NEET 2025/26: Complete Guide to Exam, Eligibility, Preparation, and Counseling
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the most sought-after medical entrance exam in India for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other medical courses in government and private institutions. As students gear up for the 2025/26 NEET exam, it’s crucial to have all the information at your fingertips to streamline the preparation and admission process.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about NEET 2025/26, including exam details, eligibility, application process, syllabus, preparation tips, counseling, and much more.
What is NEET?
NEET is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for admission to undergraduate medical programs like MBBS, BDS, and BAMS. It is the only medical entrance exam in India after the unification of multiple exams, making it the sole gateway to securing a seat in a medical college.
NEET 2025/26: Key Details
- Conducting Body: National Testing Agency (NTA)
- Exam Level: National-level
- Courses Offered: MBBS, BDS, AYUSH (BAMS, BHMS, BUMS), and Veterinary courses
- Mode of Exam: Offline (Pen and Paper-based)
- Official Website: neet.nta.nic.in
- Expected Exam Date: May 2025 (tentative)
NEET 2025/26 Important Dates
| Events | Dates (Tentative) |
|---|---|
| Release of Notification | January 2025 |
| Application Start Date | January 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | March 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | April 2025 |
| Exam Date | May 2025 |
| Result Declaration | June 2025 |
| Counseling Start Date | July 2025 |
Note: Candidates should regularly check the official NTA website for updates and notifications regarding date changes.
NEET 2025/26 Eligibility Criteria
1. Nationality:
- Indian Nationals, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), and Foreign Nationals are eligible to apply.
2. Educational Qualification:
- Candidates must have passed or be appearing for the 12th grade (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as main subjects.
- General category candidates should have at least 50% aggregate marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. For reserved categories, the minimum percentage is 40%.
3. Age Limit:
- The minimum age requirement is 17 years as of December 31 of the exam year.
- The upper age limit has been removed, but candidates should check for updates in case of any changes by NTA.
4. Number of Attempts:
- There is no limit on the number of attempts for NEET, which allows students to take the exam multiple times.
NEET 2025/26 Application Process
The application process for NEET 2025/26 is entirely online. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you complete the registration:
Step 1: Registration
- Visit the official website neet.nta.nic.in.
- Click on the “New Registration” link and enter your details like name, contact number, email, and other necessary information.
- Generate a login ID and password for future access.
Step 2: Fill Application Form
- Log in using your credentials and fill out the application form with personal details, academic qualifications, and exam center preferences.
Step 3: Upload Documents
- Upload your passport-size photograph, signature, and other required documents in the specified format.
Step 4: Pay Application Fee
- The application fee can be paid online via Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
- General category: ₹1,600
- OBC-NCL/EWS: ₹1,500
- SC/ST/PwD: ₹900
Step 5: Download Confirmation
- After payment, download the confirmation page for future reference.
NEET 2025/26 Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern is essential for effective preparation. Here’s the breakdown of the NEET 2025/26 exam:
- Mode of Exam: Pen and Paper (Offline)
- Duration: 3 hours and 20 minutes
- Total Questions: 200 (out of which candidates have to attempt 180)
- Type of Questions: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany & Zoology)
- Marking Scheme:
- +4 marks for each correct answer.
- -1 mark for each wrong answer.
- No marks are deducted for unanswered questions.
| Subjects | Sections | Total Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | Section A: 35 | Section B: 15 (10 to attempt) | 180 |
| Chemistry | Section A: 35 | Section B: 15 (10 to attempt) | 180 |
| Biology | Section A: 35 | Section B: 15 (10 to attempt) | 360 |
NEET 2025/26 Syllabus
The syllabus for NEET 2025/26 is based on the NCERT curriculum for classes 11 and 12. Here’s a quick overview of the major topics to cover:
Physics
- Laws of Motion
- Thermodynamics
- Electromagnetic Waves
- Optics
- Modern Physics
- Dual Nature of Matter
Chemistry
- Chemical Bonding
- Equilibrium
- Organic Chemistry: Reactions, Mechanisms, and Biomolecules
- Electrochemistry
- Coordination Compounds
Biology
- Human Physiology
- Genetics and Evolution
- Plant Physiology
- Ecology and Environment
- Cell Structure and Function
- Reproduction in Organisms
For detailed topic-wise syllabus, refer to the official NEET information bulletin on the NTA website.
NEET 2025/26 Preparation Tips
Here are some tips to ace NEET 2025/26:
Know the Syllabus: Ensure you have the latest syllabus and focus on NCERT books for classes 11 and 12 as they cover most of the questions.
Practice Mock Tests: Take mock tests regularly to simulate exam conditions. This will help you manage time effectively and identify weak areas.
Revise Regularly: Create a revision schedule and stick to it. Make concise notes and revise important concepts frequently.
Solve Previous Year Papers: Practice solving previous year’s NEET papers to get an idea of the types of questions asked.
Focus on Time Management: During the exam, it’s crucial to allocate time wisely to each subject. Avoid spending too much time on difficult questions.
NEET 2025/26 Admit Card
- The admit card will be available for download from the official website a few weeks before the exam.
- Candidates should verify the information on the admit card, such as name, roll number, exam center, and reporting time.
- It’s mandatory to carry the admit card, a valid photo ID, and passport-size photographs to the exam center.
NEET 2025/26 Counseling and Seat Allotment
After the results are declared, the NEET 2025/26 counseling process will begin. The counseling is conducted by MCC (Medical Counseling Committee) for All India Quota (AIQ) seats and by state authorities for state quota seats.
Counseling Process:
Registration: Candidates need to register for the counseling process on the MCC website.
Choice Filling: Select preferred colleges and courses.
Seat Allotment: Based on rank, category, and preferences, candidates will be allotted seats.
Reporting to College: Once a seat is allotted, candidates must report to the allotted college with the required documents for verification.
Document Verification: Documents like admit card, result sheet, mark sheets, and caste certificate (if applicable) will be verified.
Conclusion
NEET 2025/26 is a significant step for students aspiring to enter the medical field. Proper preparation, knowing the exam pattern, and following the right strategy can help you succeed. Stay updated with the official notifications from NTA and focus on consistent study and practice.
By staying organized and preparing systematically, you can clear the exam and secure your place in one of India’s top medical institutions.
FAQs
1. Can I apply for NEET 2025/26 without Physics in 12th?
No, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology are mandatory subjects for NEET eligibility.
2. Is there any age limit for NEET 2025?
Candidates must be 17 years old by December 31 of the exam year. There is no upper age limit as of now.Anyone that is above 17years old can give neet exam .
3. How Can I prepare for NEET 2025?
Candidates can prepare for NEET 2025 from class 12 by studying basic elemtal books like ncert and extra questions books with addition practice as well.
4. Is Clearing NEET 2025/26 Easy?
Candidates can clear NEET 2025/26 with ease but still the competion has reached its limits of 18 lakh students appearing for a admission exam but there are only 40-60 thousand seats in neet 2025/26 so it need hardwork and patient.
3. Is Syudying Online / online coaching good for neet ?
Absolutely , yes you can prepare for online coaching and online platforms like YOUTUBE etc. for preparing for NEET 2025/26.