The National Testing Agency has released important data points for NEET UG 2026, giving a clear picture of registration, attendance, qualification trends, category-wise performance, language-wise participation and state-wise results. The data shows that NEET UG 2026 was different from previous years, especially because the qualifying marks increased sharply compared to 2025.
NEET UG 2026 Registration and Attendance
In NEET UG 2026, a total of 22,79,743 candidates registered for the examination. Out of these, 19,99,895 candidates appeared for the exam, while 2,79,848 candidates were absent.
The data also shows that the number of registered candidates remained very high compared to previous years. In 2024, around 24.06 lakh candidates registered, while in 2025, around 22.76 lakh candidates registered. In 2026, the registration figure again remained above 22.79 lakh.
Gender-Wise Performance
In 2026, female participation remained higher than male participation.
As per the data:
- Male candidates registered: 9,46,815
- Female candidates registered: 13,32,914
- Third gender candidates registered: 14
Among qualified candidates:
- Male qualified: 4,67,134
- Female qualified: 6,54,049
- Third gender qualified: 2
This means that more female candidates qualified than male candidates in NEET UG 2026, continuing the trend of strong female participation in medical entrance examinations.
Category-Wise Qualified Candidates
The category-wise qualification data shows that the highest number of qualified candidates came from the OBC category.
Qualified candidates in NEET UG 2026:
- OBC: 5,12,014
- General: 2,91,133
- SC: 1,59,296
- ST: 63,716
- EWS: 95,026
This data is important for students because category-wise competition and counselling strategy may vary depending on seat matrix, reservation rules and state counselling policies.
NEET UG 2026 Cutoff Marks Increased
One of the most important highlights of NEET UG 2026 is the sharp increase in qualifying marks.
Category-wise qualifying marks:
- UR/EWS: 715–213
- OBC: 212–177
- SC: 212–177
- ST: 212–177
- UR/EWS-PwBD: 212–194
- OBC-PwBD: 193–177
- SC-PwBD: 193–177
- ST-PwBD: 191–177
In 2025, the UR/EWS cutoff range was 686–144, while in 2026 it increased to 715–213. Similarly, for OBC, SC and ST categories, the 2025 cutoff range was 143–113, while in 2026 it increased to 212–177.
This increase indicates that the counselling pattern and rank-based competition may be different this year. Students should not depend only on marks; they must analyse rank, category, state quota, previous year cutoffs and available seat options carefully.
Language-Wise Participation
NEET UG 2026 was conducted in multiple languages. English remained the most preferred language, followed by Hindi.
Some major language-wise registration figures for 2026:
- English: 18,08,535
- Hindi: 3,45,247
- Bengali: 38,577
- Gujarati: 49,647
- Tamil: 29,845
- Telugu: 1,339
- Marathi: 1,144
- Malayalam: 787
- Kannada: 614
- Urdu: 919
This shows that English and Hindi continue to dominate NEET UG participation, but regional languages also remain important for students from different states.
State-Wise Qualification Highlights
State-wise data shows strong participation from states such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh and Andhra Pradesh.
Some major state-wise qualified candidate figures in 2026:
- Uttar Pradesh: 1,70,770
- Rajasthan: 1,33,140
- Maharashtra: 1,07,304
- Karnataka: 65,901
- Kerala: 51,782
- Madhya Pradesh: 55,653
- Tamil Nadu: 61,306
- Andhra Pradesh: 33,221
- Telangana: 38,026
- Bihar: 68,968
- West Bengal: 52,746
Students must remember that state-wise qualification numbers do not directly mean seat availability. Admission chances depend on state counselling rules, domicile eligibility, category, quota, college preference, fee structure and rank.
Why This Year’s Counselling Strategy Is Very Important
NEET UG 2026 has shown a different pattern in marks and ranks. With higher qualifying marks and large numbers of candidates qualifying, students should prepare carefully for counselling.
Important points for students:
- Do not judge admission chances only by marks.
- Check All India Rank and category rank.
- Compare with previous year cutoffs.
- Understand state-wise counselling rules.
- Check government, private, management and NRI quota options.
- Prepare documents before counselling starts.
- Fill options carefully based on realistic chances.
Wrong option entry or incomplete counselling planning can affect admission chances even after qualifying NEET UG.
Conclusion
NEET UG 2026 result data shows that competition remains strong and counselling strategy will play a very important role. The qualifying cutoff has increased sharply, female candidates have performed strongly, and more than 11 lakh candidates have qualified across India.
Students should now focus on rank analysis, cutoff comparison, state counselling rules and proper option entry. Right seat data and right counselling guidance can help students make better admission decisions.
ICCC Bharat advises students and parents to avoid rumours and follow official counselling updates carefully.
ICCC Bharat
Trusted Medical Admission Guidance