The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate), or NEET-UG 2026, is the scheduled 2026 iteration of a uniform entrance examination concept for admission to undergraduate medical courses in India. It is the single largest medical entrance examination in the country. The concept was first introduced in 2013, replacing the All India Pre-Medical Test (AIPMT), to establish a single standard for medical and dental education. Although initially declared unconstitutional and temporarily replaced by AIPMT in 2014 and 2015, NEET was reintroduced in 2016.
The exam is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), which has been responsible for the test since 2019, taking over from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The NTA's role is limited to conducting the test, declaring the result, and providing the All India Rank. NEET-UG 2026 is tentatively scheduled to be held on May 3, 2026. The exam is mandatory for admission to courses like MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH (BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS).
A major change occurred with the enactment of the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019, which established NEET-UG as the sole entrance test for all medical colleges, including institutions like AIIMS and JIPMER that previously held separate exams. This mandate is also reinforced by Section 14 of the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Act, 2020 for AYUSH courses. Counselling for 15% All India Quota seats is managed by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), while the remaining 85% state quota seats are handled by respective state admission committees.