NEET FET 2026: FNB Counselling Ongoing, Eligibility, Exam Pattern and Cutoff

NEET FET 2026 (NBEMS Fellowship Entrance Test 2026) is a national-level post-doctoral entrance exam conducted once a year by the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) for admission to Fellow of National Board (FNB) and FNB Post-Doctoral fellowship programmes across 36 super-speciality disciplines at NBEMS-accredited hospitals in India. The exam was held on 14 March 2026 in Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode, the result was declared on 14 April 2026, and NBEMS announced the centralized FNB counselling schedule on 24 June 2026 — with counselling having been underway since July 2026 as of September 2026.

• Counselling: NEET FET 2026 FNB centralized counselling is ongoing at natboard.edu.in. Round 1 was expected in July–August 2026. Qualified candidates should check the current round status and seat allotment results for their specialty — last year’s FNB counselling cycle concluded with a mop-up round in October 2025.
• Fellowship Joining: Candidates who secure FNB seats through counselling rounds are expected to join their allotted hospitals by October–November 2026 as per the NBEMS schedule; those not yet allotted should watch for any remaining or mop-up rounds on natboard.edu.in.
• Scorecard: NEET FET 2026 result was declared on 14 April 2026; individual scorecards (showing total marks out of 400, percentile, and specialty rank) were available from 30 April 2026 at the NBEMS candidate login portal — keep a printout ready for hospital document verification.
• Next NEET FET Cycle: NEET FET 2027 notification is expected in January 2027; in the 2026 cycle NBEMS released the bulletin on 14 January 2026 with applications closing 3 February 2026 — start preparing your eligibility documents (MD/MS/DNB degree or provisional pass certificate) now.

What is NEET FET 2026?

NEET FET 2026 (NBEMS Fellowship Entrance Test 2026) is a qualifying-cum-ranking entrance exam conducted once a year by NBEMS. It is the gateway to super-speciality fellowship training under the Fellow of National Board (FNB) programme at NBEMS-accredited hospitals across India. The exam is designed for postgraduate doctors — those who hold MD, MS, DNB, DM, MCh, or DrNB degrees — who want to pursue advanced fellowship training in a specific super-speciality.

NEET FET 2026 covered 36 fellowship specialties for Indian candidates and 16 for international candidates. Each specialty has its own question paper, so you only compete with candidates from the same feeder specialty background. Admission to FNB fellowships is strictly merit-based: NBEMS prepares a separate merit list per specialty and allots seats through centralized counselling. FNB credentials are recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC).

Source: natboard.edu.in – FET 2026 Official Page

NEET FET is different from NEET PG and NEET SS. NEET PG is for MD/MS admissions after MBBS. NEET SS is for DM/MCh super-specialty admissions after MD/MS. NEET FET is for one-year FNB fellowship programmes at NBEMS-accredited hospitals — structured training in a highly specific sub-speciality area like Interventional Cardiology, Spine Surgery, or Vitreo Retinal Surgery. An FNB is a board-certified fellowship credential, not a university degree.

NEET FET 2026 Important Dates

The NEET FET 2026 exam and result phases are complete. As of September 2026, qualified candidates are in the active FNB counselling phase. The table below lists upcoming and ongoing events first, followed by past events in chronological order (oldest first).

Counselling and joining dates are based on the NBEMS announcement of 24 June 2026 and previous-year patterns. Confirm exact round-wise dates on the official NBEMS counselling portal at natboard.edu.in.

Source: NBEMS Official Website

NEET FET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

NBEMS has specific eligibility conditions for NEET FET 2026. This is a post-doctoral exam, so the requirements are different from NEET PG or NEET UG. The criteria differ slightly for Indian and international candidates.

Eligibility for Indian Candidates

• You must hold a recognised postgraduate medical degree: MD, MS, or DNB in the feeder specialty of the fellowship you are applying for. For some fellowships that require a super-speciality degree, you need DM, MCh, or DrNB.
• Your postgraduate degree (or provisional pass certificate) must have been awarded on or before 31 December 2025.
• You must be registered with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or any State Medical Council and must produce your registration certificate on exam day.
• There is no upper age limit for NEET FET.
• No minimum percentage in your PG degree is required to appear — you only need to score at or above the 50th percentile in the exam to qualify for counselling.

