NEET PG 2026 Exam Pattern Revised: Check New Question Pattern & Key Changes

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has started the registration for NEET PG from 1st June 2026. Along with that, NBEMS has also introduced some changes in the NEET PG 2026 exam pattern. According to the information bulletin released by the NBEMS, the total number of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) has been reduced from 200 to 180. NBEMS has reduced the number of questions to provide more time to students so that they can complete their exam effectively within the timeframe.

Along with the reduction of MCQs, NBEMS has also ensured that the exam duration, marking scheme, and section timings remain the same. Each question will consist of 4 response options, and applicants need to select the correct answer. With the revised pattern, the maximum marks have also been reduced from 800 to 720.

Candidates who want to appear for the NEET PG entrance exam can complete the registration till July 21, 2026. In addition to this, the NBEMS will conduct the NEET PG 2026 entrance exam on 30th August 2026, in a single shift from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM in CBT mode in the designated centres across the country.

NEET PG 2026 Exam Pattern Key Highlights

For the NEET PG 2026, NBEMS has revised the exam pattern by reducing the total number of questions from 200 to 180. This will benefit the candidates, as they have to attempt fewer questions while there is no change in the duration of the exam. The exam will continue to be conducted in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode and will be available only in English. Another important change is the introduction of five time-bound sections. The table below compares the previous exam pattern with the revised NEET PG 2026 exam pattern:

No Change in the Marking Scheme of NEET PG 2026

With the change in the exam pattern in the NEET PG 2026, the NBEMS has made it clear that there will be no change in the Marking scheme. Applicants can check the marking scheme for the NEET PG 2026 from below. 

• Correct Answer: +4 marks

• Incorrect Answer: -1 mark

• Unanswered Question: No marks awarded or deducted

Why do these Changes Matter?

The section-wise format will continue in NEET PG 2026, with the exam divided into five sections. Each section will have a fixed duration of 42 minutes, and candidates will not be allowed to move to the next section before the timer ends or revisit a completed section. 

Although the total number of questions has been reduced from 200 to 180, the overall exam duration remains 3 hours and 30 minutes. As a result, candidates will have slightly more time to answer each question, which may help them focus on accuracy and analytical thinking. 

Important Guidelines for Candidates 

NBEMS has also released some guidelines that are mandatory for the applicants to follow. Applicants can check the important guidelines below. 

• The exam city allocation will not be done on a first-come, first-served basis. Candidates can select only three preferred states at the time of the NEET PG 2026 registration process. 

• Applicants need to pay the registration fees, which are INR 3,500 for General, EWS, and OBC categories. For other categories, the registration fee is INR 2,500. 

• Candidates must provide the correct Aadhar Card details during registration.