NEET PG 2026 Preparation Tips & Strategy from Toppers

National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Post-Graduation 2025 ( NEET PG )

DeskCalelnderCounselling - 15 Jan '26 - 26 Jan '26

Mukul Kumar Mishra
Updated on Dec 26, 2025 16:58 IST

By Mukul Kumar Mishra

NEET PG 2026 preparation needs dedication and hard work. It comprises planning, strategies, and several tips pertaining to preparation for NEET PG 2026 which enables candidates to score well in the exam. The preparation for NEET PG starts the day when one enters the campus of their undergraduate medical college. Whatever is taught to them during the four and half years of MBBS, and more is a part of NEET PG syllabus. However, the preparation of NEET PG includes a variety of topics. NEET PG 2026 exam is expected to be held in August 2026. 

Candidates need to go through with every subject and prepare topic-wise notes. Once candidates finish the subjects of the syllabus, they need to scale up preparation through the regular practice of mock tests and revision. The previous year's question paper also needs to be checked to get an idea about the topic-wise weightage of questions. The first thing a candidate must check, before starting their NEET PG 2026 preparation, is the eligibility criteria for the examination. Only once they know whether or not they are eligible, they must start their preparation for NEET PG 2026. The article comprises different aspects of NEET PG preparation tips and strategies. 

 

 

Table of contents
  • NEET PG Preparation: Different Steps
  • NEET PG Preparation: For Exam Day
  • NEET PG preparation: Question Papers and Mock Tests
  • Understanding NEET PG pattern
  • NEET PG 2026 Preparation: FAQs
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NEET PG Preparation: Different Steps

There are basically three steps for NEET PG exam preparation. These have been explained below:

NEET PG Preparation: Before you Start 

NEET PG 2026 preparation require students to know the syllabus and the exam pattern properly. Students must know there is a provision of negative marking for incorrect answers in NEET PG.

NEET PG Preparation: When to Start?

There is no such formula or fix pattern which ensures yout to get good ranking in the exam. However, the earlier you begin, the easier the preparation becomes. There are many advantages of starting the preparation of NEET PG while you are still in college. One of the major advantages is that notes can be prepared during this time, saving a lot of time and effort later.

NEET PG Preparation: Where to Begin?

The strategy is different for different individual as they could be at various stages of life. They may be pursuing their internship, while others may have started working. There are also candidates who have taken a complete year off for the preparation of NEET PG 2026. The strategy for each of these candidates will be different. Click on the relevant link given below to know the preparation strategy for NEET PG 2026.

  Also Read:
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How difficult is the NEET PG?
A: 

NEET PG is a higher-level exam with a high level of competition. The NEET PG exam syllabus is extensive and covers all 19 subjects that a medico studies during the MBBS. The student's preparation time is also limited, and they must balance coursework and an internship.

This leaves little to no time to prepare for the NEET PG. A student works an internship at a hospital before the NEET PG exam, and the shifts are unpredictable. A lack of preparation time combined with intense competition makes NEET PG a difficult nut to crack. At the same time, it is not impossible task to score well in the exam. Candidates only need proper preparation, planning, and consistent efforts. What matters is that you believe in yourself and work towards your goal.

Q:   Can I crack NEET PG in first attempt?
A: 

Yes, one can crack NEET PG exam in first attempt if he/she studies with proper planning and strategies. Though it is little difficult, but not impossible. It must be noted, NEET PG is one of the toughest medical exams, so candidates need to know in and out of each subject. First of all complete all the subjects throughly, focusing on concepts. Clear your doubts with seniors or experts. Appear in mock test regularly to take stock of the situation and plan accordingly. At least 2 revision is must before exam. Do refer last few year question papers, to understand weightage from each subjects. 

Q:   Is coaching necessary to get top rank in NEET PG?
A: 

No. Candidates can get good rank in NEET PG without coaching also. What is needed is disciplined study routine, proper planning and strategies. Devote time on concept building. Do prepare each topic of NEET PG syllabus throughly. Allot specific hour for each subjects and try to complete whole syllabus 2 months before the exam. Practice through mock test and previous year question paper. Seek help of seniors in case of doubt. Rememeber, NEET PG is one of the toughest exams, so don't leave any single unturned in preparation. 

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NEET PG Preparation: For Exam Day

Exam day is when all the hard work is put to test. There is no scope of any small mistake on D-day. The first tip for NEET PG 2026 exam day is to stay calm. A calm and positive mind will be able to think clearly and recall the information faster. One will also notice that they are able to solve the questions with higher accuracy in a calm state.

