The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has announced a major overhaul of the NEET PG 2026 Exam Pattern Revised. Alongside the release of the official Information Bulletin and the opening of registrations on July 1, 2026 the board has introduced significant changes, including a reduced number of questions, a new time-bound sectional format and a revised exam centre allocation process.
NEET PG 2026 to Feature 180 Questions
One of the most notable changes is the reduction in the total number of questions. Unlike previous years, where candidates answered 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), NEET PG 2026 will consist of 180 MCQs. Each question will carry four answer options, with candidates required to select the most appropriate response.
Although the number of questions has been reduced, the total exam duration remains 210 minutes (3 hours and 30 minutes). This gives candidates an average of 70 seconds per question, compared to approximately 63 seconds in previous editions. Consequently, the maximum score has also been reduced from 800 to 720 marks.
New Sectional Exam Format Introduced
For the first time, NEET PG will be conducted in a time-locked sectional format. The examination will be divided into five sections (Groups A, B, C, D, and E) with 36 questions in each section.
Join NEET PG News 2026 Candidates will have 42 minutes to complete each section. They will not be allowed to move to the next section before the allotted time ends, nor will they be able to revisit or modify answers once a section has been submitted or its time expires.
Marking Scheme Remains Unchanged
Despite the revised exam pattern, the marking scheme remains the same:
- +4 marks for every correct answer
- -1 mark for every incorrect answer
- No marks for unanswered questions
Exam Centre Selection Process Updated
NBEMS has also changed the exam centre selection process. Instead of selecting preferred cities, candidates must now choose three preferred states while filling out the application form.
The first preference must match the candidate’s correspondence address, while the second and third preferences should be neighbouring states. The board has clarified that exam centres will not be allotted on a first-come, first-served basis this year.
Candidates should note that once the application is submitted, neither the correspondence address nor the selected state preferences can be changed, even during the correction window.
Important Dates for NEET PG 2026
- Registration Opens: July 1, 2026
- Last Date to Apply: July 21, 2026 (11:55 PM)
- Exam Date: August 30, 2026
- Exam Timing: 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM
- Exam Mode: Computer-Based Test (CBT)
NBEMS has advised candidates to complete their applications before the deadline, as no late submissions will be accepted.
NMC Advises Candidates to Ignore Rumours
Following the announcement of the revised pattern, several aspirants expressed concerns over the new sectional format and other changes. Responding to these concerns, NMC Chairperson Dr. Abhijat Sheth assured students that the examination would be conducted in a secure and transparent manner. He also urged candidates to rely only on official notifications and avoid misinformation, agents, or unauthorized consultants.
