List of Medical Entrance Exams in India 2026 [Updated]: Is NExT Applicable?

Medical Entrance Exams in India 2026: The Complete List (UG, PG & Nursing)

Are you confused about which medical entrance exams you need to target for the 2026 academic session?

Good news for PG aspirants: The confusion regarding the NExT exam is over. With the National Medical Commission (NMC) officially deferring NExT to 2028/29, the roadmap for 2026 is crystal clear. NEET PG remains the single gateway for MD/MS admissions this year.

This guide provides the confirmed list of medical entrance exams in India for 2026, categorized by course level so you can plan your preparation without anxiety.

🔹 Medical Entrance Exams After Class 12 (UG) – 2026

1. NEET UG 2026 (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)

• Courses: MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS, and select B.Sc Nursing seats.

• Conducting Body: NTA (National Testing Agency)

• Confirmed Date: May 3, 2026 (First Sunday - Tentative)

• Mode: Offline (Pen & Paper)

• Why It's Critical: It is the only entrance exam for MBBS in India. No private college can conduct its own MBBS entrance.

2. CUET UG 2026 (Common University Entrance Test)

• Courses: B.Sc Biomedical, Life Sciences, B.Optom (in Central Universities like DU, BHU).

• Expected Date: May/June 2026

• Why It's Critical: The perfect backup plan if you want a career in healthcare (research/biotech) without being a doctor.

🔹 Medical Entrance Exams for Nursing – 2026

Nursing is now a high-competition sector. Do not rely solely on NEET UG scores; apply for these specific exams.

3. AIIMS B.Sc Nursing 2026

• Course: B.Sc (Hons.) Nursing.

• Eligibility: Only for Female candidates (PCB + English).

• Expected Date: June 2026

• Status: A separate exam conducted by AIIMS Delhi. It does not accept NEET scores.

4. State-Level Nursing CETs (Top Picks)

• MH B.Sc Nursing CET (Maharashtra)

• JENPAS UG (West Bengal)

• KGMU B.Sc Nursing (Uttar Pradesh)

• PGIMER Nursing (Chandigarh)

🔹 Medical Entrance Exams for PG (MD/MS) – 2026

Update: NExT is deferred. The following exams are confirmed for the 2026 session.

5. NEET PG 2026

• Purpose: Admission to MD, MS, PG Diploma, and DNB courses across India (Govt & Private).

• Status: CONFIRMED.

• Expected Date: August 2026 (Based on 2025 trends).

• Conducting Body: NBE (National Board of Examinations).

• Note: This will likely be the standard pattern (200 MCQs) as seen in previous years.

6. INI-CET 2026

• Institutes: AIIMS (All branches), JIPMER, PGIMER, NIMHANS.

• Sessions:

  • Jan Session: November 2025.

  • July Session: May 2026.

• Difficulty: Higher than NEET PG; focuses on clinical application.

🔹 Allied Health & "Hidden Gem" Exams

Don't put all your eggs in one basket. These exams usually have lower competition than NEET.

7. IPU CET 2026 (Indraprastha University, Delhi)

• Courses: BPT (Physiotherapy), BOT, BPO, B.Sc Nursing.

• Why Apply: Excellent government colleges in Delhi (VMMC, RML) often take students via this or NEET, but the IPU quota is valuable.

8. Manipal MET 2026

• Courses: Allied Health Sciences, B.Pharma, B.Sc Nursing at Manipal Academy of Higher Education.

• Mode: Online (Center-based).

📊 Quick Summary: The 2026 Exam Calendar

Exam Name	Level	Status for 2026	Expected Month
NEET UG	UG	Confirmed	May 2026
INI-CET	PG	Confirmed	May 2026
AIIMS Nursing	UG	Confirmed	June 2026
NEET PG	PG	Confirmed (NExT Postponed)	Aug 2026
NExT (MBBS)	PG	Deferred to 2028/29	N/A

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is NExT officially cancelled for 2026?

A: Yes, for the 2026 admission cycle, NExT is deferred. The NMC has indicated it will likely be implemented for the 2024 MBBS batch (graduating in 2028/29).

Q: Will NEET PG 2026 be difficult?

A: Since NExT is delayed, NEET PG 2026 is expected to follow the existing clinical-vignette pattern introduced by NBE. It will be competitive but familiar.

Q: Can boys apply for AIIMS Nursing?

A: No, AIIMS B.Sc (Hons) Nursing is for female candidates only. However, AIIMS Paramedical exams are open to all.

CTA

🏥 Plan B is Important: Want to know the best medical courses without NEET? Check the List of High-Salary Paramedical Careers

🎯 Targeting 650+ in NEET 2026? Don't study blindly. Download the Chapter-Wise Weightage Sheet for 2026