Eligibility for International Candidates

• You must hold a postgraduate medical qualification equivalent to the required feeder specialty from a recognised institution in your home country.
• You must be a registered medical practitioner in your home country.
• A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your home country’s Medical Council or equivalent regulatory body is mandatory.
• Security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Government of India is required before you can enrol.
• Temporary registration with NMC or a State Medical Council is issued for the duration of the fellowship.
• No age restriction applies.

The feeder specialty requirement is the most important eligibility condition. Each of the 36 fellowship programmes has a specific feeder degree requirement. For example, Interventional Cardiology requires DM or DrNB in Cardiology as the feeder qualification. Check the Information Bulletin for your specific fellowship specialty before applying.

NEET FET 2026 Application Process

The NEET FET 2026 registration was conducted online through the NBEMS DigiAlm portal. The application window was open from 14 January to 3 February 2026. A correction window was also provided from 6 to 9 February 2026 for candidates to fix errors in their submitted forms.

NEET FET 2026 registration is now closed. The next cycle (FET 2027) notification is expected around January 2027. Check natboard.edu.in from January 2027 for the official bulletin.

Steps to Apply for NEET FET (Reference for Future Cycles)

1. Register on the NBEMS DigiAlm portal at natboard.edu.in using your email ID and mobile number to create a new account.
2. Fill in personal details — name, date of birth, gender, address, and contact information.
3. Enter academic details — your MBBS registration number, PG degree, NMC or State Medical Council registration number, and the year of passing your PG.
4. Select your fellowship specialty from the available list. You can apply for only one specialty per application cycle.
5. Upload scanned documents — recent passport-size photograph, signature, and PG degree certificate or provisional certificate.
6. Pay the application fee online through net banking, debit or credit card, or UPI. The fee is non-refundable.
7. Download and save the confirmation page after successful submission. Note your application number and login credentials for future reference.

NEET FET 2026 Application Fee

The fee is paid online and is non-refundable under any circumstances, including if your application is rejected or if you do not appear for the exam.

NEET FET 2026 Admit Card

The NEET FET 2026 admit card was released on 10 March 2026, four days before the exam. NBEMS also released the city intimation slip on 26 February 2026, giving candidates advance notice of the city where their exam centre would be located — useful for travel and accommodation planning.

Candidates downloaded the admit card from the official NBEMS portal by logging in with their registered credentials. The admit card was a mandatory entry document at the exam centre on 14 March 2026.

What the NEET FET 2026 Admit Card Contained

• Candidate’s name, roll number, and application number
• Exam centre name and full address
• Exam date and timing — 14 March 2026, 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM
• Important instructions for exam day
• Passport-size photograph and signature (as uploaded at registration)

Documents Required on Exam Day

• Printed copy of the admit card (colour printout preferred)
• Valid government-issued photo ID — Aadhaar card, passport, PAN card, or driving licence
• NMC or State Medical Council registration certificate (original, to be shown at entry)

For the next FET cycle (FET 2027), the admit card is expected in early March 2027 and the city intimation slip around late February 2027, based on the 2026 pattern.

NEET FET 2026 Syllabus

The NEET FET syllabus is specialty-specific — there is no single common syllabus for all 36 fellowship specialties. NBEMS publishes specialty-wise syllabi in the official Information Bulletin for each FET cycle. The syllabus is divided into Part A (feeder specialty) and Part B (fellowship specialty topics) for each programme.

Part A: Feeder Specialty Syllabus

Part A covers topics at the postgraduate MD/MS/DNB (or DM/MCh/DrNB) level of the feeder specialty. These questions test your knowledge of the subject you studied during your PG programme.

• For Interventional Cardiology — Part A covers DM/DNB Cardiology-level topics including cardiac anatomy, pharmacology, ECG, echocardiography, and heart disease management.
• For Vitreo Retinal Surgery — Part A covers MS/DNB Ophthalmology-level topics including retinal disorders, optics, and surgical principles.
• For Spine Surgery — Part A covers MS/DNB Orthopaedics-level topics including spinal anatomy, trauma, and degenerative conditions.
• For Reproductive Medicine — Part A covers MD/DNB Obstetrics and Gynaecology-level topics.

Part B: Fellowship Specialty Syllabus

Part B goes beyond the PG syllabus and tests advanced, fellowship-level knowledge. These questions assess readiness for training at the super-speciality level in your chosen fellowship area.

