The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has announced the opening of NEET-PG 2026 registrations with significant changes to the exam pattern. The total number of questions has been reduced from 200 to 180, now divided into five sections of 36 multiple-choice questions each, with 42 minutes allocated per section.
Registration Timeline and Fee Structure
Online applications will be accepted from July 1, 2026, to July 21, 2026, providing a 20-day window for candidates. The examination is scheduled for August 30, 2026. The application fee is set at ₹3,500 for General, OBC, and EWS categories, while SC, ST, and PwBD candidates pay ₹2,500. The fee is non-refundable.
Eligibility Criteria and Internship Deadline
Candidates must hold an MBBS degree and possess NMC registration. Additionally, they must complete their internship by September 30, 2026, to be eligible for the exam.
Answer Key Transparency
In a move to enhance transparency, NBEMS will publish the answer key along with recorded responses. Corrections will be made for technically incorrect questions, ensuring fairness in the evaluation process.
Key Statistics at a Glance
- Question reduction: From 200 to 180
- Registration window: 20 days (July 1 to July 21, 2026)
- Exam fee for general category: ₹3,500
- Exam date: August 30, 2026
- Internship cut-off: September 30, 2026
These changes aim to streamline the examination process and reduce the burden on candidates while maintaining rigorous standards for postgraduate medical admissions.
