Overview
NEET-PG is the national entrance exam, conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), for admission to MD, MS and PG Diploma courses in medical colleges across India. It is a computer-based test held on a single date.
Who can apply
Candidates must hold an MBBS degree, or a provisional MBBS pass certificate, recognised under the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019 and the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2023, from a recognised institution. Candidates must also complete their compulsory rotatory internship by the cut-off date NBEMS sets for the year (30 September 2026 for the 2026 cycle). Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs and foreign nationals are eligible, subject to NBEMS's detailed conditions in the information bulletin.
Exam pattern
NEET-PG 2026 is a computer-based test of 3 hours 30 minutes.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total questions | 180 |
| Total marks | 720 |
| Marking | +4 for each correct answer |
| Duration | 3 hours 30 minutes |
The number of questions was reduced from 200 to 180 for the 2026 cycle while the total duration stayed the same, giving candidates more time per question.
Syllabus
NEET-PG draws its syllabus from the MBBS curriculum across all pre-clinical, para-clinical and clinical subjects, as prescribed by NBEMS. NBEMS publishes the detailed syllabus and exam scheme in the official information bulletin each year.
Marking and results
Each correct answer is awarded 4 marks; NBEMS's bulletin specifies the negative marking scheme applicable for the year. NBEMS releases the result along with an All India Rank, and percentile scores are used by counselling authorities to prepare merit lists.
Important dates
For NEET-PG 2026, registration opened on 1 July 2026 and closed on 21 July 2026, with a correction window starting 25 July 2026, and the exam was scheduled for 30 August 2026. NBEMS announces the confirmed dates for each cycle on natboard.edu.in.
Fees
For the 2026 cycle, NBEMS set the NEET-PG application fee at ₹3,500 for General, OBC and EWS candidates, and ₹2,500 for SC, ST and PwD candidates, following a fee reduction announced by NBEMS.
How to apply
Candidates apply online through the NBEMS portal (natboard.edu.in), enter their MBBS/internship details, upload the required documents and photograph, and pay the application fee online. A correction window is provided after submission for candidates to fix errors before the final deadline.
After the exam
After NBEMS declares the NEET-PG result and All India Rank, admission to MD/MS/PG Diploma seats proceeds through separate counselling — the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) for All India Quota seats and deemed/central institutes, and respective state counselling authorities for state-quota seats — based on rank, category and seat availability.
Preparation tips
Because NEET-PG now has 180 questions over the same 3.5-hour window as before, candidates have slightly more time per question, which rewards careful reading over pure speed. Structured revision across all MBBS subjects, with more weight to high-yield clinical subjects, along with regular practice of NBEMS-style multiple-choice questions, is the most direct preparation route.
FAQs
Is a completed internship required to sit for NEET-PG?
Candidates must have completed, or be set to complete, their compulsory rotatory internship by the cut-off date NBEMS notifies for that cycle (30 September 2026 for the 2026 exam).
How many questions does NEET-PG 2026 have?
180 questions for a total of 720 marks, reduced from 200 questions in earlier cycles while the total exam duration remained 3 hours 30 minutes.
Who conducts counselling after NEET-PG?
The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) handles All India Quota and central/deemed institute seats, while state authorities conduct counselling for state-quota seats.
Can NRIs and foreign nationals appear for NEET-PG?
Yes, subject to the eligibility conditions NBEMS lays out in the NEET-PG information bulletin for the year.