The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has announced major updates for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET PG) 2026 through its latest information bulletin. The revised notification introduces changes to the exam pattern, examination centre selection process, registration timeline, application fees, and other important guidelines for candidates seeking admission to postgraduate medical programmes across India.
Among the most significant revisions is a reduction in the total number of multiple-choice questions, along with a new method for selecting preferred examination locations during the application process.
NEET PG 2026 Exam to Feature 180 MCQs Instead of 200
NBEMS has reduced the total number of questions in the NEET PG 2026 examination from 200 to 180 multiple-choice questions. According to the information bulletin, every question will provide four answer choices, and candidates must select the single most appropriate option.
Despite the reduction in questions, the examination will continue to evaluate candidates’ knowledge and understanding of subjects included in the medical curriculum through 180 multiple-choice questions.
Marking Scheme Remains Unchanged
The evaluation pattern for NEET PG 2026 has not been altered.
Candidates will receive:
- Four marks for every correct answer.
- A deduction of one mark for each incorrect response.
- No marks will be awarded or deducted for unanswered questions.
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NEET PG 2026 Exam Date and Timings
NBEMS has scheduled the NEET PG 2026 examination for August 30, 2026.
The examination will be conducted nationwide in a single shift, with the test scheduled from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
Registration Process Currently Open
Applications for NEET PG 2026 are currently being accepted through the official NBEMS website.
Candidates can complete the registration process by submitting their application forms on or before July 21, 2026, which is the last date specified in the information bulletin.
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Application Fee Details
NBEMS has also outlined the fee structure for the entrance examination.
Candidates belonging to the General, Other Backward Classes (OBC), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) categories must pay an application fee of ₹3,500.
Applicants from all other categories are required to pay ₹2,500 while submitting their application forms.
NBEMS Changes Examination Centre Selection Process
A major procedural change has been introduced for choosing examination locations.
Instead of selecting preferred examination cities, candidates will now have to choose three preferred states while completing the application form.
State Preference Rules Explained
Under the revised guidelines:
- The first preference must be the state corresponding to the candidate’s correspondence address mentioned in the application form.
- The second and third preferences should be neighbouring states.
NBEMS has clearly stated that once the application form has been submitted, candidates will not be allowed to change either their correspondence address or their selected state preferences at any stage, including during the application correction window.
Examination City Allocation No Longer Based on First-Come, First-Served
NBEMS has also clarified that examination cities for NEET PG 2026 will not be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis.
According to the board, the revised allocation system is intended to streamline the examination centre assignment process and achieve a more balanced distribution of candidates across the available test locations.
Conclusion
With the release of the NEET PG 2026 information bulletin, NBEMS has introduced several important changes that candidates should carefully review before applying. The reduction in the number of questions, revised examination centre selection process, confirmed examination schedule, and updated application guidelines are key developments that will shape this year’s admission process for postgraduate medical programmes.
