NEET-PG: The Mandatory Entrance for MD, MS, and PG Diploma Courses
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-PG) is the single, centralized, national-level examination for admission to all Doctor of Medicine (MD), Master of Surgery (MS), and PG Diploma programs across India’s government and private medical colleges. Mandated by the National Medical Commission (NMC), the NEET-PG score is the sole pathway to secure a specialized postgraduate medical seat, replacing all previous state and institutional-level PG entrance exams.
NEET-PG Exam Overview (Postgraduate Medical Specialties)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-PG) |
| Conducting Body | National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) |
| Purpose | Admission to MD, MS, and PG Diploma courses in all medical colleges (except AIIMS, JIPMER, etc., which have separate exams). |
| Acceptance | All state, central, and private medical colleges and universities. |
| Mode of Exam | Computer-Based Test (CBT) (Online) |
| Official Website | nbe.edu.in |
NEET-PG 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility for the NEET-PG exam is strictly limited to medical graduates who have completed the necessary professional training.
Educational Qualification: Candidates must possess an MBBS degree (or equivalent provisional/permanent certificate) from a recognized medical college.
Internship Completion: Mandatory completion of the one-year rotating compulsory internship by the date specified in the official notification.
MCI/SMC Registration: Candidates must possess Provisional or Permanent Registration with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or a State Medical Council (SMC).
Age Limit/Attempts: There is no upper age limit and generally no restriction on the number of attempts for NEET-PG.
NEET-PG Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The NEET-PG pattern is designed to test the comprehensive medical knowledge acquired throughout the MBBS curriculum, covering all 19 subjects.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Duration | 3 Hours 30 Minutes (210 minutes) |
| Total Questions | 200 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Medium | English only |
| Syllabus | Based on the competencies expected from an MBBS graduate across all 19 subjects. |
| Marking Scheme | Details |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +4 Marks |
| Incorrect Answer | -1 Mark (Negative Marking) |
| Unattempted | 0 Marks |
| Total Score | 800 Marks |
The Importance of the NEET-PG Score
The NEET-PG score and the resulting All India Rank (AIR) are crucial for several reasons:
MD/MS Seats: It is the foundational requirement for counseling for 50% All India Quota (AIQ) seats and 50% State Quota seats in government medical colleges.
DNB & PG Diploma: The score is also used for admission to Diplomate of National Board (DNB) and PG Diploma courses.
Specialization: The rank obtained determines the specialization (e.g., Radiology, Medicine, Surgery) and the institution a candidate can choose.