• Fellowship-specific diagnostic and therapeutic procedures
• Recent advances, landmark clinical trials, and evidence-based guidelines in the specialty
• Specialty-specific anatomy, pathology, imaging, and instrumentation
• Clinical management protocols and decision-making at the super-speciality level

Fellowship Specialties Available Under NEET FET 2026

NEET FET 2026 offers admission to 36 fellowship specialties for Indian candidates. Major fellowship courses include:

• Interventional Cardiology
• Cardiac Electrophysiology
• Spine Surgery
• Arthroplasty
• Hand and Micro Surgery
• Minimal Access Surgery
• Trauma and Acute Care Surgery
• Vitreo Retinal Surgery
• Neuro Ophthalmology
• Oculoplasty and Reconstructive Surgery
• Reproductive Medicine
• Fetal Medicine
• Paediatric Orthopaedics
• Paediatric Haemato Oncology
• Paediatric Nephrology
• Paediatric Surgery (Minimal Access)
• Paediatric Neurology
• Clinical Pharmacology
• Vascular and Endovascular Surgery
• Reconstructive Microsurgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Gynaecological Oncology
• Head and Neck Oncology
• Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery
• Transplant Surgery
• Medical Gastroenterology
• Neuro Interventional Surgery
• Clinical Neurosciences
• Geriatric Psychiatry
• Sports Medicine
• Hyperbaric Medicine
• Chest Medicine (Interstitial Lung Disease)
• Critical Care Medicine
• Palliative Medicine
• Cosmetic Dermatology
• Diabetology

The exact list, including any additions or removals for the next cycle, is specified in the official FET Information Bulletin. Always verify available specialties at natboard.edu.in before applying.

FNB Fellowship: Duration, Fee, Stipend and Exit Exam

Candidates admitted through NEET FET 2026 will pursue the Fellow of National Board (FNB) programme at NBEMS-accredited hospitals. FNB is a post-doctoral super-speciality fellowship that carries NMC recognition. Training is entirely hospital-based, and trainees are designated FNB trainees during the programme.

Types of FNB Programmes Under NEET FET 2026

• FNB (Fellow of National Board): For candidates with MD/MS/DNB in the feeder specialty. The most common category. Duration: typically 1 year.
• FNB Post-Doctoral (FNB-PD): For candidates with DM/MCh/DrNB in the feeder specialty. Covers more advanced fellowships requiring super-speciality background. Duration: 1 year.
• Fellowship Programme for International Students (FPIS): For eligible international candidates with valid entry visa, security clearance, and NOC. Duration: 1 year.

FNB Course Fee and Stipend

The stipend is paid by the accredited hospital where you train, not by NBEMS. Different hospitals may pay more than the NBEMS-stipulated minimum. Confirm the actual stipend at your allotted institute before joining.

FNB Exit Examination

After completing the fellowship training, you must appear in and clear the FNB Exit Examination to be awarded the Fellow of National Board credential. The exit exam has two parts:

• Theory: 100 marks (10 short notes), 3-hour paper. You must score at least 50% (50 out of 100) to pass.
• Practical / Clinical: 300 marks (clinical examination, case presentations, and viva). You must score at least 50% here as well.
• Overall pass standard: A minimum of 200 out of 400 total marks, with at least 50% in theory, is required to be awarded the FNB credential.

Logbook and Procedure Requirements

FNB trainees must maintain a detailed logbook of all procedures and cases during training. The logbook is reviewed at the time of the exit examination. You must complete the NBEMS-stipulated minimum number of procedures for your specialty to be eligible for the exit exam.

Top Hospitals for FNB Fellowship in India

FNB fellowship seats are available at NBEMS-accredited hospitals across India. The number of seats varies by specialty and hospital. NBEMS publishes a specialty-wise and institute-wise seat matrix at the start of each counselling cycle. Some of the leading NBEMS-accredited fellowship hospitals are listed below.

