The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG 2026) is the main entrance examination for medical studies in India. This exam allows students to pursue MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH courses such as BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS, and BNYS. Admission to several other medical courses is also based on this exam. The registration process for this exam is conducted online by the National Testing Agency (NTA), and eligible students can apply and appear for the exam.
Registration for NEET UG 2026 is currently underway. Candidates interested in taking the exam must apply online at the official website, neet.nta.nic.in. The exam will be held in May 2026, so candidates should fill out their application form well in advance.
NEET 2026 Important Dates
The following table outlines the key dates for the NEET UG 2026 registration and examination process. It is essential to monitor the official NTA website for any updates or extensions.
| Important | Dates |
|---|---|
| Registration start date | February 8, 2026 |
| Last date to submit application form | March 11, 2026 (till 9:00 PM) – Extended |
| Last date for fee payment | March 11, 2026 (till 11:50 PM) |
| Application correction window | March 10 – March 12, 2026 (tentative, confirm on official site) |
| Admit card release | Expected in April 2026 |
| NEET UG 2026 exam date | May 3, 2026 (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM) |
| Result declaration | Expected in June 2026 |
Step-by-Step NEET 2026 Registration Process
The entire NEET 2026 registration process is online, which candidates can complete through the official NTA website. This process involves several step-by-step steps to ensure students fill in their information correctly and submit their application successfully. It is important to complete all the steps carefully, as this reduces the chance of errors in the form and ensures the correct registration.
Online Registration and Account Creation
Visit the official website neet.nta.nic.in. Provide basic details such as full name, date of birth, mobile number, and email ID to generate a login ID and application number. Create a secure password and select a security question. The application number will be required for all future logins and communications.
Filling the Application Form
Log in with the generated login credentials and complete the form. Enter your personal information (including category), your Class 10 and 12 academic information. Then, select the medium of examination and up to three exam cities, as per your preference. Also, enter your permanent and mailing addresses. Check all the information carefully before proceeding.
Uploading Required Documents
Upload scanned copies of mandatory documents in the specified format and size to avoid rejection. Key documents include:
- Passport-size photograph (for admit card and records)
- Postcard-size photograph (for exam center verification)
- Signature
- Left and right thumb impressions
- Class 10 certificate (as proof of date of birth)
- Valid ID proof (e.g., Aadhaar, Passport)
- Category certificate (if applicable)
- PwBD certificate (if applicable)
- Address proof
Ensure compliance with NTA specifications regarding file size, resolution, and format.
Payment of Application Fee
Complete the process by paying the non-refundable fee online via UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking. Fees vary by category:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹1,700 |
| General-EWS / OBC-NCL | ₹1,600 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Third Gender | ₹1,000 |
| Centres Outside India | ₹9,500 |
Final Submission and Confirmation
After completing the form, check it thoroughly and correct any errors. Submit the form. Download and print the confirmation page you receive upon submission, as this serves as proof of successful registration.
Checklist Before Final Submission To minimize errors and avoid rejection
- Verify that name, date of birth, and Aadhaar details match Class 10 records.
- Confirm mobile number and email ID are active for OTPs and notifications.
- Double-check category, PwBD status, exam medium, and city preferences.
- Ensure uploaded documents meet size and format requirements.
- Validate academic details, parents’ names, and address spellings.
- Confirm fee payment and save the receipt.
- Preview the form thoroughly before submission.
- Download the confirmation page.
NEET 2026 Application Correction Window: If errors occur after submission, candidates can use the limited correction window to edit select fields online. No further changes are typically allowed afterward.
NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To apply for NEET 2026, candidates must meet certain eligibility criteria. Students who wish to register for this exam must adhere to the prescribed rules and eligibility criteria. Only after fulfilling these requirements can candidates apply for NEET 2026.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 17 years as of December 31, 2026 |
| Maximum age | No upper age limit |
| Educational qualification | Passed or appearing in Class 12 or equivalent |
| Required subjects | Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, English |
| Minimum marks (General) | 50% aggregate in PCB |
| Minimum marks (OBC/SC/ST) | 40% aggregate in PCB |
| Minimum marks (PwBD) | 45% (General-PwBD), 40% (SC/ST/OBC-PwBD) |
| Nationality | Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, PIOs, foreign nationals |
| Attempts allowed | No limit |
NEET 2026 Exam Centres and Language Options
Candidates can choose up to three exam cities of their choice at the time of registration, but the final city selection depends on seat availability. The NEET exam is conducted in several languages, such as Hindi, English, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Marathi, Telugu, Tamil, Urdu, Odia, Punjabi, and Malayalam. Candidates should choose the language they are most comfortable with.
Registration and Appearance Statistics
NEET UG attracts massive participation, with numbers rising over the years due to growing demand for medical seats.
| Year | Registered Candidates | Appeared Candidates |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 22,76,069 | 22,09,318 |
| 2024 | 24,06,079 | 23,33,297 |
| 2023 | 20,87,462 | 20,38,596 |
| 2022 | 18,72,343 | 17,64,571 |
| 2021 | 16,14,777 | 15,44,275 |
For NEET 2026, registrations are expected to range between 20-23 lakh or higher, potentially increasing competition and cutoffs, especially for government MBBS seats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ensure your Aadhaar details align with Class 10 records. If mismatches persist, update your Aadhaar first or contact NTA support for guidance.
Limited changes are possible during the correction window if supported by valid documents. No changes are allowed after the window closes.
Common issues include incorrect document formats/sizes, mismatched personal details, wrong exam city preferences, and payment failures.
Candidates must be at least 17 years old as of December 31, 2026.
