NEET PG Answer Key 2026: Response Sheet, Expected Cutoff and Score Calculation

NEET PG Answer Key 2026: The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) is expected to release the NEET PG 2026 Provisional Answer Key and Response Sheet shortly. Candidates who appeared for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) Postgraduate examination on August 30, 2026, will soon be able to access their recorded responses alongside the official answer keys. With 2,73,096 medical aspirants who attempted at 1,111 examination centres across 339 cities, covering all 36 states and Union Territories, awaiting the outcome, the provisional answer key plays a vital role in allowing candidates to evaluate their performance and calculate expected scores.

Out of the 2,65,980 medical aspirants who appeared for the NEET PG 2026, the examination was successfully concluded for roughly 2,63,535 candidates across the country. Unfortunately, 2,445 candidates stationed at two test centers in Jaipur experienced severe disruptions due to an internal power failure. To ensure these students received a fair opportunity, the NBEMS successfully conducted a re-examination for them on September 5, 2026.

NEET PG 2026 Exam Summary

Exam Name	National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Postgraduate) 2026
Conducting Body	National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS)
Exam Date	August 30, 2026 (Retest on September 5, 2026)
Total Candidates	Approx. 2.65 Lakh
Question Type	180 Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
Total Marks	720
Answer Key Status	Releasing Soon
Result Date	Expected by September 30, 2026
Official Website	natboard.edu.in

NEET PG 2026 Exam Details

The NEET PG 2026 examination was successfully conducted on August 30, 2026, across various centers nationwide in a single shift from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM. A retest was also conducted on September 5, 2026, for students who faced technical glitches at specific centers. The computer-based test consisted of 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with a total weightage of 720 marks. The marking scheme awards four (+4) marks for every correct answer, while one (-1) mark is deducted for every incorrect response. Unattempted questions carry zero marks. By matching their recorded responses with the provisional key, candidates can estimate their probable scores before the official results are declared.

Important Dates

Exam Conducted: August 30, 2026 (Retest on September 5, 2026)
Answer Key and Response Sheet Release: September 2026 (Expected shortly)
Answer Key Objection Window: To be notified after the key release
NEET PG Result Declaration: By September 30, 2026
Commencement of Counselling (MCC): Dates to be announced soon

NEET PG 2026: Cutoff Marks and Qualifying Criteria

The NBEMS determines the NEET PG qualifying criteria based on percentiles. Candidates must meet or exceed the minimum cutoff percentiles to become eligible for admission into MD/MS and PG Diploma courses for the 2026-27 academic session. The expected qualifying percentiles and corresponding safe scores for NEET PG 2026 are:

General / EWS: 50th Percentile (Expected Safe Score: 295–315 Marks)
General PwBD: 45th Percentile (Expected Safe Score: 275–295 Marks)
SC / ST / OBC (including PwBD): 40th Percentile (Expected Safe Score: 255–275 Marks)

Objection Process

Once NBEMS publishes the provisional answer key, an online objection window is expected to be provided for candidates who spot discrepancies in the official answers. Candidates will be able to submit their challenges online by paying a processing fee per question. The objections must be backed by credible academic or medical reference materials. A panel of subject matter experts will review all challenges, and if validated, a revised final answer key will be published. The final results will be calculated purely based on this revised final key.

How to Check the NEET PG 2026 Answer Key

Candidates can download the NEET PG Answer Key and Response Sheet by following these simple steps:

Visit the official NBEMS portal at natboard.edu.in.
On the homepage, navigate to the NEET PG 2026 tab or section.
Click on the notification link for the NEET PG 2026 Provisional Answer Key and Response Sheet.
You will be redirected to the candidate login portal. Enter your Application Number and Password.
Submit the credentials to access your applicant dashboard.
The screen will display the official provisional answer key alongside your recorded responses.
Cross-check your responses, calculate your estimated score, and download the PDF for future reference.