NEET 2026 sees modest rise in applicants, big jump in MBBS seats likely

NEW DELHI: Registrations for NEET (UG) 2026 have inched up by around 3,000 candidates compared to last year, even as a significant expansion in MBBS seats is expected for the upcoming academic session, offering a potential easing of pressure in one of the country’s most competitive entrance exams. The National Testing Agency (NTA) had issued admit cards for 22,79,743 candidates, of which over 99% were allocated their first-choice exam city, marking the start of the final phase of preparations.Last year saw 22.76 lakh registrations against around 1.29 lakh MBBS seats. According to sources in the National Medical Commission (NMC), a large number of fresh applications have been received to start new MBBS courses, along with proposals from existing medical colleges to increase seat capacity. “There will be a substantial increase in seats. The exact numbers are likely to be announced in the coming days,” a source said. Apart from MBBS, admissions to courses such as Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), Ayurveda, Unani and Siddha are also conducted through NEET, though the primary competition remains centred on MBBS.The exam, scheduled for May 3, will be conducted in a single shift across the country. Candidates can download their admit cards from the official NEET portal. This year, NTA has allocated 99.2% of candidates their first-choice exam city, a move aimed at easing travel and logistical stress. The total number of exam centres remains broadly similar to last year, with 5,446 centres identified for 2026.Candidates were asked to provide three preferred exam cities during registration, based on which allotments were made. The NTA said nearly all candidates have been accommodated in their preferred locations. The exam city intimation slip was issued on April 12, giving students advance clarity on their assigned centres.NEET consistently records one of the highest attendance rates among national entrance exams. In 2025, about 22.09 lakh candidates appeared for the test, of whom 12.36 lakh qualified. Officials said attendance typically ranges between 97% and 98%. With over 99% of candidates receiving their first-choice exam city this year, the attendance rate could see a further uptick.Acknowledging the high levels of stress associated with medical entrance exams, the NTA has issued an advisory urging students to prioritise mental well-being. It emphasised that no examination is more important than life and encouraged candidates to seek help if they feel overwhelmed. Students can access free counselling services through Tele-MANAS, the government’s 24×7 national mental health helpline, by calling 14416 or 1-800-891-4416. The service offers support in multiple languages.As the exam approaches, the focus now shifts to execution, with authorities banking on improved logistics and higher seat availability to ease pressure in one of India’s most competitive entrance tests.