NEET UG 2026: Top 10 States With Highest Number of Qualified Candidates

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has released the NEET UG 2026 results, with over 11.21 lakh candidates qualifying for undergraduate medical seats across India. While the overall numbers show a steady trend, state-wise data reveals where the highest concentration of successful aspirants lies.

Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh have emerged as the top three states with the most qualified candidates. The detailed statistics, released alongside the results, also point to a sharp rise in absentees—over 2.7 lakh candidates skipped the re-test, marking the highest absentee count ever recorded for the exam.

Top 10 States with Highest Number of NEET UG 2026 Qualifiers

According to NTA data, Karnataka leads with over 1.2 lakh qualified candidates, followed closely by Maharashtra, which has around 1.15 lakh. Uttar Pradesh, a traditionally high-participation state, has produced over 1.1 lakh qualifiers.

Other states in the top ten include Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Gujarat, and Bihar. These states collectively account for nearly 70% of the total qualified candidates, underscoring the regional concentration of medical aspirants and coaching infrastructure.

Karnataka Toppers Lose Marks in Retest

A controversy has emerged in Karnataka, where several toppers lost marks after being compelled to appear for a retest. The NTA had ordered the re-examination for a subset of candidates due to irregularities in the original test centres. Preliminary reports suggest that the affected students' rankings have dropped, sparking protests and demands for a review.

Officials have not yet confirmed the exact number of students impacted or the reasons behind the marks deduction. The state's education department is expected to take up the matter with the NTA.

Absentee Count Reaches Record High

The NTA's detailed statistics reveal that over 2.7 lakh candidates chose not to appear for the re-test, the highest absentee count in the exam's history. This has raised questions about the effectiveness of the re-test mechanism and the stress levels among aspirants.

Experts suggest that the absentee spike could be linked to the disruption caused by the initial exam irregularities and the subsequent uncertainty. Many candidates reportedly felt the re-test was unfair or unnecessary, leading to a mass no-show.

Baramati Girl Shravani Kudale: Dream, Dedication, Determination

Amid the numbers and controversies, stories of individual triumph stand out. Shravani Kudale, a 19-year-old from Baramati, Maharashtra, has secured a top rank in NEET UG 2026. Her journey, marked by long study hours and unwavering focus, has become an inspiration for many.

Shravani's success is a testament to the power of determination, especially for students from smaller towns who face limited access to resources. Her family and teachers credit her disciplined routine and support from local coaching centres for the achievement.

The NTA has not yet announced the counselling schedule for NEET UG 2026. With over 11 lakh qualified candidates, the competition for the roughly 1.08 lakh MBBS and BDS seats across India will be intense. Aspirants are advised to monitor official NTA and MCC announcements for the next steps.