NEET-UG 2026 Results Announced: Aryan Gupta and Panshul Bansal Share Top Honors

Shillong, India Jul 17, 2026 ALN: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced the results of India's largest medical entrance examination, the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2026. Punjab's Aryan Gupta and Haryana's Panshul Bansal have emerged as joint toppers, each scoring 715 out of 720 marks.

A total of 11.21 lakh candidates qualified for the examination, with women representing over 58 percent of the successful candidates. This statistic underscores the increasing participation of women in the medical field, reflecting broader societal changes in education and professional opportunities for women in India.

Despite a decline in the overall number of qualifiers from 12.36 lakh in 2025, the qualification rate has remained stable at around 56 percent. This stability comes as the number of candidates appearing for the examination decreased from 22.09 lakh to nearly 20 lakh. The decrease in candidates may suggest a variety of factors, including the increased competitiveness of the exam and the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected educational systems and examination preparations across the country.

According to the NTA, more than 93 percent of the 138 candidates who scored above 690 were first-time test-takers. This is a notable trend, indicating that a significant number of high scorers are achieving success on their first attempt, which could be attributed to better preparation strategies, access to resources, and coaching facilities that have proliferated in recent years. Additionally, 1,492 candidates scored 650 marks or above, while 10,160 candidates achieved scores of 600 or more, further illustrating the high level of competitiveness among aspirants.

The results were declared on Thursday following an unprecedented examination cycle marked by controversy and a re-test. The NEET-UG examination, initially conducted on May 9, was canceled on May 12 due to allegations of a paper leak, prompting a CBI investigation. The examination was subsequently re-conducted on June 21, reflecting the NTA's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the examination process. Such incidents have raised concerns about the security and reliability of examination protocols, leading to calls for reforms in how these high-stakes tests are administered.

This year, both toppers scored 29 marks higher than last year's highest score of 686, when an unusually difficult question paper ensured that no candidate crossed the 700-mark threshold. Notably, 19 candidates achieved scores of 700 or above, while 138 candidates secured 690 marks or more. The increase in scores this year may be indicative of a more balanced question paper and effective preparation by candidates, as well as improvements in the educational infrastructure leading up to the exam.

To address concerns regarding potential delays in the admission process, the NTA confirmed that the results were announced within the scheduled timeframe, ensuring that medical admissions and counseling remain on track. This timely announcement is crucial for students and their families, as they often face significant pressure and uncertainty during the admission process.

"The results were declared on time through re-engineering of the process, with stages designed to run in parallel rather than in sequence, and with the de-linking of the OMR sheet challenge from answer key release. Each stage was completed in full and made available for candidate view," the agency stated. This systematic approach may serve as a model for future examinations, particularly in light of the logistical challenges posed by large-scale testing.

The latest results come two years after the 2024 NEET controversy, where 17 candidates initially secured a perfect score of 720 amid widespread criticism over the award of grace marks. Following Supreme Court-directed revisions, the number of candidates retaining the top score was reduced. This incident highlights the ongoing scrutiny and the need for transparency in the evaluation process, as the stakes are particularly high for students seeking to enter the medical profession.

Uttar Pradesh produced the largest number of successful candidates, with over 1.7 lakh qualifiers. Maharashtra and Rajasthan followed among the leading states in terms of successful candidates, while Lakshadweep recorded only 43 qualifiers. This geographical distribution of candidates reflects the varying levels of educational resources and opportunities available across different states, as well as the competitive nature of the exam in regions with a higher density of aspirants.

The top 17 candidates in the country, all scoring above 705 marks, hailed from eight states: Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana. Seventeen state toppers scored 700 or more, while 26 crossed the 690-mark. This diversity among the top scorers illustrates the widespread talent present across the country and emphasizes the importance of equitable access to quality education.

Among Union Territories, Ladakh's Jigmet Yangchan Lamo emerged as the topper with 530 marks, while Dhruv Tripathi topped the Andaman and Nicobar Islands with 606 marks, and Fahmida Anees led Lakshadweep with 573 marks. The NTA confirmed that every northeastern state was represented in the state-topper list, which is a positive sign for educational development in these regions.

Category-wise, 5.12 lakh OBC-NCL candidates qualified, followed by 2.91 lakh candidates from the general category, 1.59 lakh Scheduled Caste candidates, 95,026 from the Economically Weaker Sections category, and 63,716 Scheduled Tribe candidates. The successful pool also included 3,666 persons with benchmark disabilities and 303 persons with disabilities. This breakdown illustrates the inclusivity of the examination process, allowing for a diverse range of candidates to pursue their medical aspirations.

NEET-UG, conducted in 13 languages, serves as the gateway to undergraduate medical education in India, facilitating admissions to MBBS, BDS, Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha courses. The multilingual nature of the examination is significant in a country as linguistically diverse as India, ensuring that language barriers do not hinder access to medical education.

Approximately 1.08 lakh MBBS seats are available across the country, including around 56,000 seats in government medical colleges and about 52,000 in private institutions. The competition for these limited seats is fierce, with many candidates vying for a chance to secure a place in one of the prestigious medical programs.

In light of the paper leak controversy and allegations of irregularities, the Centre has announced that future editions of NEET-UG will be conducted in a computer-based format instead of the traditional pen-and-paper method. This shift to a digital format is expected to enhance the security and efficiency of the examination process, potentially reducing the likelihood of similar controversies in the future. As the NTA prepares for this transition, it will be essential to ensure that all candidates have access to the necessary technology and resources to participate effectively in the new format.

The NEET-UG results not only shape the futures of the candidates but also have broader implications for the healthcare system in India. As the country faces a growing demand for healthcare professionals, these results will play a crucial role in determining the next generation of doctors. The ability to attract and train qualified medical professionals is vital for addressing the healthcare challenges faced by the nation.

In conclusion, the announcement of the NEET-UG 2026 results marks a significant milestone in the journey of countless aspiring medical students across India. With the successful candidates preparing to embark on their medical careers, the ongoing evolution of the examination process will be critical in ensuring that it remains fair, transparent, and accessible for all future aspirants.