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The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET PG) is a crucial exam for medical aspirants seeking admission to postgraduate medical courses in India. Conducted by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS), the exam tests candidates across pre-clinical, para-clinical, and clinical subjects from the MBBS curriculum.
This article covers the NEET PG 2026 exam pattern in detail, including the marking scheme, subject-wise distribution, and exam schedule, to help you prepare effectively.
NEET PG 2026 Key Dates:
- Exam Date: 30 August 2026 (as notified by NBEMS)
- Result: Expected mid-September 2026
Overview of NEET PG 2026 Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam format is essential for effective preparation. Here is an overview of the key features of NEET PG 2026:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of the Examination | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Medium of the Examination | English (only) |
| Duration of the Examination | 3.5 hours |
| Total Marks | 800 |
| Number of Questions | 200 |
| Type of Questions | Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) |
| Negative Marking | Yes, -1 per incorrect answer |
| Marks per Correct Answer | +4 |
| Marks per Incorrect Answer | -1 |
| Number of Shifts | Single shift (since 2024, as per Supreme Court directive) |
| Subjects Covered | Pre-clinical, Clinical, and Para-clinical |
| Question Paper Sections | 3 sections (Pre-clinical, Clinical, Para-clinical) |
| Exam Conducted By | NBEMS (National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences) |
| Exam Date (2026) | 30 August 2026 |
| Result (2026) | Expected mid-September 2026 |
Understanding the NEET PG 2026 Exam Pattern
The NEET PG exam pattern is structured to assess candidates' proficiency in medical subjects through a computer-based test. Here is a detailed breakdown of the exam pattern, including the marking scheme and subject-wise weightage.
- Mode of the Examination: NEET PG 2026 is conducted online, using a computer-based testing format. Candidates are encouraged to practise with NEET PG mock tests to familiarise themselves with this mode.
- Medium of the Examination: The test is available exclusively in English, with no regional language options.
- Duration of the Examination: The exam lasts for 3.5 hours.
- Shifts: NEET PG is conducted in a single shift, following the Supreme Court directive implemented from 2024 onwards.
- Total Number of Questions: The NEET PG exam consists of 200 questions divided into three sections. The subject-wise distribution is detailed below.
Subject-wise Distribution
Part A (Pre-clinical)
| Subject | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Anatomy | 16 |
| Physiology | 16 |
| Biochemistry | 13 |
| Total for Part A | 45 |
Part B (Para-clinical)
| Subject | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Pathology | 17 |
| Pharmacology | 13 |
| Microbiology | 13 |
| Forensic Medicine | 17 |
| Social and Preventive Medicine | 5 |
| Total for Part B | 65 |
Part C (Clinical)
| Subject | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| General Medicine (Including Dermatology & Venereology & Psychiatry) | 30 |
| General Surgery (Including Orthopaedics, Anaesthesia, and Radiodiagnosis) | 30 |
| Obstetrics and Gynaecology | 20 |
| Paediatrics | 3 |
| ENT | 3 |
| Ophthalmology | 3 |
| Total for Part C | 90 |
Marking Scheme
Understanding the marking scheme is crucial for an effective exam strategy. Here is how marks are awarded and deducted:
| Response Type | Marks Awarded |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +4 |
| Incorrect Answer | -1 |
| No Response (Unanswered) | 0 |
NEET PG 2026 Exam Day Schedule
NEET PG 2026 is conducted in a single shift. Here is the exam day schedule:
| Event | Session | Exam Starts | Exam Ends |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam | Morning (Single Shift) | 9:00 AM | 12:30 PM |
For the most up-to-date schedule, admit card details, and admit card download instructions, always refer to the official NBEMS website (natboard.edu.in).
Understanding the NEET PG 2026 exam pattern is crucial for medical aspirants aiming to secure a seat in postgraduate medical courses. By familiarising yourself with the total marks, marking scheme, and subject-wise question distribution, you can effectively plan your preparation.
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