National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Post Graduate Overview
National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Post Graduate Overview
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Post Graduate (NEET PG) is the mandatory national-level entrance examination for medical graduates seeking admission to MD, MS, PG Diploma, and DNB programs across India.
Conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), NEET PG ensures a standardized and merit-based admission process for postgraduate medical education in government and private institutions.
Table of Contents
NEET PG 2026 Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – Post Graduate |
| Conducting Authority | NBEMS |
| Expected Exam Date | August 30, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Courses Covered | MD, MS, PG Diploma, DNB |
| Official Website | natboard.edu.in / nbe.edu.in |
NEET PG 2026 Registration Fees
| Category | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | 3,500 |
| SC / ST / PwD | 2,500 |
The registration fee must be paid online and is non-refundable.
NEET PG 2026 Eligibility Criteria
- Must possess an MBBS degree or provisional certificate from an NMC-recognized institution.
- Completion of compulsory rotatory internship by July 31, 2026 (tentative).
- Permanent or provisional registration certificate from NMC or State Medical Council.
- No upper age limit and no attempt restriction.
NEET PG 2026 Exam Pattern
- Total Questions: 200 MCQs
- Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Marking Scheme: +4 (Correct), -1 (Incorrect), 0 (Unattempted)
- Syllabus: 19 subjects from MBBS curriculum
- Format: Single-session Computer-Based Test
Institutes Exempted (INI-CET)
Certain Institutes of National Importance conduct their own entrance exam (INI-CET) instead of accepting NEET PG scores.
- AIIMS (All branches)
- JIPMER, Puducherry
- PGIMER, Chandigarh
- NIMHANS, Bengaluru
- SCTIMST, Thiruvananthapuram
NEET PG 2026 FAQs
Is NEET PG compulsory for admission to postgraduate medical courses in India?
Yes, NEET PG is mandatory for MD, MS, PG Diploma, and DNB courses. All recognized medical colleges follow this exam. Only INI-CET institutes are exempt.
Who conducts the NEET PG examination every year?
NEET PG is conducted by NBEMS. It manages the exam process and result declaration. Counselling is conducted by MCC.
How many questions are there in NEET PG?
The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions. The duration is 3 hours and 30 minutes. All MBBS subjects are covered.
Is there negative marking in NEET PG?
Yes, one mark is deducted for each incorrect answer. Each correct answer carries four marks. Unattempted questions carry zero marks.
Is there an attempt limit for NEET PG?
There is no fixed attempt limit. Candidates can appear multiple times if eligible. No upper age restriction is prescribed.
What is the internship completion requirement for NEET PG 2026?
Candidates must complete their internship by July 31, 2026. Proof is required during counselling. Failure to complete disqualifies eligibility.
Do AIIMS and JIPMER accept NEET PG scores?
No, these institutes conduct INI-CET. NEET PG scores are not valid for INI admissions. Separate application is required.
What is considered a competitive score in NEET PG?
Scores above 550 are generally competitive. Top specializations require higher ranks. Cut-offs vary yearly.