The registration process for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) 2026 is expected to begin soon. Students who wish to join medical courses like MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and BSc Nursing must take this exam. The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts NEET UG, which is a national-level entrance test. The NTA will release the application form on its official website, neet.nta.nic.in.
Normally, the NEET application forms are released in February. However, some education experts believe the NTA might release the NEET UG 2026 application form earlier this year. Students should regularly check the official website for the latest updates.
What is NEET UG?
NEET UG is India's most important medical entrance exam. It is a single test that allows students to gain admission to various medical and related undergraduate programs across the country. Every year, lakhs of students take this exam to pursue their dreams of becoming doctors or entering other healthcare professions.
Who Can Apply for NEET UG 2026?
To apply for the NEET UG 2026 exam, students must meet certain age and education requirements. These are the main conditions:
- Students must be 17 years old or older by December 31, 2026.
- Students must have passed their Class 12 examination from a recognized board of education.
- The minimum marks required in Class 12 vary by category:
- General and EWS (Economically Weaker Section) students need at least 50% marks.
- OBC (Other Backward Classes), SC (Scheduled Castes), and ST (Scheduled Tribes) students need at least 40% marks.
How to Fill the NEET UG 2026 Application Form
Students should follow these simple steps to complete their NEET UG 2026 registration online:
- Step 1: Visit the Official Website. Go to the NEET UG exam website: neet.nta.nic.in.
- Step 2: Start New Registration. Look for the link that says "New Registration" or "NEET UG 2026 Registration" and click on it.
- Step 3: Agree to Terms. Read the instructions carefully. After reading, click on the box to agree to the terms and conditions, then click "Proceed".
- Step 4: Enter Basic Details. Fill in your personal details, contact information, and create a strong password. Note down your registration number and password for future use.
- Step 5: Log In. Use the registration number and password you just created to log in to the application portal.
- Step 6: Complete the Application Form. Fill out all the required sections of the application form. This includes educational details, category, choice of exam cities, and other necessary information.
- Step 7: Upload Documents. Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other required documents as per the size and format mentioned in the instructions.
- Step 8: Pay Application Fees. Pay the application fee using online payment methods like credit card, debit card, or net banking. Make sure to check the fee amount for your category.
- Step 9: Review and Submit. Before final submission, carefully review all the details you have entered in the form. Make sure there are no errors.
- Step 10: Save Confirmation Page. After successful submission, a confirmation page will appear. Save this page and take a printout for your records. This is important for future reference.
NEET UG Exam Dates: Previous Years
While the NEET UG 2026 exam date has not been announced yet, looking at previous years can give students an idea of when the exam usually takes place. The exam is often held in the first week of May.
| Year | Exam Date |
| 2025 | May 4, 2025 |
| 2024 | May 5, 2024 |
| 2023 | May 7, 2023 |
Students should stay updated by checking the official NTA NEET website regularly for the exact dates and any new announcements.
