NEET UG is a huge deal for anyone in India hoping to become a doctor. Every year, hundreds of thousands of students take the exam, all chasing a seat in medical or allied courses. If you’re aiming for next year, here’s some good news—the National Testing Agency just released the official details for NEET UG 2026.
This blog explains everything you need to know about NEET UG 2026 in a simple and clear way, including exam date, registration process, fees, new rules, and important advice for candidates.
NEET UG 2026 Exam Date Announced
According to the official announcement by NTA, the NEET UG 2026 examination will be held on 3 May 2026 (Sunday). The exam will be conducted in offline mode, which means it will be a pen-and-paper based test.
NEET UG 2026 will be the single entrance exam for admission to:
- MBBS
- BDS
- B.V.Sc (Veterinary Science)
- AYUSH courses such as BAMS, BUMS, and BSMS
Students must qualify NEET UG to get admission into government and private colleges across India.
NEET UG 2026 Registration Dates
The registration process for NEET UG 2026 will begin on 8 February 2026. Candidates can apply online through the official website.
Important Registration Dates:
- Registration start date: 8 February 2026
- Last date to apply: 8 March 2026
- Last date for fee payment: 8 March 2026
- Correction window: 10 March to 12 March 2026
Students are advised not to wait until the last date. Early registration helps avoid technical issues and stress.
Application Process for NEET UG 2026
The application for NEET UG 2026 must be submitted online only. No offline forms will be accepted.
Steps involved in the application process:
- Visit the official NEET website
- Register using basic details
- Complete Aadhaar-based eKYC
- Upload required documents
- Fill personal and academic details
- Pay the application fee
- Submit and download confirmation page
Candidates should keep a copy of the application form and payment receipt for future use.
New Changes Introduced in NEET UG 2026
This year, NTA has introduced some important new rules to improve fairness and transparency.
Aadhaar-Based eKYC
Aadhaar verification is now mandatory during registration. This step ensures that the identity of the candidate is genuine and reduces chances of fake applications.
Live Photo Capture
Candidates must upload a live photograph during the registration process. This photo is captured in real time and helps prevent impersonation.
Because of these changes, students should make sure that:
- Aadhaar details are correct
- Name and date of birth match official records
Documents to Update Before Applying
To avoid problems during registration or admission, candidates should update the following documents before applying for NEET UG 2026:
- Aadhaar card
- UDID certificate (if applicable)
- Category certificate (SC, ST, OBC, EWS)
- PwD certificate (if applicable)
Incorrect or outdated documents may lead to rejection at later stages.
NEET UG 2026 Application Fee
Each category has a different NEET UG 2026 application fee.
Fee Structure:
- General category: ₹1700
- OBC / EWS: ₹1600
- SC / ST / PwD: ₹1000
- International centres: Up to ₹9500
The fee must be paid online using debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.
Exam Mode and Pattern
The NEET UG 2026 exam will be administered offline. Candidates will receive an OMR sheet to mark their answers.
Key points:
- Single exam across India
- Same question paper pattern
- Multiple choice questions
- Subjects include Physics, Chemistry, and Biology
Students should practice OMR-based mock tests to get comfortable with the exam format.
Why NEET UG 2026 Is Important
NEET UG is the only entrance exam for medical admissions in India. Scores from this exam are used for:
- Government medical colleges
- Private medical colleges
- Central universities
- AYUSH institutions
A good score in NEET UG 2026 can open doors to top colleges and a strong medical career.
Tips for NEET UG 2026 Aspirants
Here are some simple tips to help students prepare better:
- Start preparation early
- Follow NCERT textbooks carefully
- Practice previous years’ questions
- Take regular mock tests
- Focus on accuracy and time management
Also, keep checking the official website for updates related to admit card, exam centres, and result dates.
Final Words
The announcement of NEET UG 2026 has set the stage for another highly competitive medical entrance exam. With the exam scheduled for 3 May 2026 and registration starting from 8 February 2026, students now have a clear timeline to plan their preparation.
By understanding the registration process, new rules, and important dates, candidates can avoid mistakes and stay focused on their goal. NEET UG is not just an exam, but a gateway to a respected and rewarding career in healthcare.
Students are advised to stay calm, stay disciplined, and prepare with confidence.
