The National Testing Agency (NTA) will soon announce the exam date for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) 2026. This important exam is for students who want to join undergraduate medical and allied health courses in India. Students can find the official exam date and all related updates on the NTA NEET website, which is neet.nta.nic.in .
While the exact date is still awaited, it is widely expected that NEET UG 2026 will be held on May 3, 2026 . This date follows a pattern seen in recent years, where the NTA has usually conducted the NEET exam on the first Sunday of May. Students preparing for the exam should keep this likely date in mind for their study plans.
To help students understand this pattern, here are the exam dates from the past few years:
| Year | Exam Date |
| 2025 | May 4, 2025 |
| 2024 | May 5, 2024 |
| 2023 | May 7, 2023 |
Important Updates for NEET UG 2026
Along with the expected exam date, the NTA has also released other important information for students aiming for NEET UG 2026. These updates are crucial for all candidates to note:
- Syllabus Released: The NTA released the official syllabus for NEET UG 2026 on January 8, 2026 . Students will be glad to know that there are no changes to the syllabus this year. This means candidates can continue their preparation using the current study materials without worrying about new topics.
- Urgent Notice on Certificates: The NTA issued an urgent notice on January 5, 2026 . This notice asked all candidates to update their important documents immediately. Students must ensure their Aadhaar card, Unique Disability ID (UDID) certificate (if applicable), and category certificates are correct and up-to-date. Having correct documents is very important to avoid problems during the application process or later during admissions.
- NEET Scores Mandatory for Karnataka Courses: In a big change, NEET scores are now compulsory for admission to certain allied healthcare courses in Karnataka. Earlier, NEET scores were mainly required for MBBS and BDS courses. Now, students who want to join Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy courses in Karnataka state must also have valid NEET scores. This update was announced on January 15, 2026 , and affects many students planning these careers in Karnataka.
What is NEET UG?
NEET UG stands for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate. It is the single largest entrance examination in India for admission to various medical and allied health programs. These programs include Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), and other courses like BAMS, BHMS, and now certain allied healthcare courses in states like Karnataka. Passing NEET UG is a must for students aspiring to become doctors or pursue related medical professions in India.
Next Steps for Students
All students preparing for NEET UG 2026 should regularly visit the official NTA NEET website, neet.nta.nic.in , for the latest announcements. It is important to stay updated on the application process, important dates, and any further guidelines released by the NTA. Make sure your preparation is on track with the officially released syllabus and all your required documents are in order.