Government and Autonomous Institutes

• AIIMS New Delhi — FNB seats across multiple specialties; highest competition among all NBEMS fellowship centres
• JIPMER Puducherry — Selected fellowship specialties; premier government institute
• NIMHANS Bangalore — FNB seats in Neurology, Neurosurgery, Neuro-Anesthesia, and Psychiatry-related specialties
• PGIMER Chandigarh — Selected specialties; top government institute for medical education
• Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi — Emergency Medicine, Trauma, Critical Care, and other specialties
• RML Hospital, New Delhi — Selected fellowship specialties

Private and Deemed University Hospitals

• CMC Vellore (Christian Medical College) — Top-ranked private medical institution; FNB seats across multiple specialties with high academic standards
• Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai — Premier cancer care institute; FNB seats in Surgical Oncology, Medical Oncology, Gynaecological Oncology, and Radiation Oncology
• Medanta — The Medicity, Gurugram — Multiple FNB seats in Cardiac Surgery, Cardiac Electrophysiology, Liver Transplant, Spine Surgery, and other specialties
• Apollo Hospitals, Chennai and Hyderabad — Multiple specialties with a large seat matrix
• Narayana Health (NH), Bangalore — FNB seats in Cardiac Surgery, Critical Care, Paediatric Cardiac Surgery, and other specialties
• Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai — Selected fellowship programmes
• Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram — Neurology, Neurosurgery, Neuro Interventional, and other specialties
• Manipal Hospitals, Bangalore — Multiple fellowship specialties
• KEM Hospital, Mumbai — Municipal tertiary care hospital with FNB seats across multiple specialties
• Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi — Selected fellowship programmes

The complete authoritative list of NBEMS-accredited fellowship hospitals, with specialty-wise seat counts for the current cycle, is published by NBEMS at the start of counselling at natboard.edu.in.

Preparation Tips for NEET FET

NEET FET is a specialist-level exam where you compete with other postgraduate doctors in your own feeder specialty. Unlike NEET UG or NEET PG, the candidate pool in each specialty is relatively small but highly competitive — everyone writing your paper already holds a PG degree in the same field. Here are focused tips to help you score well.

1. Revise Your Feeder Specialty Thoroughly (Part A)

Part A has 40 questions at the MD/MS/DNB level. These are your foundation marks. Revise the standard textbooks and clinical guidelines you used during your PG programme. Focus on high-yield topics, clinical scenarios, and recent updates in management for your specialty.

• Go through clinical practice guidelines from relevant professional societies — ACC/ESC for Cardiology, AAO for Ophthalmology, AASLD for Hepatology, etc.
• Revise pharmacology relevant to your specialty — drug mechanisms, doses, and adverse effects are commonly tested in Part A.

2. Master Fellowship-Level Topics (Part B)

Part B carries 240 out of 400 marks and tests content beyond your PG degree. This is where ranks are decided. You need specialty-specific fellowship textbooks and advanced literature for Part B preparation.

• For Spine Surgery, study advanced spinal instrumentation, minimally invasive techniques, and deformity correction beyond what an MS Orthopaedics textbook covers.
• Study recent landmark trials and their implications for practice in your sub-specialty area.
• Follow updates from relevant super-speciality societies and journals for the past 3 to 5 years.

3. Practise with Previous Year Papers

Previous year FET papers give you the most realistic picture of question style, difficulty, and frequently tested clinical scenarios. Platforms like Mentorexam curate FNB and FET-specific question banks.

• Simulate exam conditions — 105 minutes for 100 questions with no breaks.
• Review incorrect answers in depth to plug knowledge gaps, not just to identify the right answer.

4. Handle Negative Marking Strategically

With a –1 penalty for each wrong answer, random guessing is costly. A wrong answer effectively costs you 5 marks (you lose 1 instead of gaining 4).

• Attempt a question only if you are at least 70% confident in your answer.
• Skip questions where you cannot eliminate at least two options confidently — leave them unattempted.

5. Manage Time During the Exam

You have 105 minutes for 100 questions — about 63 seconds per question. Do not spend equal time on each question.

• Aim to complete Part A (40 questions) in 35–40 minutes and Part B (60 questions) in 60–65 minutes.
• Mark questions you are unsure about and return to them in the final 10 minutes.

6. Plan a 3-Month Study Schedule Before the Next Cycle

Based on the 2026 cycle, NBEMS released the notification in January and held the exam in March — about six to eight weeks for preparation after the notification. Start preparing in October 2026 for the expected 2027 cycle:

• October – November 2026: Complete feeder specialty (Part A) revision
• November – December 2026: Advanced fellowship topics (Part B)
• January 2027 onwards: Full revision + previous year papers + mock tests

7. Verify Eligibility Documents Early

Many candidates face last-minute issues with a missing provisional pass certificate, an expired Medical Council registration, or a name mismatch in documents. Check all your eligibility documents at least two months before the expected notification. Resolving these takes time and cannot be rushed.