The Two Timelines You Must Track: Original vs Re-Exam

The 2026 NEET UG cycle split into two distinct date sets after the Government cancelled the original exam on 12 May 2026. Any candidate who registered for the 3 May paper is automatically eligible for the 21 June re-examination without a fresh application. The schedule below separates the original timeline from the re-exam and counselling dates so you can anchor your preparation and logistics precisely. Note that while the re-exam is confirmed for 21 June, result and counselling dates remain provisional pending official NTA notifications; check neet.nta.nic.in for live updates.

NEET UG 2026: Original Exam Dates (3 May - Cancelled)

These dates reflect the initial cycle that was aborted after the leak surfaced. They remain relevant for understanding what you have already submitted and for any fee refund claims.

The registration fee structure for the original exam was ₹1,700 for General, ₹1,600 for EWS/OBC-NCL, and ₹1,000 for SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender. Foreign centre candidates paid ₹9,500 across all categories. No extra fee applies for the re-exam; if you paid earlier, you can claim a refund through the window notified by NTA.

If you need a refresher on the application steps or documents you already submitted, consult the NEET UG registration guide.

NEET UG 2026 Re-Examination Schedule (21 June)

After the cancellation on 12 May, NTA announced the fresh timeline on 15 May. Existing applications and fee payments remain fully valid. You will, however, get a new admit card; the 3 May admit card is no longer accepted.

The re-exam follows the same offline, pen-and-paper format with 180 compulsory questions and the same marking scheme (+4, -1). Carry the fresh admit card and a valid photo ID; no electronic devices are allowed. For a complete list of prohibited items and dress code specifics, refer to the NEET UG admit card guidelines.

NEET UG 2026 Counselling Round-Wise Dates

Counselling will start after the re-exam result, likely in August 2026. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) handles the 15% All India Quota (AIQ) for MBBS and BDS, while state authorities manage the 85% state quota separately. AYUSH counselling (BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS) is conducted by AACCC. The most detailed provisional MCC schedule, assembled from official patterns and the re-exam timeline, is shown below.

MCC AIQ Counselling for MBBS/BDS (Provisional)

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3 (Mop-up)

Stray Vacancy Round

All aspirants must note the NEET UG counselling page for rules around Float, Freeze, and resignation penalties. Missing a choice-locking deadline can forfeit your security deposit, so build a habit of locking well before the last hour.

NEET UG 2027 Expected Timeline

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced a shift to computer-based test (CBT) mode from 2027. However, no official NTA notification has confirmed the new format or the exact schedule. Based on the historical pattern of notification in early February and exam on the first Sunday of May, the tentative 2027 calendar would be:

Do not plan entirely around these dates. The government may also introduce an upper age limit or cap the number of attempts for the first time. Until the official bulletin lands at neet.nta.nic.in, bookmark the NEET UG eligibility and NEET UG syllabus pages for any structural changes.

Exam Day Reporting Timings (2026 and Re-Exam)

Both the original and re-exam follow the same reporting schedule, except the re-exam ends at 5:15 PM.

Arrive no later than 1:00 PM; any delay beyond 1:30 PM bars you from the hall under all circumstances.

Mapping Your Next Steps

With the re-exam result expected in late July, counselling will follow rapidly. If you score above the qualifying percentile but below your target, use the NEET UG college predictor tool to build a backup list, and keep the NEET UG cutoffs of the last three years handy while filling choices. The gap between result declaration and Round 1 registration is typically less than two weeks, so gather your Class X and XII mark sheets, category certificate, and 6-8 passport-size photos right after the paper.