To become a medical practitioner, it is important to know the medical admission tests once one has finished their 12th year. These competitive tests are what determine admission to many medical schools in India, including MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and any other paramedical program. NEET is the primary entrance examination, with other medical exams also present, including postgraduate and state-level medical entrance exams.
Applicants can also consider taking the M.Ed. entrance exam in 2026, which matters when an individual has taken a Master of Education degree. This manual also covers the complete information about the upcoming medical entrance examination dates in India, the registration dates, the eligibility criteria, and the major government sites where official information is available.
Importance of Medical Entrance Exams
To gain admission to reputable medical institutions after the 12th grade, passing medical entrance exams is essential. These tough exams ensure that only qualified candidates are accepted into professional medical programs. The following are some major arguments in favor of focusing on these tests:
Admission to BDS, MBBS, AYUSH, and paramedical programs.
- The choice to undergo medical examinations other than NEET if required by the state or another entrance preference.
- The training of medical students for state and national exams.
- Well-structured evaluation processes that offer precise guidance for potential future career paths.
NEET 2026: National Medical Entrance Exam
In India, the most well-known medical admission exam is NEET (National Eligibility cum Admission Test).
- Registration for NEET 2026 will open in February 2026 (neet.nta.nic.in).
- Date of the planned NEET 2026 exam: May 3, 2026
Eligibility requirements include having completed physics, chemistry, biology/biotechnology, and English in the 12th grade and being at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026.
- Exam mode: Pen and paper, offline
- The physics, chemistry, and biology syllabus
- Date of NEET 2025 results: June 2025
In India, NEET is the main entrance exam for candidates wishing to enroll in undergraduate medical programs.
Other Medical Exams After 12th
Although NEET is the most common entrance examination, the following are other medical exams other than NEET:
- NEET PG- postgraduate medicine.
- NEET MDS - Dental postgraduate programs.
- NEET SS - Super specialty courses (DM/MCh).
- FMGE - Foreign Medical Graduate Examination.
- INI CET – AIIMS PG courses
- Medical entrance exam at the state level- Varied depending on the state.
- M.Ed. Entrance Test 2026- Master of Education candidates.
State-level medical entrance exams are updated via government portals such as ojee. nic.in especially in Odisha.
State-Level Medical Entrance Exams
To reserve spaces for local students, several states administer their own medical entrance exams at the state level. These tests offer opportunities to applicants who might not be eligible for NEET and are generally less competitive than national exams.
In Odisha, for instance, medical and paramedical admission exams are administered by OJEE (ojee.nic.in). In a similar vein, some states have specific websites for registration, exam results, and notifications.
Upcoming Medical Exams 2025–2026: Key Details
| Exam Name | Exam Date | Registration Date | Fee | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| NEET UG 2026 | 3 May 2026 (tentative) | Feb–March 2026 | ₹1700 (Gen), ₹1600 (OBC/SC/ST) | National level for MBBS/BDS/AYUSH (neet.nta.nic.in) |
| NEET PG 2026 | August 2026 | March–April 2026 | To be announced | For MD/MS/PG Diploma courses (mciindia.org) |
| NEET SS 2025–26 | 7–8 Nov 2025 | As per the schedule | As per NBEMS | For super specialty courses (DM/MCh) (nbems.nic.in) |
| AIIMS B.Sc / Nursing / Paramedical | 30 May 2026 | Check the AIIMS website | As per AIIMS | Admission for paramedical/nursing courses (aiimsexams.ac.in) |
| M.Ed Entrance Exam 2026 | Varies by University | Varies | Varies | For Master of Education students |
| State-Level Medical Exams | Varies by state | Varies | Varies | Check state portals (e.g., ojee.nic.in) |
Preparation Tips for Students
- Verify the required subjects and eligibility.
- Visit government websites such as ojee.nic.in and neet.nta.nic.in regularly.
- During the designated registration window, submit your application.
- Examine the recommended course material and take practice exams.
- Make sure you have all the required paperwork on hand, including your identity evidence, photos, and your 12th-grade grades.
- Pay close attention to exam results and counseling schedules.
FAQs
1. When will the NEET PG 2026 results be released?
ANS. The NEET PG 2026 results are expected to be released in September 2026, about a month after the exam. Students can check their results on the official website — natboard.edu.in.
2. What will be the cutoff marks in the NEET 2026?
ANS. The NEET 2026 cutoff marks will depend on exam difficulty and the number of candidates. Usually, it’s around the 50th percentile for General and the 40th percentile for SC/ST/OBC categories. Exact marks will be announced with the results on neet.nta.nic.in.
3. When will the NEXT exam replace NEET-PG?
ANS. The National Exit Test (NEXT) is expected to replace NEET-PG from 2026, but the official confirmation will come from the National Medical Commission (NMC). Keep checking nmc.org.in for updates.
4. Will there be a NEXT exam after MBBS?
ANS. Yes, after MBBS, students will need to clear the NEXT exam to get a medical license and apply for PG courses in India. It will act as both a licensing and an entrance exam.