NEET UG 2026: Exam likely to be held on 3rd or 10th May

There is less possibility of major changes in the syllabus

Millions of students are eagerly awaiting the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) 2026, the country’s largest and only medical entrance exam. Like every year, candidates are eager to know the expected exam date and any changes to the syllabus.

Based on past trends and expert opinions, the NEET UG 2026 exam is likely to be held on a Sunday in May. It is estimated that the exam may be held on 3 May or 10 May, 2026, while the possibility of any major changes to the syllabus is considered very unlikely.

Notification Released in February

The official notification for the NEET UG exam is usually released in February. The online registration process begins upon the release of the notification. The exam deadline, application fee, exam pattern, and other important guidelines are also shared. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has been conducting the exam following this pattern for the past several years.

Exam held on Sundays in May

If we look at the data from previous years, the NEET UG exam has mostly been held on Sundays in May.

In 2025, the exam was held on May 4th.
In 2024, the exam was held on May 5th.
In 2023, the exam was held on May 7th.
In 2022, the exam was held on May 8th.

Although May 1st in 2022 was also a Sunday, the exam was held on May 8th. Given this trend, it is believed that in 2026, the exam may be held on one of the first two Sundays of May, i.e., May 3rd and May 10th. According to experts, the exam is most likely to be held on May 3rd, 2026.

Millions of candidates await it

NEET UG is one of the most competitive exams in India. In 2025, over 22.76 lakh candidates registered for this exam. This exam is mandatory for admission to medical, dental, and other undergraduate medical courses. Therefore, every information related to the exam date and syllabus is extremely important for students.

No major changes expected in the syllabus

According to a career counseling expert at Allen Career Institute, the NEET UG syllabus is not often subject to major changes. Over the past five years, only minor revisions have been made. These have primarily included additions to practical knowledge sections, while minor sections have been removed from a limited number of topics.

He explained that keeping in mind the preparation of millions of students, the National Medical Commission (NMC) strives to maintain stability in the syllabus so that students do not have to constantly devise new strategies.

Significant changes occurred in 2024

The last major change to the NEET UG syllabus was in 2024. During the COVID-19 pandemic, NCERT rationalized the syllabus for grades 11 and 12. As part of this, some topics were reduced or removed.

In NEET UG 2024, the same removed topics were excluded from the exam, and questions related to practical knowledge were included. The 2024 and 2025 exams were based on a similar syllabus.

What do prospects say about the 2026 syllabus?

Experts believe that the NEET UG 2026 syllabus will remain the same as in 2024 and 2025. The National Medical Commission typically releases the syllabus four to five months before the exam. If any changes are to be made, they will be very limited and minor. Therefore, students are advised to focus on NCERT-based preparation.

What is the right strategy for students?

For students preparing for NEET UG 2026, this is the time to build a strong foundation. Since there is little chance of changes in the syllabus, it is important to thoroughly understand NCERT concepts in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Practicing previous year question papers also helps understand the exam pattern.

The NEET UG 2026 exam is likely to be held on 3 May or 10 May 2026, with 3 May being considered more likely. No major changes to the syllabus are expected. Therefore, students should focus on regular and syllabus-based preparation instead of paying attention to rumours. With the right strategy and consistent practice, success in this difficult exam is possible.

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Aabshar Hassan Quazi

Aabshar H. Quazi is a seasoned education writer associated with ALLEN Career Institute, where he crafts insightful blogs on competitive exam trends, student journeys, and academic guidance. With a background in journalism, Aabshar has worked as Principal Correspondent for Hindustan Times, honing his skills in storytelling, analysis, and impactful reporting. His writing blends credibility with clarity, making complex topics accessible for students and parents alike.