What's Official: NEET 2026 Final Answer Key Released
NTA has officially published the NEET (UG) 2026 Final Answer Key. This pivotal release follows the provisional answer key and the conclusion of the objection windows, marking the definitive version used for result preparation.
The provisional answer key and all four question papers were initially released on June 25. Aspirants had until June 28 to challenge any discrepancies at a fee of "200 per question. Subject matter experts meticulously reviewed every submitted challenge.
Subsequently, scanned OMR sheets and recorded responses were made available on July 13. A separate window for challenging recorded responses, also at ":200 per response, was open until July 15. Both objection windows are now closed.
Unlike the provisional key, the final answer key is immutable and cannot be challenged further. It is crucial to understand that if any objection was accepted, the correct answer for that particular question has been updated universally, impacting all candidates, not just those who raised the objection. NTA does not individually inform candidates about the status of their objections. Therefore, any score estimation made earlier using provisional keys or coaching institute keys must be re-calculated using this final, official version.
NEET 2026 Marking Scheme: The Only Formula That Counts
The NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination comprised 180 multiple-choice questions, each with four options and a single correct answer. Questions were drawn from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology). The paper carried a maximum of 720 marks.
Understanding the precise marking scheme is paramount for an accurate score calculation:
The raw score calculation is straightforward: NEET Score = (4 × Total Correct Answers) − (1 × Total Incorrect Answers).
There are no additional components such as sectional cutoffs or normalisation processes. NEET UG is a single-shift, pen-and-paper examination, meaning your raw marks are your definitive marks.
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Total Questions: 180 (compulsory) | Physics: 45 Q ": 180 marks | Chemistry: 45 Q ": 180 marks | Biology (Botany 45 + Zoology 45): 90 Q ": 360 marks | Correct Answer: +4 | Incorrect Answer: −1 | Unattempted / Blank: 0 | Maximum Marks: 720
How to Calculate Your NEET Score 2026: A 7-Step Method
With the final answer key now live, it's time to accurately assess your performance. Follow these precise steps to calculate your NEET 2026 score:
It's critical to note the precision required. Had this candidate mistakenly counted Q43 as "wrong", their subtotal would have been 570 (592 - 21 - 4 for Q43), leading to a reported score of 574 after adding the bonus. This seemingly minor difference of one mark can translate into thousands of ranks among 20 lakh candidates. Ensure your calculations are exact. You can hone your precision by practicing mock tests and detailed solution reviews on Aspirant Arcade, ensuring you internalise the marking scheme before the actual exam.
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Step 1: Access Your Official Documents. Log in to neet.nta.nic.in using your application number and password or date of birth. You will need to download two critical documents: (a) the final answer key corresponding to your test booklet code, and (b) your recorded response sheet. Keep your registered mobile handy as access is protected by two-factor authentication via OTP.Step 2: Verify Your Booklet Code. Before you begin comparing answers, confirm your test booklet code. The re-exam utilised four distinct codes: 50, 60, 70, and 80. The identical question appears at a different serial number across these codes. Comparing your recorded responses against an incorrect answer key code will lead to an inaccurate score. Your specific code is printed on the test booklet you received on June 21.Step 3: Rely on Recorded Responses, Not Memory. This is a frequent pitfall that leads to inflated self-scores. The scanner processes only what is unambiguously marked on your OMR sheet. NTA considers a response valid only when one circle is completely darkened using a blue or black ballpoint pen. Any faint mark, a partially filled bubble, or two darkened circles will be registered as 'no response', resulting in zero marks for that question, not a +4.Step 4: Isolate the Dropped Physics Question. As confirmed by NTA, one Physics question has been dropped. Locate this question based on your specific booklet code (details provided below) and set it aside from your count. It should not be tallied as either correct or incorrect at this stage.Step 5: Categorise the Remaining 179 Questions. For the remaining 179 questions (180 total minus the one dropped), meticulously count your responses into three categories: Correct (C), Incorrect (W), and Unattempted (U). Double-check your count to ensure that C + W + U = 179.Step 6: Apply the Raw Score Formula. Calculate your raw score using the standard formula: Raw Score = (4 × Number of Correct Answers) − (1 × Number of Incorrect Answers).Step 7: Add the Bonus Marks. The dropped Physics question grants bonus marks to all candidates. Add these 4 marks to your raw score: Final Score = Raw Score + 4.Worked Example: How the Numbers Actually Land. Consider a Code 60 candidate who has excluded Q43 (the dropped question) from their initial count:Correct Answers: 148 ": +592 marks | Incorrect Answers: 21 ": -21 marks | Unattempted: 10 ": 0 marks | Subtotal (179 Questions): 571 marks | Dropped Physics Question (Bonus): +4 marks | Final NEET 2026 Score: 575 / 720
The Dropped Physics Question: Bonus Marks for All
NTA's provisional key initially confirmed one Physics question was dropped and a second Physics question was declared to have two correct answers. However, the final key clarifies the situation: only one Physics question has been dropped, and all candidates will be awarded +4 marks for it, regardless of whether they attempted it or not. No errors were found in Chemistry or Biology sections.
Here are the details for the dropped Physics question across different booklet codes. Please refer to your final answer key and recorded response sheet for the exact question number in your specific booklet code. For Code 60, the dropped question was Q43. All candidates receive +4 marks for this particular question.