Lakhs of students appear in the NEET UG exam every year. It is the toughest medical entrance exam in India for admission into MBBS, BDS, and other medical courses. The National Testing Agency (NTA) often implement a few changes to improve the process and ensure fairness. Major changes are also expected in NEET 2026. It may affect your application and preparation journey. The basic NEET structure may remain the same. However, a few updates regarding the exam pattern, application process, and evaluation criteria may be announced soon. Let’s discuss major changes expected in NEET 2026 on this page.
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Major Changes Expected in NEET 2026
The NEET 2026 exam will not be transformed completely. But the exam is expected to focus more on skills rather than rote memorisation. The marking scheme and syllabus are likely to be the same. Some changes can be related to test city allotment, tight security, and more logic-based questions. These all changes can make the process fair. Candidates are strictly advised to check the official website for all the latest updates. The information shared on this page is purely based on assumptions. Continue reading to know more about the major changes expected in NEET 2026.
NEET Exam Pattern and Mode of Test
A major expected change in NEET 2026 is the shift from offline to online mode. Presently, the NEET UG is a pen-and-paper mode test. Sources indicate that NEET-UG may shift to a Computer-Based Test (CBT) from 2026 due to past paper leaks and exam irregularities. This will make the process quick and secure. But this may create obstacles for rural area students who lack access to computers or a quick internet.
Same Question Count and Marking Scheme
The total number of questions is likely to remain the same, which is 180. It will comprise Physics, Chemistry, Biology (Botany & Zoology). The marking scheme will also be the same: +4 marks for every correct response and -1 mark for every incorrect choice. NEET 2026 may expect changes in exam duration. But this news is not officially confirmed.
Major Change in Test City Allocation
The NTA has released major changes in the exam centre allotment. Until now, candidates could select up to three preferred cities while filling out the application form. From the 2026-27 session, candidates will not get to choose their test cities for JEE, NEET, and CUET-UG. The test centres will be allotted based on the Aadhaar Card address. This will increase the transparency and reduce fraud.
Syllabus and Question Style
The NEET 2026 syllabus may remain the same as in 2025. It will continue to cover three subjects. They are Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany & Zoology). There is no official announcement on the addition of any new chapters or subjects. But the exam may have more concept and reasoning-based questions. Students should focus more on grasping concepts rather than just memorising.
Increased Security and Fairness Measures
Increased Security and Fairness Measures can be the major changes expected in NEET 2026. You can expect tighter security in the NEET 2026 exam. There have been concerns about paper leaks and impersonation in recent years. Thus, NTA is likely to implement strict measures to handle any kind of fraud or error in the NEET 2026 exam. This may include stronger biometric checks and better surveillance in exam halls.
Application and Eligibility Rules
The NEET eligibility criteria are expected to be the same. Candidates must have passed the 12th standard with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English. They should be 17 years old when applying for the exam. The exam city will be based on your Aadhaar card. You must make sure all details in their application and documents match. Even a minor mistake can cause verification issues. This may prevent you from appearing in the exam. Candidates from reserved categories should have a valid caste certificate issued by a competent authority.
What Students Should Do Now
Aspirants should commence their preparation after considering the major changes expected in NEET 2026. They should integrate only the latest syllabus and books in their strategy. This can maximise their chances of scoring well in the exam. Look at the few tips and tricks to excel in the NEET 2026:
- Review the NEET syllabus 2026 thoroughly. It will help you discover relevant topics.
- Refer to the new editions of the NCERT books. This enables you to stay on track during the preparation.
- Understand the concepts of all the topics instead of memorising.
- Analyse previous year papers of the last 10 years. It helps you understand question types and recurring topics.
- Prepare notes for all the topics for the quick revision.
- Check the official website for all the latest announcements.
