
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2026 is the most significant medical entrance exam in India, serving as the single gateway for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and veterinary programs. As the National Testing Agency (NTA) prepares to open the registration window, aspirants must stay informed about the upcoming deadlines and mandatory protocols.
According to the latest reports and historical trends, the NEET UG 2026 application form is expected to be released by February 7, 2026.
The NTA typically conducts the exam on the first Sunday of May. For the 2026 cycle, the schedule is tentatively set as follows:
| NEET UG 2026 Exam Schedule (Tentative) | |
| Event | Tentative Date |
| NEET UG 2026 Official Notification | February 7, 2026 |
| Start of NEET UG Registration 2026 | February 7, 2026 |
| Last Date for NEET UG Apply Online | March 7, 2026 |
| Correction Window | Second Week of March 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Last Week of April 2026 |
| NEET UG Exam 2026 Date | May 3, 2026 (Sunday) |
Pro Tip: The registration link will be activated on the official NTA website: neet.nta.nic.in. Avoid third-party links to ensure your data security.
The NTA has recently issued an advisory urging students to update their documents early. Any mismatch between your identity proof and the application form can lead to rejection.
Aadhaar Card: Ensure your name, date of birth, and photo match your Class 10 records exactly.
Class 10 Certificate: Used as primary proof for your date of birth.
Class 12 Marks Sheet: For appearing candidates, an "Appearing" certificate is required.
Failure to follow these exact dimensions is a leading cause of application rejection:
Passport Size Photograph: 10 KB to 200 KB (White background, 80% face coverage, ears visible).
Postcard Size Photograph (4"x6"): 10 KB to 200 KB.
Scanned Signature: 4 KB to 30 KB (Black ink on white paper).
Left & Right Hand Finger/Thumb Impressions: 10 KB to 200 KB.
Category Certificate: SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS certificates must be updated and valid for the 2026-27 session.
PwBD/UDID Card: Candidates with disabilities must have their Unique Disability ID cards ready.
The expected fee for online submission (non-refundable) is categorized as follows:
General (UR): ₹1,700
General-EWS/OBC-NCL: ₹1,600
SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender: ₹1,000
International Candidates: ₹9,500
Before you apply online, verify that you meet the following requirements:
Age: Must be at least 17 years old as of December 31, 2026. There is no upper age limit.
Academic: Must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English.
Minimum Marks: General (50% in PCB), OBC/SC/ST (40% in PCB), PwD (45% in PCB).
New Registration: Visit neet.nta.nic.in and click on "New Registration."
Fill Personal Details: Enter your name, mobile number, and email to generate an Application Number.
Complete the Form: Enter academic details, choice of exam cities (choose up to 4), and medium of the question paper (available in 13 languages).
Upload Documents: Upload the scanned photos, signature, and thumb impressions as per the specifications above.
Payment: Pay the application fee through Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, or UPI.
Confirmation Page: Download and save the "Confirmation Page" for your records.