The National Testing Agency (NTA) is yet to declare the official examination dates for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) 2026 . However, looking at exam trends from previous years, students can expect this important medical entrance exam to be held in May 2026 . The NTA usually releases a short public notice about the exam date between December 2025 and January 2026 . Students preparing for NEET UG 2026 should regularly check the official NTA website for direct and accurate information.
NEET UG is the single biggest entrance exam in India for students who want to join MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) and BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery) courses. It opens doors to medical and dental colleges across the country. More than 20 lakh students take this exam every year, making it highly competitive.
NEET UG 2026 Exam Dates: A Look at Past Trends
Understanding past exam schedules can help students plan their studies better. Here is how NEET UG dates have looked in the last few years, along with the expected dates for 2026 :
| Year | NEET UG Exam Dates |
| 2026 | May 2 to 6, 2026 (Expected) |
| 2025 | May 4, 2025 |
| 2024 | May 5, 2024 |
| 2023 | May 7, 2023 |
From the table, it is clear that the NEET UG exam has consistently been scheduled on the first Sunday of May. For example, in 2025, it was held on May 4 , and in 2024, it was on May 5 . This strong pattern suggests that NEET UG 2026 will also follow a similar schedule, likely taking place in the first week of May.
Who Can Apply for NEET UG Exam 2026?
Candidates aspiring to take the NEET UG 2026 examination must meet specific eligibility conditions set by the NTA. These rules ensure that only qualified students appear for the test:
- Age Limit: Applicants must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026 . There is no upper age limit for appearing in the NEET UG exam, meaning candidates of any age above 17 can apply.
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have passed their 10+2 (Class 12 or equivalent) examination from a recognized board. The required compulsory subjects in 10+2 are Physics , Chemistry , and Biology/Biotechnology .
- Minimum Marks: For general category candidates, a minimum of 50% marks in their 12th board exams (in Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology combined) is required. For candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC), the minimum qualifying mark is 40% .
- Nationality: There are no restrictions based on nationality. Both Indian citizens and foreign nationals, including Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), are eligible to apply for NEET UG.
Expected Release of Detailed Notification
While a short notice on the exam date is expected earlier, the NTA will release a full and detailed notification later. This comprehensive document is generally published either in the third week of December 2025 or the first week of January 2026 . This detailed notification will be crucial for all applicants as it will contain:
- The exact dates for starting and ending the online application process.
- A clear, step-by-step guide on how to fill out the application form.
- The complete and updated syllabus for the NEET UG 2026 exam.
- The exact exam pattern, including types of questions, marking scheme, and duration of the test.
- Other important instructions for candidates.
Students must rely only on the official NTA website for all announcements regarding NEET UG 2026. Checking the official source regularly will ensure you have the most current and accurate information for your exam preparation.
