The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to hold the NEET UG 2026 exam in the first week of May 2026 . This national medical entrance exam is crucial for students aiming for undergraduate medical courses in India. Applications for NEET UG 2026 are likely to open between February 1 and 4, 2026 . Before this, students must update their important documents like Aadhaar Card , UDID Card , and category certificates . The NTA has issued an advisory, asking students to ensure these documents are current and correct for a smooth application process.
The official notification for NEET UG 2026 , confirming exact dates, is not yet released. However, based on previous exam schedules, it is highly probable that the exam will take place in the first week of May. Students should prepare according to this expected schedule. The NEET UG exam is the single entrance test for admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other medical courses across the country.
Expected NEET UG 2026 Exam and Application Dates
Students planning for NEET UG 2026 should note the likely timeline. The NTA usually opens application forms a few months before the exam. Based on consistent past trends, the application window is expected in early February.
| Detail | Expected Dates |
| NEET UG 2026 Application Start | February 1-4, 2026 |
| NEET UG 2026 Exam Date (Expected 1) | May 1-4, 2026 |
| NEET UG 2026 Exam Date (Expected 2) | May 5-7, 2026 |
Important Document Update Advisory from NTA
The NTA has released a vital message for all students preparing for NEET UG 2026 . The agency has asked candidates to check and update their key identity and category documents now, before the application process starts. This step is crucial for smooth registration.
Students must ensure their Aadhaar Card , UDID Card (Unique Disability ID), and any relevant category certificates (like SC/ST/OBC/EWS) are valid, renewed, and contain accurate personal details. Check the following:
- Full name, matching other official documents.
- Correct date of birth and gender.
- Clear, updated photograph.
- Current address.
- Up-to-date biometric details (if applicable).
Having correct and updated documents is essential. During NEET UG 2026 online registration, students will upload digital copies of these. Errors or outdated information can cause delays or problems during application verification.
NEET UG Exam Date Trends from Past Years
The NEET UG exam has followed a predictable schedule, being held consistently in the first week of May for the last three years. This trend strongly suggests that NEET UG 2026 will also take place around the same time.
| Year | Exam Date |
| 2025 | May 4, 2025 |
| 2024 | May 5, 2024 |
| 2023 | May 7, 2023 |
NEET UG 2025 Exam: A Look Back at Numbers
In 2025 , the NEET UG exam was held on May 4 . This large exam took place in over 550 cities in India and 14 cities abroad . More than 22 lakh (2.2 million) students registered. The attendance was about 97.06% .
After the exam, 12,36,531 students qualified for NEET UG 2025 . This included 7,22,462 male candidates, 5,14,063 female candidates, and 6 third gender candidates. These figures show the exam's scale and importance.
Next Steps for Students Preparing for NEET UG 2026
Students planning for NEET UG 2026 should:
- Regularly check the official NTA website for latest announcements.
- Gather and update all necessary personal and educational documents, especially Aadhaar Card , UDID Card , and category certificates . Ensure all details match across documents.
- Prepare for the exam based on the expected exam window in May 2026 .
The NTA will release the full information brochure soon. This will detail the application process, eligibility, syllabus, and other guidelines. Staying informed and prepared will help students navigate the NEET UG 2026 process smoothly.
