NEET PG 2025: Counselling Dates, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Cut-off, and Application Details

Explore NEET PG 2026 key dates, eligibility, exam pattern, counselling, cut-off, cities, and preparation tips.
4 min
06 January 2026

NEET PG 2026, short for National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate, is a national-level entrance exam for medical graduates aiming to pursue postgraduate medical courses such as Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Master of Surgery (MS) in India. It serves as a gateway to over 26,000 MD seats and 13,000 MS seats offered by more than 6,000 institutions. This guide covers everything you need to know, right from eligibility and exam patterns to key dates, cut-off scores, application details, and preparation tips.

NEET PG 2026: Key Dates

Event

Tentative Dates

Release of Information Bulletin

to be announced

Online Application Start Date

First week of March 2026

Online Application Last Date

Last week of March 2026

Release of Admit Card

Last week of July 2026

Exam Date

30 August 2026

Result Declaration

NA

NEET PG exam eligibility criteria

To appear for NEET PG 2026, candidates must satisfy the following requirements:

1. Nationality:
Indian citizens, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), Overseas Citizens of India (OCI), Persons of Indian Origin (PIO), and foreign nationals are eligible.

2. Educational Qualification:

  • MBBS Degree: Completion of an MBBS or equivalent degree from a recognised medical college or institution is mandatory.
  • Internship: Candidates should have completed, or must complete, a one-year compulsory rotatory internship by March 2026.
  • FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduates Exam): Candidates who have obtained their MBBS abroad must qualify the FMGE to be eligible for NEET PG.

3. Age Limit:
There is no upper age limit to appear for NEET PG 2026.

4. Attempt Limit:
There is no restriction on the number of attempts, provided other eligibility conditions are met.

5. Other Requirements:
Candidates must be registered with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or the respective State Medical Council.

Importance of NEET PG for medical aspirants

NEET PG is a crucial examination that determines admission to postgraduate medical programmes across India. It not only decides academic progression but also influences career direction and specialisation choices.

  • It is the only entrance test for MD, MS, and PG Diploma courses in India.
  • Determines access to government and private medical colleges nationwide.
  • Ranks influence choice of course and institution during counselling.
  • Provides eligibility for specialised fields like radiology, general medicine, surgery, etc.
  • Strengthens career prospects and enhances academic credibility in the medical profession.

How does the NEET PG exam work?

The NEET PG exam is a computer-based test (CBT) conducted once a year, consisting of three parts: Pre-clinical, Para-clinical, and Clinical. Each section contributes to a comprehensive assessment of a candidate’s medical knowledge.

Category

Details

Frequency of exam

Once a year

Mode of exam

Online (CBT)

Language of paper

English only

Total questions

200 MCQs

Total marks

800

Exam duration

3 hours 30 minutes

Marking scheme

+4 for each correct answer

Negative marking

-1 for each incorrect answer


Subject-wise distribution:

  • Part A (Pre-clinical): Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry
  • Part B (Para-clinical): Pathology, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Forensic Medicine, Social and Preventive Medicine
  • Part C (Clinical): General Medicine, Psychiatry, Dermatology, Paediatrics, Surgery, ENT, Orthopaedics, Gynaecology, Radiology, Anaesthesia

NEET PG exam pattern 2026

The NEET PG 2026 will be conducted in a computer-based format with the following structure:

  • Total Questions: 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
  • Subjects:
    • Pre-clinical: Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry – 50 questions
    • Para-clinical: Pathology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Forensic Medicine – 50 questions.
    • Clinical: Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Pediatrics, Orthopedics, Psychiatry, and others – 100 questions
  • Duration: 3.5 hours (210 minutes)
  • Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
  • Marking Scheme:
    • Correct answer: +4 marks
    • Incorrect answer: –1 mark
    • Unanswered: 0 marks

NEET PG exam cut-off

Year

Category

Qualifying Percentile

Cutoff Marks (Out of 800)

2024

General / EWS

50th

291

 

SC / ST / OBC

40th

257

 

General – PwBD

45th

274

2023

General / EWS

50th

291

 

SC / ST / OBC

40th

257

 

General – PwBD

45th

274

2022

General / EWS

50th

275

 

SC / ST / OBC

40th

245

 

General – PwBD

45th

260

2021

General / EWS

50th

302

 

SC / ST / OBC

40th

265

 

General – PwBD

45th

283


NEET PG exam counselling and result 2026

Here’s a rephrased version of your content with natural interlinking for DNB and NEET PG counselling:

The NEET PG 2026 result will be announced on the official NBE website.

  • Rank and Score Card: Candidates will receive a scorecard showing their marks along with the All India Rank (AIR) based on exam performance. This also plays a role for those aspiring for DNB courses.
  • Counselling: The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) conducts NEET PG counselling for All India Quota (AIQ) seats, while respective State Counselling Authorities manage counselling for State Quota seats.

How to prepare for the NEET PG exam?

A strategic approach, consistency, and understanding of concepts are key to cracking NEET PG 2026 successfully.

  • Begin preparation at least 8-10 months in advance.
  • Create a structured timetable with daily study goals.
  • Focus on high-yield topics from standard textbooks.
  • Solve previous years’ question papers and mock tests regularly.
  • Use online platforms and mobile apps for revision and quizzes.
  • Allocate time for revision at regular intervals.
  • Join a reputed coaching institute if guided preparation is needed.
  • Stay updated with current medical guidelines and exam trends.

