NEET UG and NEET PG are the two most important medical entrance exams in India. Here are detailed answers to every question that matters. When is NEET UG 2026? NEET UG 2026 is expected in early May 2026 (the exact date will be notified by NTA in the official information bulletin). It is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) and is the single entrance exam for MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BUMS, BHMS and other undergraduate medical programs across India. Always rely on the latest NTA notification for the final exam date, application window, and any changes in pattern or eligibility. When is NEET PG 2026? NEET PG 2026 is tentatively scheduled for late August 2026 (subject to confirmation by NBEMS and any policy changes related to NExT). It is conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) and is used for admission to MD, MS and postgraduate diploma programs. Candidates should regularly check the NBEMS website and official information bulletin for the confirmed schedule and any revisions. Who can appear for NEET UG? As per the usual NEET UG framework (subject to the latest NMC/NTA notifications): You must have completed or be appearing for Class 12 (10+2) or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Biotechnology as core subjects. You must be at least 17 years old as of 31 December of the admission year. There is no upper age limit as per current rules, unless changed by a future notification or court order. Accepted boards typically include CBSE, state boards, NIOS and recognised international boards, provided the course is equivalent to 10+2 in India. Minimum marks in PCB (aggregate): General/EWS: 50% SC/ST/OBC (Non‑Creamy Layer): 40% PwD (as per NMC norms): usually 45% for General PwD (locomotor), subject to official rules. Always confirm eligibility from the latest NMC regulations and NTA information bulletin, as rules can change. Who can appear for NEET PG? Typical NEET PG eligibility (to be confirmed from the NBEMS information bulletin for the relevant year): You must hold an MBBS degree or Provisional MBBS Pass Certificate recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC). You must have permanent or provisional registration with NMC/State Medical Council. You must have completed or be completing your compulsory rotating internship by the official cutoff date specified by NBEMS for that session. Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) must have: Passed the FMGE (or any officially notified replacement exam), and Completed internship and obtained provisional/permanent registration in India. There is no upper age limit as per current norms. Always refer to the NBEMS NEET PG information bulletin for the final, binding eligibility criteria. Is there a limit on NEET attempts? As of recent policy and court decisions: There is no restriction on the number of attempts for NEET UG. There is no restriction on the number of attempts for NEET PG. Earlier attempt caps were struck down by the Supreme Court of India. Any change in this policy would have to be notified officially, so candidates should still check the latest information bulletin each year. What is the NEET UG exam pattern? NEET UG is a pen-and-paper offline OMR exam. The broad pattern in recent years has been: Mode: Offline (OMR sheet) Duration: 3 hours 20 minutes Total questions: 200 (you can attempt any 180) Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology — 50 questions each Sections per subject: Section A: 35 questions (all attempted) Section B: 15 questions (attempt any 10) Marking scheme: +4 for each correct answer −1 for each incorrect answer 0 for unattempted questions Maximum marks: 720 Languages: English, Hindi and multiple regional languages (exact list notified by NTA each year) Note: The exact pattern, especially negative marking rules for any section, must be confirmed from the official NEET UG 2026 information bulletin, as NTA can revise details. What is the NEET PG exam pattern? NEET PG is a computer-based test (CBT). The usual pattern has been: Mode: Online CBT Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes Total questions: 200 MCQs (single best answer type) Syllabus: All pre-clinical, para-clinical and clinical MBBS subjects as per NMC curriculum Marking scheme: +4 for each correct answer −1 for each incorrect answer 0 for unattempted questions Maximum marks: 800 No sectional time limits NBEMS may modify the number of questions, duration or marking scheme, so always check the NEET PG 2026 information bulletin for final details. What score is needed to qualify NEET UG? NEET UG uses percentile-based qualifying criteria: General/EWS: 50th percentile SC/ST/OBC: 40th percentile General PwD (locomotor, as per NMC norms): 45th percentile The actual score (out of 720) corresponding to these percentiles changes every year depending on: Exam difficulty Number of candidates Overall performance distribution Qualifying NEET UG only makes you eligible for counselling; it does not guarantee a seat. Admission depends on All India Rank (AIR), category, and seat availability in different counselling rounds. What were the NEET UG 2025 qualifying cutoffs? Indicative qualifying cutoff scores in NEET UG 2025 (approximate): General category: around 164/720 OBC/SC/ST: around 129/720 These are approximate and provided only to give a rough idea of the level of marks that have corresponded to qualifying percentiles in a recent year. Actual qualifying and admission cutoffs for 2026 will depend on that year’s exam. Seat allotment cutoffs for MBBS/BDS in government and top private colleges are usually much higher than the basic qualifying scores. What happens after clearing NEET UG? Once you qualify NEET UG and participate in counselling, admissions happen through two main tracks: 1. All India Quota (AIQ) — MCC Conducted by Medical Counselling Committee (MCC). Covers: 15% of seats in government medical and dental colleges (AIQ seats). 