NEET UG 2026 Result Declared: 11.21 Lakh Candidates Qualified; Aryan Gupta and Panshul Bansal Top Exam with 715 Marks | Today’s news
The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Thursday (July 16) announced the results of the National Eligibility Test (NEET-UG) 2026, with 11.21 lakh candidates qualifying for admission to undergraduate medical, dental, AYUSH and allied health programmes.
The results were announced in time to maintain the doctor’s intake and counseling schedule. Candidates can download their score cards from NEET official website.
Almost 20,000 candidates applied
Around 20 thousand candidates appeared for NEET (UG) 2026, which was held on June 21 at 5,440 examination centers in 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad.
The exam was held in 13 languages, ensuring wider accessibility to candidates across the country.
Women dominate qualified candidates
Women made up more than 58% of all qualified candidates.
According to the NTA, 56.8% of women who appeared for the exam qualified compared to 55.1% of male candidates.
Top scorers and merit list
A total of 138 candidates scored more than 690 marks out of 720.
19 candidates scored more than 700 marks
1,492 candidates scored 650 or above
10,160 candidates scored 600 or above
90,780 candidates scored 500 or above
The highest score of 715 out of 720 was jointly secured by:
Over 93% of the 138 toppers were appearing in NEET for the first time, while 99% were between the ages of 17 and 19.
State performance
Qualified candidates emerged from all the 36 states and Union territories.
Some notable state toppers include:
Jigmet Yangchan Lamo (Ladakh) – 530 marks
Dhruv Tripathi (Andaman and Nicobar Islands) – 606 marks
Fahmida Anees (Lakshadweep) – 573 marks
According to the NTA, 17 state toppers scored 700 or above, while 26 scored above 690.
The top 138 rankings came from 66 cities across India.
Qualified candidates by category
The number of qualified candidates by category is:
The NTA has also released brand cut-off categories and top lists.
Result announced as per schedule
The agency said the results were declared on time after streamlining the evaluation process.
June 25: Provisional Answer Key Released
25-28 June: Challenge window
13-15 July: Displayed OMR sheets and recorded answers
July 16: Final answer key and results declared
Counseling process
The Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) will conduct the counseling for the 15% All India Quota MBBS and BDS seats, while the state authorities will oversee the counseling for the state quota seats.
The NTA has clarified that its role is limited to conducting examinations, declaring results and issuing all India ranks. It has no role in allotment of seats or counselling.
Candidates have been advised to rely only on the official website for counseling updates and to be wary of fraudulent admission offers, fake counseling reports or payment requests.
