NEET PG remains the premier entrance examination for medical graduates seeking admission to postgraduate MD, MS, or PG Diploma courses. Conducted annually by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), this competitive test is the gateway for thousands of doctors to specialize in their respective fields.
While many appear for the exam, only a select few qualify for seats in prestigious government and deemed medical colleges. Qualified candidates participate in MCC (All India Quota) or State-level counselling sessions to secure their preferred branch. You must hold an MBBS degree and complete the mandatory internship to be eligible. Below, we have detailed the updated Important Dates, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, and 2026 Highlights to help your preparation stay on track.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Post Graduate |
| Governing Authority | National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) |
| Official Website | natboard.edu.in |
| Duration of Exam | 3 hours 30 minutes (210 minutes) |
| Question Type | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) |
| Total Questions | 200 |
| Total Marks | 800 (4 marks each; -1 for wrong answers) |
The NEET PG 2026 follows a specific online computer-based format. A critical update you must note is the Mandatory Time-Bound Sections. The exam is divided into several timed parts; you cannot move back and forth between sections. Once the time for a specific section expires, your answers are locked. This requires you to manage your speed effectively for each individual block.
Since the exam may be conducted in multiple shifts, NBEMS uses an AIIMS-style normalization method. This statistical approach ensures that the difficulty level of your specific shift does not unfairly impact your rank compared to others. This process converts your raw marks into a percentile score to create a fair merit list.
The syllabus follows NMC guidelines and covers the entire MBBS curriculum. You can download the official PDF here. The general weightage remains focused on Clinical subjects (Part C), which often carry 100 out of the 200 questions.
What happens after the exam? We have mapped out the next steps for you:
As you prepare your list for counselling, consider these top institutions as per NIRF 2025 data:
For more options, check our guide on the Top 10 Deemed Medical Colleges in India 2026.
The application process for NEET PG 2026 is conducted entirely online through the official NBEMS portal. You should follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful registration:
The application fee must be paid online using a credit card, debit card, or net banking. Please note that cash or demand drafts are not accepted. Based on the latest updates for 2026, the fee structure is as follows:
| Categories | Amount (in Rupees) |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹3,500 |
| SC / ST / PWD | ₹2,500 |
Admit cards for NEET PG 2026 are typically released online in the last week of July 2026, approximately 5-7 days before the exam. Unlike previous years, you cannot download the admit card after results are declared; it is your mandatory entry pass for the examination hall.
Mandatory Documents: Always carry a valid original Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport) along with the printed admit card to the allotted center.
The NEET PG 2026 result is expected to be announced by the last week of September 2026. Candidates can check their scores, All India Rank (AIR), and qualifying status on the official website: natboard.edu.in.
Immediately after the result declaration, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) will begin the counselling process for the 50% All India Quota (AIQ) seats. We recommend staying active on the portal for seat allotment schedules.
NOTE: The information provided reflects the latest facts for the 2026 session. For comprehensive details and the official information bulletin, frequently visit the official website: www.nbe.edu.in.
Will NExT replace NEET PG in 2026?
As of now, NEET PG remains the primary entrance for 2026. Stay tuned for updates regarding the 2027 transition.
Is there a limit on attempts?
No, you can appear for the exam as many times as needed, provided you meet the internship eligibility.
Final Remarks!
Success in NEET PG 2026 depends on understanding these new structural changes. Keep visiting our site for instant updates. Your medical specialization journey starts with staying informed!