NEET UG 2026 will be held on May 3, 2026 (Sunday) in a single shift from 2 pm to 5 pm , the National Testing Agency (NTA) has confirmed. Around 22,79,743 candidates have registered this year, including 13,32,928 female and 9,46,815 male aspirants.
NEET UG date, timings and exam centres
The exam is offline (pen-and-paper) and will run for 180 minutes . Tests will be held across about 552 Indian cities and 14 cities abroad . Candidates must report to centres as per the timings printed on their admit cards and follow instructions issued by the NTA.
According to NTA FAQs, you must carry valid ID proof and follow the prescribed dress code at the centre. The question paper is available in multiple languages; you will get the language allotted at your centre.
NEET UG exam pattern and marking scheme
NEET UG contains 180 compulsory MCQs across three subjects: Physics ( 45 questions ), Chemistry ( 45 questions ) and Biology ( 90 questions , split into Botany and Zoology). The paper carries 720 maximum marks . The marking scheme is +4 for correct and –1 for incorrect responses; unanswered questions get no marks.
All answers must be marked on the OMR sheet using the ballpoint pen provided at the exam centre. NTA has emphasised that only the centre-provided pen should be used for marking responses on the OMR.
NTA shares daily Q&As on social media
With the exam days away, NTA has started posting daily Q&A items on its social channels to clear doubt and help last-minute revision. Examples shared include: "The net magnetic flux through any closed surface is — Zero", and "Movement of ions against their gradient is explained by — Active transport."
Other sample posts clarified basics such as the Venturi-meter working on Bernoulli's principle and that chilled ethanol precipitates DNA during recombinant DNA purification.
These posts are aimed at reducing misinformation and helping candidates focus on quick concept checks ahead of the test.
What candidates should note now
If you are appearing on May 3, check your admit card for centre reporting time, carry the required ID, follow the dress code and use only the centre-supplied ballpoint pen for the OMR sheet. Review the NTA’s social posts for short Q&A refreshers, but rely on official NTA instructions for rules and logistics.