Is NEET 2026 Conducted in Two Phases?
Shruti Kumari17 Dec, 2025
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Is NEET 2026 Conducted in Two Phases has now become one of the major question and query among students preparing for medical entrance. This curiosity is fanned by the rapid rise in the number of applicants and several changes in the exam system over recent years. Therefore, many students want clarity over whether NEET 2026 will follow a single-phase format or shift to a two-phase structure.
Despite the fact that the National Testing Agency (NTA) has not issued an official confirmation, the conversation around Is NEET 2026 Conducted in Two Phases? Continues. Students want to know how these possible changes may affect their preparation and whether it will impact the syllabus, difficulty level, or number of attempts.
Is NEET 2026 Conducted in Two Phases?
As of now, NTA has not announced any official update confirming the two-phase model. However, several factors indicate that the idea is being considered.
Why is the Two-Phase Model Being Discussed?
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Many Students Register: Every year, more than 20 lakh students fill the NEET form. It is very hard to manage so many students in one exam shift.
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Big Work for the Staff: The exam happens on the same day all over India. This needs many people to work.
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More Chances to Score Better: If NEET happens in two phases, students get another chance. They can try again and improve their marks. They do not have to wait for one full year.
Also Check: NEET Official Website 2026
What are Two Phases of NEET 2026?
In case NTA decides to introduce two phases of examination, then it's most likely to be divided into certain aspects. Here, we have provided the probabilities on which it can be divided.
| What are the Two Phases of NEET 2026 | |
| Category | Details |
| Phase 1 (Attempt 1) | Conducted earlier in the year; students take their first attempt. |
| Phase 2 (Attempt 2) | Conducted weeks or months later; students may attempt again to improve their score. |
| Scoring Method – Option 1 | Students may receive the higher score out of the two attempts. |
| Scoring Method – Option 2 | Scores from both attempts may be combined under a cumulative scoring policy. |
| Syllabus | Expected to remain the same for both phases. |
These are expected possibilities, not confirmed changes. Students should continue following the official 2025-2026 syllabus without altering their preparation.
Also Check: Are There Any Changes in NEET 2026 Syllabus
Is NEET Pattern Changed for 2026?
As of now, NTA has not declared any modification to the exam pattern. If NEET 2026 is conducted in two phases, only the exam schedule may be divided, not the fundamental structure.
| Is the NEET Pattern Changed for 2026 | |
| What May Change | What May Not Change |
| Two separate phases or attempts | Core syllabus |
| Separate admit cards and exam days | Question distribution |
| Option to appear once or twice | Mode of exam (pen and paper) |
| Independent or combined scoring method | Total marks and MCQ question type |
How Many Candidates Will Appear for NEET 2026?
Every year, the number of applicants increases, and the trend is expected to continue.
Estimated Candidates for 2026
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In recent years, NEET registrations crossed 20 lakh students.
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Due to higher demand for medical seats, NEET 2026 may see 21–23 lakh candidates.
This rise in numbers is one of the reasons behind the ongoing debate on Is NEET 2026 Conducted in Two Phases? A two-phase exam can distribute candidates more evenly and reduce logistical pressure.
Also Check:
What is Difficulty Level of NEET 2026?
If the exam is conducted in two phases, the overall difficulty level is expected to remain balanced.
Expected Difficulty Level
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Biology: Moderate, factual, NCERT-based
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Chemistry: Moderate with conceptual and formula-based questions
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Physics: Application-based, requiring strong numerical skills
If two phases are introduced, both phases are likely to follow similar difficulty standards to ensure fairness. Students should rely on NCERT, previous-year papers, and regular mock test practice to handle any pattern.