NEET PG 2026: Complete Exam Notification Overview

For MBBS graduates looking for postgraduate medical admission in 2026-27, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has officially released the NEET PG 2026 Information Bulletin. This single eligibility-cum-ranking entrance examination is mandatory for admission to MD/MS/PG Diploma, Post MBBS DNB, Direct 6 Years DrNB, and NBEMS Diploma courses. The exam will be conducted on 30 August 2026 in computer-based format. A total of 180 multiple-choice questions are to be attempted in 3 hours 30 minutes. The application window opens on 1 July 2026 (5:00 PM onwards) and closes on 21 July 2026 (11:55 PM). Unlike previous years, this notification introduces mandatory Aadhaar authentication and a new test city allocation methodology based on correspondence address.

Based on official notification by National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences. Verified: July 2026.

Quick Eligibility Check for NEET PG 2026

Expert Note: The internship cut-off date is 30 September 2026 – NOT the exam date. Many candidates confuse this and apply even if internship completes after September, leading to rejection. If your internship completes on 1 October 2026 or later, you are NOT eligible.

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Important Dates for NEET PG 2026

Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

Exam Structure

Time-Restricted Sections

The question paper is divided into five time-bound sections – Group A, B, C, D & E. Each section has 36 questions with 42 minutes allotted. Candidates cannot return to previous sections once time expires. This is a critical change from standard format where candidates can navigate freely. The sections will start automatically after the previous section time completes.

Exam Day Timeline

Application Fee Details

Payment Mode: Online through payment gateway available in the application form (Net Banking/Debit Card/Credit Card/UPI).

Detailed Eligibility Criteria

For Indian Medical Graduates

• MBBS degree or Provisional MBBS Pass Certificate recognized under NMC Act, 2019 and PG Medical Education Regulations, 2023
• Permanent or Provisional registration certificate issued by NMC/erstwhile MCI or State Medical Council
• Internship: Completed 12 months of compulsory rotating internship OR likely to complete on or before 30 September 2026

For Foreign Medical Graduates (Indian Citizens/OCI)

• Primary Medical Qualification from outside India must be recognized by NMC
• Must have qualified FMGE (Screening Test) as per Screening Test Regulations, 2002
• Registered with NMC/erstwhile MCI or State Medical Council
• Internship completed or likely to complete by 30 September 2026

For Foreign Nationals

• Basic Medical Qualification (equivalent to MBBS) recognized by NMC
• Security clearance from Ministry of Home Affairs required before applying
• Temporary registration with NMC for the duration of PG course
• Must be registered with appropriate authority in their own country
• No Objection Certificate from medical council of their country

Age Limit Information

The notification does not specify any minimum or maximum age limit for appearing in NEET PG 2026. Eligibility is primarily determined by educational qualifications, registration, and internship completion status.

Test City and Centre Allocation

The allocation of test cities for NEET PG 2026 follows a new methodology. Candidates must select three preferred Test States while filling the application form. The First Preferred Test State is mandatorily the state of the Correspondence Address furnished by the candidate.

Allocation Protocol

1. First Preference: Any available test city in the correspondence state (nearest to correspondence address preferred)
2. Second Preference: If unavailable in correspondence state, any available test city in the second preferred state
3. Third Preference: If unavailable in second preferred state, any available test city in the third preferred state
4. Fallback: If unavailable in all three preferred states, any available test city in India

Address Proof Requirements: Candidates must submit any ONE of the following as valid proof of correspondence address:

• Aadhaar Card (with address)
• Voter ID (EPIC)
• Passport
• Driving License
• Ration Card
• Domicile/Residence Certificate from competent State authority
• State Medical Council Registration Certificate
• MBBS Degree/Provisional Degree Certificate
• Internship Completion Certificate
• Recent utility bill (electricity/water/landline – within last 3 months)
• Bank passbook showing address
• Hostel/PG accommodation allotment letter

Selection Process

The NEET PG 2026 selection process consists of:

1. Computer Based Test (CBT) Examination

Single-day examination on 30 August 2026 with 180 MCQs in 3 hours 30 minutes. Time-restricted sections with 42 minutes per section of 36 questions each. Negative marking of -1 per incorrect answer.

2. Result Declaration

Results will be declared by 30 September 2026. Percentile calculation is based on the formula: 100 x (Number of candidates with total score ≤ T) / (Total Number of candidates appeared).

