The National Testing Agency (NTA) is anticipated to release the NEET UG 2026 notification and open the online registration window shortly on the official portal neet.nta.nic.in. This highly competitive national medical entrance test serves as the gateway for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and allied undergraduate medical programs across India.
NEET UG 2026 Registration Window and Dates
According to current updates and past trends, the NEET UG 2026 registration process is expected to start in the first week of February 2026, with the application window likely remaining open for approximately 4–5 weeks. Applicants should monitor the official NEET UG portal for the formal notification and link activation. While the exact start and end dates for registration are yet to be officially published, reports indicate that many candidates anticipate the process to begin around 7 February 2026, based on notification timelines from previous years.
How to Apply for NEET UG 2026?
Prospective candidates must complete the registration and application process online only through neet.nta.nic.in. The process generally includes the following steps:
- New Registration: Generate login credentials by submitting basic personal details.
- Fill Application Form: Provide personal, academic and contact information.
- Upload Documents: Submit scanned copies of photograph, signature and class certificates in prescribed formats.
- Pay Application Fee: Complete the payment online using debit/credit card, net banking or UPI.
- Submit Form: Review and submit the form, then download the confirmation page for future reference.
Applicants are advised to prepare essential documents including Aadhaar/UDID, Class 10 and 12 marksheets, category certificates (if applicable), and a valid email and mobile number ahead of registration to ensure a smooth application experience.
NEET UG 2026 Fees Structure
Though the official details are awaited, tentative fee information from recent patterns suggests the following NEET UG 2026 application fees depending on category:
- General: INR 1,700
- General-EWS / OBC-NCL: INR 1,600
- SC / ST / PwBD / Third gender: INR 1,000
- Candidates opting for exam centres outside India: INR 9,500
Fees must be paid online at the time of submitting the application form. Candidates should keep transaction receipts and the confirmation page for record-keeping purposes.
Expected NEET UG 2026 Exam Date & Pattern
The NEET UG 2026 examination is expected to be held on 3 May 2026 (Sunday) in offline (pen-and-paper) mode, although official confirmation is pending. The test will consist of 180 multiple-choice questions across Physics, Chemistry and Biology (Botany & Zoology), with a total of 720 marks. Correct answers are awarded 4 marks, while one mark is deducted for each incorrect response. NEET UG will continue to be conducted in multiple Indian languages alongside English and Hindi, catering to a broad aspirant base.
Eligibility Criteria for NEET UG 2026
Candidates must fulfil certain criteria to be eligible:
- Age: Must be at least 17 years old by 31 December 2026.
- Educational Qualification: Completion of Class 12 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Biotechnology as core subjects.
- Minimum Marks: Candidates should meet the minimum aggregate marks in core subjects as per category requirements.
Final eligibility details will be available in the official NEET UG 2026 information bulletin once published on the NTA portal.
NEET PG Preparing Ahead of Registration
A large number of candidates often exceeding 20 lakh are expected to register for the NEET UG 2026 exam. Early preparation and readiness to fill the application form accurately will help avoid last-minute issues. Aspirants should stay updated on official notifications to ensure timely submission of forms and document uploads. With official release imminent, understanding the application process and tentative exam schedule will aid aspiring medical students in planning their NEET UG 2026 journey effectively.