NEET UG 2026: NTA Registration LIVE! Hybrid Mode vs. Offline Exam—Everything You Need to Know
NTA has opened NEET UG 2026 registrations at neet.nta.nic.in! Despite "Hybrid Mode" rumors, the May 3 exam remains Offline (Pen-and-Paper). Key updates: Mandatory Aadhaar e-KYC, live photo capture, and a return to the pre-COVID 180-question pattern. Deadline to apply is March 8. Register today!
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially launched the registration portal for NEET UG 2026. While the link is now active at neet.nta.nic.in, a massive debate has erupted over the "Hybrid Mode" of examination. We break down the official facts versus the viral rumors to keep your application on track.
Breaking: Is NEET 2026 Going Hybrid?
There has been significant buzz regarding a "Hybrid" format (Digital Question Paper + OMR Answering). However, according to the official NTA Information Bulletin released on February 8, the NEET UG 2026 exam will be conducted in Traditional Offline (Pen-and-Paper) Mode on May 3, 2026.
Verdict: Despite expert recommendations for a hybrid shift to prevent leaks, the NTA has confirmed a single-shift, offline exam for 2026 to ensure "equity for rural students."
NEET UG 2026 Master Schedule
| Event | Official Date |
| Online Registration Starts | February 8, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | March 8, 2026 (9:00 PM) |
| Correction Window | March 10 – March 12, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Last Week of April 2026 |
| NEET UG 2026 Exam Date | May 3, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Exam Timing | 02:00 PM to 05:20 PM (IST) |
Key Changes You CANNOT Ignore
1. Mandatory Aadhaar/UDID Update
NTA’s latest advisory is strict: your Aadhaar/UDID details must match your Class 10 certificate exactly. Fingerprint and biometric data must be updated to avoid rejection during the new Facial Recognition check-in at centers.
2. The "Pre-COVID" Pattern is Back
The optional questions in Section B have been removed. You must now attempt a mandatory set of questions:
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Physics: 45 Questions
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Chemistry: 45 Questions
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Biology (Botany + Zoology): 90 Questions
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Total: 180 Questions | 720 Marks
How to Apply: The Fail-Safe 5-Step Process
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Register: Create your ID at neet.nta.nic.in using a unique mobile number/email.
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Fill Form: Choose 3 exam cities (expanded from 2 last year).
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Upload: Use a high-quality scanner for your passport photo (10kb-200kb) and signature.
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Payment: Use UPI or Credit/Debit card. (Fees: Gen - ₹1,700 | OBC - ₹1,600 | SC/ST - ₹1,000).
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Save: Download the Confirmation Page. No hard copy needs to be sent to NTA.
Download Your NEET 2026 Survival Kit
Prepare for the May 3rd showdown with our expert-curated resources:
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NEET 2026 Mock Test PDF: Real-time exam simulation with OMR practice.
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Biology "Must-Know" Diagrams: High-weightage NCERT visuals.
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Chemistry Formula Sheet: All 11th & 12th organic reactions in one page.