Read More:

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Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is NEET PG 2026 exam date?
A: 

NEET PG 2026 exam is expected to be held in August 2026. Candidates have to apply online to submit application form for NEET PG exam. Registration is mandatory to submit application for NEET PG. NBE will release dates and other crucial details such as application process, elligibility criteria, exam pattern etc along with the official brochure. Exam will be held computer-based.

Q:   How do I prepare for NEET PG exam?
A: 

NEET PG is a national level entrance test through which the admission is offered into post-graduate medical courses. Being the national level entrance test, the exam is not an easy nut to crack. Applicants will have to study and know the syllabus well in order to do well in the entrance examination. In the article below some important tips and tricks are being provided to the candidates preparing for the NEET PG. Following are some points which can be kept in mind- 1. Don’t spend too much time on medicine as there are just 21 MCQs from there. 2. The first and second part subjects are probably more important as most people don’t study them. 3. Give online tests; virtually wherever you find a chance. 4. Keep your mind cool on the day of the exam! Be rest assured that you will clear the exam if you have worked hard for it. 5. Do not just mug up guide books' answers.

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NEET PG preparation: Question Papers and Mock Tests

An essential part of NEET PG preparation is solving mock tests. Candidates must also refer to the NEET PG question papers of the previous years. This will give them a fair understanding of the exam pattern and help them develop a habit of solving MCQ-based questions. The question papers of previous years’ will also help them understand the difficulty level of the examination.

 
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What books should I use for the NEET PG preparation, with the specified MCQ books?
A: 

A list of NEET PG books for MCQs: 1- Self Assessment & Review Microbiology Immunology Revision at a Glance by Chaurasia. 2- Self Assessment and Review of Short Subjects Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) & Orthopaedics Vol-II by Arvind Arora 3- Self Assessment & Review of Paediatrics by Arvind Arora 4- Review of Pharmacology by Gobind Rai Garg, Sparsh Gupta 5- Orthopaedics Quick Review by Apurv Mehra 6- DAMS Review of Radiology-Eighth Edition by Dr. Summer K Sethi 7- AIIMS PGMEE Solutions by Ashish Gupta, Admit Tripathi 8- New Across: A Complete Review of Short Subjects (Set of 3 Volumes) (PGMEE) by Anurag Shukla and Saumya Shukla. 

Q:   How many hours should I study per day to crack NEET PG?
A: 

Candidates expect to devote many hours to crack any competitive exams. This rule applies in NEET exam also. Candidates have to devote serious 5-7 hours daily to prepare the exam throughly. Experts belive candidates should utilize this time with proper planning. They should have strategies in place how to use these hours to cover in and out of every topic of NEET PG syllabus. Some candidates may require more time than daily than others and this may depends on many factors especially where they actually stand before starting preparation.

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Understanding NEET PG pattern

Students who want to appear for NEET PG exam, should have idea about exam pattern so that they can prepare accordingly. NEET PG preparation helps studnets in planning and making strategies. NEET PG pattern comprises details about weightage from each subject. Once they get to know which subject has high weightage in exam, students devote more time to tham. In addition, students get to know difficulty level of NEET PG question paper as well. 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Can NEET PG be cracked by studying at home?
A: 

Yes. NEET PG can be cracked by self preparation at home. But it needs well-planned strategies in place. Candidates will have to put a lot of hard work and dedication. Candidates will have to revise everything that has been taught during the 4.5 years of MBBS degree course. Some of the tips for NEET PG preparation at home have been provided below:

  • Go through the syllabus first
  • Know the paper pattern and marking scheme
  • Start with basics
  • Prepare a time table and stick to it
  • Make notes and highlight important information
  • Seek advice from a mentor
  • Register for mock tests and test series
  • Satellite lectures for difficult topics
  • Regular revision

 

Q:   Which part is difficult in NEET PG syllabus?
A: 

As such no section is easy in NEET PG syllabus. Some candidates may find clinical section easy while others may perceive para clinical as difficult. In reality, all the three sections clinical pre and para clinical are equally difficult and candidates have to devote good amount of time to prepare in and out of every subjects. It must be noted, a good number of questions are clinical based, so this section holds huge importance.

Some topics of pre and para clinical are utmost important as lots of questions are from them. Point is candidates should prepare all three sections in such manner so that 90 percent questions can be answered easily. Last year, clinical section was difficult in comparision to other two sections.

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NEET PG 2026 Preparation: FAQs

Check some of the FAQs related to NEET PG 2026 preparation here:

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   How many sections comprise NEET PG syllabus?
A: 

NEET PG syllabus mainly comprises three sections, Pre Clinical, Para clinical, and Clinical. Each section comprises different subjects which have to be prepared well to qualify NEET PG exam. The pre clinical subjects include anatomy, physiology and biochemistry. To cover para clinical section, candidates have to prepare subjects such as pharmacology, microbiology, pathology, forensic medicine, social and preventive medicine. Clinical part comprises subjects such as medicine, dermatology and venereology surgery, orthopaedics and anaesthesia, radiodiagnosis, obstetrics, gynaecology, paediatrics, and ophthalmology ENT.

