NEET UG 2026 Registration Open: Exam Date, Direct Link & New Pattern

The wait is finally over for lakhs of medical aspirants across India. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the notification for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2026. The online application window is now LIVE on the official website, neet.nta.nic.in.

If you are planning to pursue MBBS, BDS, or other medical courses in top government and private colleges, you must submit your application before the deadline. This year, the NTA has also announced a few critical changes to the exam pattern that every student must know.

Here is everything you need to know about the NEET UG 2026 dates, the new paper pattern, documents required, and the step-by-step process to apply online.

Important Dates for NEET UG 2026

The NTA has provided a clear schedule for this year’s examination. Students are advised to complete their registration well before the last date to avoid server issues.

• Online Registration Starts: February 8, 2026
• Last Date to Apply: March 7, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM)
• Correction Window: Expected in the second week of March 2026
• NEET UG 2026 Exam Date: May 4, 2026 (Sunday)
• Admit Card Release: 3-4 days before the exam
• Result Date: June 14, 2026 (Tentative)

Major Update: Changes in Exam Pattern (Pre-COVID Format)

According to the latest information bulletin, the NTA has decided to revert to the pre-COVID exam pattern.

• No Section B: Unlike the last few years, there will likely be no “Section B” (optional questions).
• Compulsory Questions: The paper will consist of 180 compulsory questions (45 in Physics, 45 in Chemistry, and 90 in Biology).
• Exam Duration: The total time for the exam is 3 hours (180 minutes).
• Marking Scheme: +4 marks for a correct answer, -1 mark for a wrong answer.

Note: Please read the official Information Bulletin 2026 carefully to confirm these specific pattern details before starting your preparation.

Read More: RRB Section Controller Hall Ticket 2026

Eligibility Criteria for 2026

Before filling out the form, ensure you meet the eligibility requirements:

• Age Limit: You must have completed 17 years of age by December 31, 2026. There is no upper age limit for appearing in NEET.
• Qualification: Students who have passed Class 12 or are appearing for the Class 12 board exams in 2026 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English are eligible.
• Minimum Marks: General category students need 50% marks in PCB, while SC/ST/OBC candidates require 40%.

Documents Required for Registration

Keep the following documents scanned and ready in JPG/PDF format to ensure a smooth application process:

1. Passport Size Photograph: Recent photo with 80% face visibility (white background).
2. Postcard Size Photograph: (4″x6″) for later stages.
3. Signature: Scanned signature on white paper with black ink.
4. Thumb Impression: Left and Right hand fingers and thumb impressions.
5. Class 10 Certificate: For age proof.
6. Category Certificate: (If applicable for SC/ST/OBC/EWS).
7. Address Proof: Aadhaar Card, Domicile Certificate, or Passport.

How to Apply for NEET UG 2026 Online

Follow these simple steps to fill out your form:

1. New Registration: Click on the “NEET (UG) 2026 Registration” link on the homepage.
2. Create Login: Enter your basic details (Name, Email, Mobile) to generate an Application Number and Password.
3. Fill the Form: Log in and fill in your personal details, exam city preferences, and educational qualifications.
4. Upload Documents: Upload your scanned photos, signature, and other certificates in the prescribed size.
5. Pay the Fee: Pay the application fee online (UPI, Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking).
   • General: ₹1,700
   • EWS/OBC-NCL: ₹1,600
   • SC/ST/PwD: ₹1,000
6. Print Confirmation: Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.

What Happens Next?

Once the registration closes on March 7, the NTA will open a brief Correction Window for students to fix specific errors in their forms. After that, the City Intimation Slip will be released in late April, followed by the Admit Card. Students should focus entirely on their revision now, keeping the May 4 exam date in mind.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)