NEET SS 2026 registration opens for super speciality courses; apply by November 18

Registration for NEET SS 2026 has begun for doctors seeking admission to super speciality courses. The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has started the process. Candidates can apply online until November 18, 2026. The form has to be filled on the website natboard.edu.in.

The examination will be held in computer-based mode on December 11 and 12, 2026. It is considered the biggest turning point in the careers of thousands of doctors who have completed their medical postgraduation.

Medical education does not end with MBBS or MD/MS. A doctor who gains mastery in treating a particular organ or disease is called a super specialist. NEET SS is the test taken for admission to super speciality courses such as Doctorate of Medicine, Master of Chirurgiae (MCh) and DrNB at the country's major medical institutions.

It is a national-level entrance examination. Doctors who have passed MD, MS or DNB get admission to courses such as DM and MCh through it. Counselling for more than 2,400 super speciality seats in over 156 medical colleges and institutions in India is held on the basis of the scores and merit list of this examination. Taking it is necessary to go from being a general surgeon to a neurosurgeon, or from a general physician to a cardiologist.

For eligibility, a candidate must hold a postgraduate degree, that is MD, MS, DNB or an equivalent qualification, in the relevant subject from a recognised medical college or university. Under the board's rules, the PG course must be completed on or before November 18, 2026. The candidate must also have permanent or provisional registration with the National Medical Commission or the relevant state medical council. Its receipt has to be shown at the examination centre.

NBEMS has set neither a minimum nor a maximum age limit for NEET SS. A doctor of any age who meets the educational qualification and registration conditions can sit the examination. There is also no restriction on the number of attempts.

The examination is held in computer-based test (CBT) mode. It has 150 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), for which 2 hours 30 minutes are given. The paper is divided into three sections of 50 questions each, with 50 minutes allotted to each section. A correct answer earns 4 marks, while a wrong answer carries negative marking of 1 mark. A minimum of 50 percentile is needed to pass. Candidates are then eligible for all-India counselling.

To apply, go to natboard.edu.in, click the NEET SS 2026 tab on the homepage and select the New Registration link. Register with personal details such as phone number and email ID. Once the details are submitted, a user ID and password will be sent to the registered email ID. Log in to the portal, fill in the personal and educational details and upload the required documents in the prescribed format. Candidates must then enter their examination centre preferences. Finally, pay the application fee, submit the form, and download and save the confirmation page for future use.

While filling the form, candidates will need a passport-size photograph, their signature and thumb impression.