negative marking in the NEET UG 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 UG scores?
Admission to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSc Nursing and other undergraduate medical seats through MCC and state counselling. Validity: Score valid for that admission cycle only.
When is the NEET UG notification released and how can I apply online?
NEET UG is held once a year (usually May) (Registration in February; exam on the first Sunday of May; result in June; counselling from July). Online on neet.nta.nic.in.
How can I prepare for NEET UG on SmartRank?
Select NEET UG as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact NEET UG pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.