NEET 2026 registration has officially started in India, and lakhs of medical aspirants are now preparing to apply for the country’s biggest medical entrance exam. If you are planning to take admission in MBBS, BDS, AYUSH or nursing courses in 2026, this is one of the most important updates you must know.
In this article, we explain everything about NEET 2026 registration including important dates, eligibility, how to apply, why this exam matters in India, and what students should do next.
NEET 2026 Registration: What Has Happened?
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has started the online registration process for NEET UG 2026 from 8 February 2026 on its official website.
Eligible candidates can fill the NEET 2026 application form online till 8 March 2026.
NEET is a national-level entrance exam conducted for admission into:
- MBBS
- BDS
- AYUSH courses
- BVSc & AH
- B.Sc Nursing and other medical programmes
The NEET UG 2026 exam is expected to be held on 3 May 2026 (Sunday).
Important Dates for NEET 2026
Here are the major confirmed and expected dates students should know:
- Registration Start Date: 8 February 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 8 March 2026
- Correction Window: 10 to 12 March 2026
- Admit Card Release: April 2026 (Expected)
- Exam Date: 3 May 2026
Students are advised not to wait till the last date because heavy traffic on the website may cause technical problems.
Read More: India Post GDS Result 2026
Who Can Apply for NEET UG 2026?
To apply for NEET 2026, candidates must meet the following basic eligibility criteria:
Students must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Biotechnology, and English from a recognized board.
General category candidates should have at least 50% marks in PCB subjects. SC/ST/OBC candidates need 40%, while PwD candidates require 45%.
The minimum age should be 17 years by 31 December 2026. There is currently no upper age limit to appear for NEET UG.
New Application Requirements This Year
As per recent updates, candidates must complete:
- Aadhaar-based eKYC
- Live photo capture during application
These identity verification steps are mandatory in the NEET 2026 registration process.
Incorrect documents or mismatched details may lead to rejection of the application form.
Why NEET 2026 Is Important for Indian Students
NEET is the only entrance test for undergraduate medical admission in India. It is required for both:
- Government medical colleges
- Private medical colleges
Over 23 lakh students registered for NEET in recent years, showing the growing competition for limited medical seats in India.
Your NEET score decides admission in medical institutions across the country under national and state quota systems.
What Happens After Registration?
Once registration closes on 8 March 2026:
- Correction window will open in March
- Admit cards will be released in April
- The exam will be conducted in May
- Results are expected by June 2026
Students should regularly check official updates from NTA to avoid missing any important notification.
FAQs on NEET 2026 Registration
Q1. When did NEET 2026 registration start?
NEET UG 2026 registration started on 8 February 2026.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for NEET 2026?
The last date to fill the application form is 8 March 2026.
Q3. When will NEET 2026 exam be held?
NEET UG 2026 is expected to be conducted on 3 May 2026.
Q4. What is the minimum age required for NEET 2026?
Candidates must be at least 17 years old by 31 December 2026.
Q5. Is Aadhaar mandatory for NEET 2026 registration?
Yes, Aadhaar-based eKYC is required during the application process