NEET PG exam application process

The NEET PG 2026 application is conducted online via the official NBE website. Follow these steps to complete your application:

Step 1: Registration

  • Visit the official NBE website
  • Register as a new user by providing your personal details, including name, email, and mobile number.

Step 2: Fill the Application Form

  • Log in with your credentials and complete the NEET PG 2026 application form.
  • Provide necessary information such as personal details, educational qualifications, and exam centre preferences.

Step 3: Upload Documents

  • Upload scanned copies of your passport-size photograph, signature, and other required documents, including your MBBS degree and internship completion certificate.

Step 4: Pay Application Fee

  • Make the payment online via credit/debit card or net banking.
    • General/Unreserved (UR) candidates: Approx. ₹5,000
    • SC/ST/PWD candidates: Approx. ₹3,750

Step 5: Submit Application

  • Review all details carefully before submission.
  • Submit the form and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.

NEET PG exam admit card 2026

The admit card is a vital document for entry into the examination centre. It is released by NBE a few days before the exam.

  • Download from the official NBE website using login credentials
  • Check all details such as name, photo, exam centre, and timings
  • Carry a printed copy along with valid ID proof to the exam centre
  • Follow the instructions printed on the admit card strictly
  • Contact NBE immediately in case of discrepancies in details

NEET PG Exam Cities

State/UT

Major Exam Cities (Selected)

Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Port Blair

Andhra Pradesh

Amalapuram, Guntur, Kurnool, Nellore, Tirupathi, Vijayawada

Arunachal Pradesh

Naharlagun

Assam

Dibrugarh, Guwahati, Silchar, Tezpur

Bihar

Patna, Bhagalpur, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga

Chhattisgarh

Raipur, Bilaspur, Bhilai Nagar

Delhi NCR

Delhi NCR

Goa

Panaji/Madgaon/Mapusa

Gujarat

Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara, Jamnagar

Haryana

Ambala, Hisar, Kurukshetra

Himachal Pradesh

Shimla, Mandi, Kangra, Solan

Jammu & Kashmir

Jammu, Srinagar, Baramulla

Jharkhand

Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Dhanbad

Karnataka

Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Belagavi, Hubballi

Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam, Kozhikode, Kannur

Madhya Pradesh

Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, Jabalpur, Ujjain

Maharashtra

Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Kolhapur

Manipur

Imphal, Churachandpur

Meghalaya

Shillong

Mizoram

Aizawl

Nagaland

Dimapur, Kohima

Odisha

Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Berhampur

Puducherry

Puducherry

Punjab

Amritsar, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Mohali

Rajasthan

Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Ajmer

Sikkim

Gangtok

Tamil Nadu

Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Salem

Telangana

Hyderabad, Warangal, Karimnagar

Tripura

Agartala

Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow, Kanpur, Varanasi, Agra, Meerut

Uttarakhand

Haldwani, Roorkee

West Bengal

Kolkata, Durgapur, Siliguri, Asansol


Conclusion

NEET PG 2026 is a pivotal examination for medical graduates aspiring to specialise in various clinical disciplines. With timely preparation, clarity on the exam structure, and awareness of key dates, candidates can streamline their journey towards a successful medical career.

For those planning to upgrade their skills or invest in advanced medical education, a doctor loan or a professional loan can provide timely financial support with flexible repayment options tailored to the needs of healthcare professionals. Financial institutions offer competitive doctor loan interest rate structures, making it easier for practitioners to manage their educational or professional expenses without burdening their savings. Before applying for such financial assistance, reviewing the specific criteria, check doctor loan eligibility to ensure a smoother and more efficient loan process.

Frequently asked questions

What NEET PG exam score do I need?
To qualify for counselling, candidates must score above the minimum percentile cut-off. This is typically the 50th percentile for General category and 40th percentile for SC, ST, and OBC candidates. Qualifying marks vary each year but usually range between 150 and 200 depending on exam difficulty and overall performance.

Is NEET PG compulsory for MBBS?
NEET PG is not required for completing the MBBS degree itself, but it is mandatory for MBBS graduates who wish to pursue postgraduate courses like MD, MS, or PG Diploma programmes in India. It is the only recognised entrance exam for admission to postgraduate medical seats across the country.

Is 600 a good score in NEET PG?
Yes, a score of 600 in NEET PG is considered excellent and generally places candidates well above the qualifying percentile. It significantly improves the chances of securing admission to top government medical colleges and competitive specialisations such as Radiology, General Medicine, or Dermatology.

How to apply for a state quota in NEET PG?

To apply for a state quota in NEET PG, candidates must register on their respective state counselling authority’s portal, submit the application form, pay fees, and fill preferred colleges/courses.

What is the merit list in NEET PG?

The NEET PG merit list is a ranking of qualified candidates based on exam scores, percentile, and eligibility criteria, determining admission chances into MD, MS, Diploma, or DNB programs.

How many attempts are allowed for the NEET PG exam?

There is no restriction on the number of attempts for NEET PG. Eligible candidates may appear multiple times until they successfully qualify and secure postgraduate medical admission.

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