​
NEET 2026: How many students appeared for neet 2025
National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Complete Guide with Frequently Asked Questions
NEET 2026 Overview
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the single medical entrance examination in India for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other medical courses in approved institutions. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), NEET serves as the gateway to over 90,000 MBBS seats across India.
Key Highlights:
- Single largest medical entrance exam in India
- Conducted once annually in pen-and-paper mode
- 3-hour 20-minute duration (200 minutes)
- 720 total marks (180 questions)
- Negative marking (1 mark deduction per wrong answer)
Important Dates (Expected)
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | December 2025 |
| Application Start | 1st week March 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 1st week April 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | May 2026 |
| Exam Date | 1st Sunday of May 2026 (Expected) |
| Result Declaration | June 2026 |
NEET 2026 Exam Pattern
| Subject | Sections | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | 2 (A & B) | 45 (35+10) | 180 | 200 minutes (3h 20m) |
| Chemistry | 2 (A & B) | 45 (35+10) | 180 | |
| Biology | 2 (A & B) | 90 (35+10 in Botany & Zoology each) | 360 | |
| Total | 200 (180 to attempt) | 720 | – | |
Important Note:
Section A is compulsory with 35 questions. Section B has 15 questions where candidates attempt any 10. Each correct answer carries +4 marks, each wrong answer -1 mark. Unanswered questions carry 0 marks.
NEET 2026 Frequently Asked Questions
Approximately 24 lakh candidates appeared for NEET 2025 across India, making it one of the largest competitive exams in the world. The exact number is released by NTA in the information bulletin after the exam.
There is no limit on the number of attempts for NEET as per current NTA guidelines. Candidates can appear for NEET as many times as they wish, provided they meet the age and qualification criteria. The minimum age limit is 17 years (as of December 31 of admission year) and there’s no upper age limit.
NEET 2026 is expected to be conducted on May 3, 2026 (first Sunday of May), as per the recent pattern. The exact date will be confirmed when NTA releases the official notification in December 2025.
– NEET 2025 result: Expected by June 2025
– NEET 2026 result: Expected by June 2026
Results are typically declared within 4-6 weeks after the exam date. The exact date will be announced by NTA after the examination.
As of today, there are approximately 600 days left until NEET 2026 (assuming exam date of May 3, 2026). The countdown will be updated once the official notification is released.
The cutoff marks for MBBS vary each year and by category. For reference (2024 cutoffs):
– General: 720-137
– OBC/SC/ST: 136-107
However, to get a government college seat, general category students typically need 600+ marks, while reserved categories may need 450+ marks. Cutoffs depend on seat availability and competition.
The qualifying percentile (2024 pattern):
– General: 50th percentile (~720-135 marks)
– OBC/SC/ST: 40th percentile (~134-107 marks)
– PwD: 45th percentile (~120-107 marks)
Actual marks vary each year based on difficulty level and normalization.
Follow these steps to check your NEET result:
1. Visit the official NTA NEET website (ntaneet.nic.in)
2. Click on “NEET 2026 Result” link
3. Enter your roll number and date of birth
4. Enter security pin and submit
5. Your result with All India Rank (AIR) will be displayed
6. Download the scorecard and take printouts
Results are also available via the NTA app and DigiLocker.
No, PCM students cannot appear for NEET unless they have also studied Biology/Biotechnology as an additional subject. The mandatory subjects for NEET are:
– Physics
– Chemistry
– Biology/Biotechnology
– English (as qualifying subject)
Students must have passed Class 12 with minimum 50% marks (40% for SC/ST/OBC) in PCB combined.
Total MBBS seats available through NEET (2024 data):
– Government Medical Colleges: ~55,000 seats
– Private Medical Colleges: ~35,000 seats
– Total MBBS seats: ~90,000
– BDS seats: ~27,000
– AYUSH seats: ~52,000
Seat matrix changes slightly each year with new college approvals.
NEET PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Post Graduate) is the entrance examination for admission to MD/MS/PG Diploma courses in India. Key points:
– Conducted by NBEMS (National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences)
– For MBBS graduates seeking specialization
– Computer-based test with 200 MCQs
– Held annually, typically in March
– Qualifying exam for 50% All India Quota and state quota seats
As per current guidelines:
– Minimum age: 17 years (as on December 31, 2026)
– Maximum age: No upper limit (removed in 2023)
Candidates born on or before December 31, 2009 are eligible for NEET 2026.
Yes, NEET is conducted in 13 languages:
English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
Candidates must choose their preferred language while filling the application form.
Essential documents for NEET application:
– Class 10 certificate (for date of birth proof)
– Class 12 mark sheet/certificate
– Category certificate (if applicable)
– PwD certificate (if applicable)
– Passport size photograph (10-200kb)
– Signature (4-30kb)
– Valid ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport etc.)
All documents must be scanned as per specified format.
Yes, foreign nationals can apply for NEET, but they are only eligible for:
– 15% All India Quota seats
– Deemed/Central Universities
– ESIC/AFMC seats
They must have qualified their 10+2 with PCB and meet all eligibility criteria. OCI cardholders are treated as Indian nationals for NEET.