Q:   Will there be negative marking in the NEET PG exam?
A: 

Yes. Mark is deducted for each wrong answer in NEET PG. For each right answer, candidates get 4 marks and for each wrong answer, 1 mark is deducted. As there is provision of the negative marking in exam, students are advised to answer only those questions where they feel confidence of right answer.

Q:   Can I opt for Hindi in NEET PG exam?
A: 

No. There is no option of any other language other than English. According to the existing NEET PG pattern, the exam is conducted in English language only. While NEET exam is conducted in 13 languages, NEET PG is conducted in only one language. NBE releases exam pattern along with the official information brochure. According to existing exam pattern, the exam is conducted in computer-based mode. Total 200 multiple choice questions are asked of 800 marks. Total allotted time for the question paper is 3.5 hours.

Q:   Will there be some changes in NEET PG 2026 pattern?
A: 

There is least chance National Board of Examinations (NBE) will make some changes in NEET PG 2026 pattern. The exam pattern is released along with the official information brochure online. The exam pattern comprises crucial details pertaining to exam including mode, medium, total number of questions, their type, and marking scheme.

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NEET PG Exam

Student Forum

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Answered 2 days ago

The University College of Medical Sciences NEET PG Cutoff 2025 was released for admission to the MD and MS courses for all categories under the All India category. The cutoff for all courses ranged from 164 to 59585 for the General AI category in the last round. Among all the courses, the most sough

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Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

The Shivaji University NEET PG Cutoff 2025 was released till Round 2 for all categories under the All India quota. For the General AI category, the cutoff ranged from 5391 to 93592 for admission to the , wherein MD in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and MS in ENT were t

...Read more

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Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

Yes. MCC announced round-3 NEET PG 2025 counselling dates and schedule on January 15, 2026. Revised schedule was announced after reduction of NEET PG 2025 cutoff percentile. Registration for round-3 can be done from January 15 till January 26, 2026. Students will have to register and declare choice

...Read more

A

Abhishek Divya

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 5 days ago

MCC reduces NEET PG cutoff to fill vacant seats remain after starting two rounds. It is being said students who score top rank wish to get top branches and colleges and they do get usually in round-1 and round-2 NEET PG counselling. Once these coveted seats get filled, students have least chance to

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Pragati Saxena

Beginner-Level 5

Answered 6 days ago

Yes. MCC has reduced NEET PG 2025 cutoff percentile as well as score for each category. NEET PG 2025 percentile has bene reduced by 7th percentile for general category and 0th percentile for SC/ST category. For general category revised cutoff score is 103.

A

Abhishek Shukla

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a week ago

The Bundelkhand University NEET PG Cutoff 2025 was released for all categories under the All India quota. For the OBC AI category, the Round 2 closing cutoff ranged from 4595 to 122734, wherein MD in General Medicine was the toughest course for admission. On the other hand, the easiest course for ad

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The Bundelkhand University NEET PG Cutoff 2025 was released till Round 2 for all categories under the All India quota. According to the last round closing cutoff in Round 2, the cutoff ranged from 1390 to 39189, wherein the easiest and the hardest course for admission for the General category studen

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N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

The HPU University NEET PG Cutoff 2025 has been released for admission to MD and MS courses for all categories under the All India quota till Round 2. For the General AI category candidates, the cutoff in Round 2 ranged from 205 to 97725, wherein MD in General Medicine was the most-sought after cour

...Read more

N

Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Most likley. MCC will begin round-3 registration for NEET PG 2025 counselling in second week of January 2026. Registration has to be done at official website, mcc.nic.in. Registration will be followed by choice filling and seat allotment result. MCC will release a seaparate PDF for each round of sea

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K

Kritika Sharma

Beginner-Level 5

Answered a week ago

The Kerala University NEET PG Cutoff 2025 has been released for all categories belonging to the All India quota. The closing cutoff in the round 2 for the General AI category ranged between 3839 to 59967, wherein the easiest and the hardest course for admission were MD in Anatomy and MD in Pulmonary

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Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

1211 Institutes accepting NEET PG

Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology

Jeppiaar Nagar, Chennai Private

Sathyabama
      • 2 years
      • |
      • Full Time
          • 2 years
          • |
          • Full Time
            • 3,600
            • 3 years
            • |
            • Full Time
                • 1 years
                • |
                • Full Time

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