3. Counseling

Candidates who qualify as per the percentile criteria (50th percentile for General/EWS, 45th for UR PwBD, 40th for SC/ST/OBC including PwBD) will be eligible for counseling conducted by designated authorities:

• 50% All India Quota: Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) of DGHS
• State Quota Seats: Respective State Government counseling authorities
• AFMS Institutions: Armed Forces Medical Services
• Deemed/Central Universities: MCC of DGHS

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4. Document Verification

At the time of counseling/admission, original documents including MBBS degree, internship completion certificate, and registration certificate will be verified.

Exam Syllabus

The notification does not provide a detailed subject-wise syllabus breakdown. However, it states that questions will be distributed across five time-bound sections covering subjects from the entire MBBS curriculum as prescribed by NMC.

Syllabus Coverage Areas (As per MBBS Curriculum)

• Pre-clinical subjects (Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry)
• Para-clinical subjects (Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Community Medicine)
• Clinical subjects (General Medicine, General Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Orthopedics, ENT, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Radiology, Anesthesia, etc.)
• All subjects as per the NMC prescribed MBBS curriculum

How to Apply for NEET PG 2026

1. Visit NBEMS official website: natboard.edu.in
2. Go to the NEET-PG 2026 index page
3. Click “New Registration” or “Sign Up” to create a User ID
4. Fill basic details: Name (as per MBBS certificate), Father/Mother Name, Gender, Date of Birth, Nationality, Email ID, Mobile Number, and Aadhaar details
5. Verify mobile number and email via OTP – system generates a Reference Number
6. Login using Reference Number and Password
7. Fill the Profile with demographic details, category, sub-category, and upload required documents
8. Upload photograph (real-time via webcam AND recent uploaded photo within 3 months), signature, and thumb impression (as per image upload guidelines)
9. Select Three (03) Preferred Test States – First Preference is mandatorily the state of your correspondence address
10. Provide proof of correspondence address by uploading one of the approved documents
11. Pay the examination fee online (₹3,500 for General/OBC/EWS, ₹2,500 for SC/ST/PwBD) through the payment gateway
12. Preview the entire application, agree to the declaration, and click Submit
13. Download the PDF of the successfully submitted application form and payment receipt for future reference

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the last date to apply for NEET PG 2026?

The online application submission window closes on 21 July 2026 at 11:55 PM. However, candidates are strongly advised not to wait until the last day due to possible payment failures and server congestion.

What is the internship cut-off date for NEET PG 2026 eligibility?

Internship must be completed or be likely to be completed on or before 30 September 2026. This is the cut-off date for eligibility – not the exam date. If your internship completes after 30 September 2026, you are not eligible for NEET PG 2026.

How many questions are there in NEET PG 2026?

The exam has 180 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) divided into five time-bound sections of 36 questions each. Total duration is 3 hours 30 minutes.

What is the marking scheme for NEET PG 2026?

+4 marks for each correct answer, -1 mark for each incorrect answer (0.25 negative marking), and 0 marks for unattempted questions. There is no deduction for questions marked for review.

Is there negative marking in NEET PG 2026?

Yes, 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer. This means 0.25 marks are deducted per wrong response out of 4 marks per question.

What is the application fee for NEET PG 2026?

General/OBC/EWS category candidates: ₹3,500/-. SC/ST/PwBD category candidates: ₹2,500/-. The fee is non-refundable and will be forfeited if the candidate is absent or declared ineligible.

Can final year MBBS students apply for NEET PG 2026?

Yes, provided they will complete their 12-month compulsory rotating internship on or before 30 September 2026. The notification uses “have completed or are likely to complete” internship by this date.

What documents are required for NEET PG 2026 application?

Key documents include: recent photograph (within 3 months), signature, left thumb impression, Aadhaar number, valid proof of correspondence address, MBBS degree/provisional certificate, NMC/State Medical Council registration certificate, internship completion certificate or proof of likely completion, and category certificate (if applicable).

What is the exam duration for NEET PG 2026?

The total exam duration is 3 hours 30 minutes (210 minutes) from 09:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Candidates must arrive by 08:30 AM for entry verification.

When will the NEET PG 2026 admit card be released?

Admit cards will be available for download from the NBEMS website from 27 August 2026 onwards. Candidates must bring a coloured printout along with the NMC/SMC registration certificate copy.