
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the official guidelines for NEET UG 2026, confirming that it remains the mandatory entrance exam for all undergraduate medical courses. This includes the Indian System of Medicine (BAMS, BUMS, BSMS) and Homeopathy (BHMS). Whether you are aiming for a government seat or a private college, understanding the Chapter 9 regulations is crucial for your 2026 academic session.
To be eligible for ranking and counseling in AYUSH courses, candidates must achieve a minimum percentile in NEET UG 2026. Merely appearing for the exam is not enough; you must cross the following qualifying thresholds:
General/EWS Category: 50th Percentile.
SC/ST/OBC Category: 40th Percentile.
PwBD (General/EWS): 45th Percentile.
PwBD (SC/ST/OBC): 40th Percentile.
Additionally, candidates must be at least 17 years of age by December 31, 2026.
The admission process for BAMS, BSMS, BUMS, and BHMS is divided into two major categories to ensure fair distribution:
The Ayush Admissions Central Counseling Committee (AACCC) manages these seats. This includes 15% of seats in Government/Government-aided colleges and 100% of seats in Deemed Universities and National Institutes (like NIA Jaipur or NIH Kolkata).
The respective State/UT counseling authorities manage the remaining 85% of seats in government colleges and all seats in private institutions (excluding those under AIQ). While AIQ is open to all, state seats often require domicile proof.
All admissions are conducted through online counseling. Candidates must register on the AACCC portal for AIQ or their respective state portals for state seats. The allotment is based strictly on the NEET (UG) 2026 Merit List and the preferences filled by the candidate. It is vital to note that no offline admissions are permitted; every student must receive an online-generated Provisional Admission Letter.
Online Application: Feb 8, 2026, to March 8, 2026.
NEET UG Exam Date: May 3, 2026.
Result Declaration: To be announced on the NTA website.