100% of seats in deemed universities, central universities, AIIMS, JIPMER and certain other institutions, as notified. Open to candidates from any state (subject to specific institutional rules). 2. State Quota Counselling Conducted by respective state counselling authorities. Covers 85% of government college seats in that state (and most private college seats, as per state policy). Usually restricted by domicile/residency rules defined by each state. After seat allotment Once you are allotted a seat (AIQ or state quota): Download allotment letter from the counselling portal. Report to the allotted college within the specified time. Undergo document verification (NEET scorecard, admit card, Class 10 & 12 marksheets, category certificate, domicile, etc.). Pay fees and complete admission formalities. Begin your MBBS/BDS/AYUSH course. For MBBS, the typical structure is: Total duration: 5.5 years ~4.5 years of academic study 1 year compulsory rotating internship What happens after clearing NEET PG? After qualifying NEET PG and participating in counselling, admissions are broadly through: 1. All India Quota (AIQ) — MCC Conducted by MCC. Covers: 50% of all government medical college PG seats (MD/MS/PG Diploma) as AIQ seats. 100% of seats in central universities, deemed universities, ESIC, AFMS and other institutions as notified. 2. State Quota Counselling Conducted by state counselling authorities. Covers the remaining 50% of government PG seats and most private college PG seats, as per state rules. Course duration MD/MS programs: 3 years PG Diploma programs: 2 years (where still offered) You will undergo orientation, academic training, clinical postings, on-call duties and thesis/dissertation work (for MD/MS) as per NMC and university regulations. How do I choose a speciality after NEET PG? Your choice of speciality depends on a combination of: All India Rank (AIR) and category rank Seat availability in each round of counselling Your long-term career goals, interests and lifestyle preferences Broadly: High-demand branches like Radiology, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, General Medicine, Paediatrics and Anaesthesiology usually require better ranks. Surgical branches (e.g., General Surgery, Orthopaedics, ENT, Obstetrics & Gynaecology) also need strong ranks, especially in top colleges. During counselling: You can fill and lock your choices of course and college in order of preference. If you are allotted a seat, you may have options to accept and freeze, accept with upgrade option, or participate in further rounds, depending on the counselling rules. Upgradation, if allowed, lets you move to a better preferred seat in later rounds if your rank and vacancies permit. Always read the MCC and state counselling guidelines carefully for rules on resignation, upgradation, bond conditions and penalties. Will NEET PG be replaced? The National Medical Commission (NMC) has proposed the National Exit Test (NExT) as a common exam intended to: Serve as a licensing exam for MBBS graduates in India. Act as a PG entrance exam, replacing NEET PG. Replace FMGE for foreign medical graduates. However, NExT has faced multiple delays and implementation uncertainties. As of early 2026, the transition timeline and exact structure may still be evolving. Until NExT is officially implemented and NEET PG is formally discontinued through a government notification, NEET PG continues to be the standard entrance exam for MD/MS/PG Diploma admissions. Candidates should: Follow NMC, NBEMS and MoHFW notifications. Prepare for NEET PG pattern unless an official, detailed NExT schedule and syllabus are released for their batch. How should doctors issue prescriptions after completing MBBS? After you: Complete your MBBS and compulsory rotating internship, and Obtain permanent medical registration from NMC/State Medical Council, you are legally authorised to diagnose, treat and issue prescriptions (including digital prescriptions) within the scope of your training and applicable laws. Key points for issuing prescriptions in India: Include patient details (name, age, sex, date, contact if needed). Clearly write diagnosis/provisional diagnosis. Mention drug name, strength, dosage, frequency, route and duration. Add special instructions (before/after food, warnings, follow-up date). Sign with your name, qualification (MBBS), registration number and contact details. Using digital prescription platforms Digital tools can help you maintain proper records and share prescriptions securely. Platforms like Doctrust allow registered Indian doctors to: Generate legally compliant digital prescriptions. Maintain electronic medical records (EMR). Share prescriptions with patients via channels like WhatsApp. You can explore such platforms (for example, Doctrust) to streamline your practice and ensure your prescriptions are clear, stored safely and easily retrievable.