NEW DELHI (Azat TV) – Aspiring medical students across India have just three days left to complete their registration for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG 2026), with the application window set to close on March 8, 2026. This year’s registration process, critical for admission to undergraduate medical and dental courses, introduces significant security enhancements, including mandatory Aadhaar eKYC and live photo verification, as confirmed by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
The NTA, which conducts the nationwide examination, has urged candidates not to wait until the final hours to avoid potential technical issues that could lead to missed opportunities. The NEET UG 2026 examination is scheduled for May 3, 2026, and will be conducted in a single three-hour shift from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
NEET UG 2026 Application Process and Key Updates
To apply for NEET UG 2026, candidates must visit the official website, neet.nta.nic.in. The process involves several steps: clicking on the ‘New Registration’ link, filling in personal details to generate an application number and password, logging in to complete the detailed application form, uploading required documents, and finally, paying the application fee. A printout of the completed form should be saved for future reference.
A notable update for NEET UG 2026 involves enhanced security measures designed to streamline identity verification and ensure exam integrity. The NTA has mandated Aadhaar eKYC for identity confirmation, requiring applicants to capture a live photograph during submission. This live photo will then be compared against the image linked to their Aadhaar identification. Furthermore, exam centers will now be assigned based on the permanent or present address provided by the candidate, a change aimed at optimizing logistical arrangements and preventing discrepancies, according to officials.
Application Fees and Examination Details for NEET UG 2026
The application fees for NEET UG 2026 vary by category. General category candidates are required to pay INR 1,700. Those belonging to the General EWS (Economically Weaker Section) and OBC-NCL (Other Backward Classes–Non Creamy Layer) categories will pay INR 1,600. A reduced fee of INR 1,000 applies to SC (Scheduled Caste), ST (Scheduled Tribe), PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities), and third-gender candidates. For foreign candidates, the application fee is set at INR 9,500.
The examination will be conducted in a pen and paper mode, covering Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. It will be offered in 13 languages, including Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu. Candidates are advised to arrive at their allotted examination centers well in advance on May 3 to complete all pre-examination formalities. The NTA has explicitly stated that applications will only be accepted through the online portal; any submissions via other modes will be rejected.
Why NEET UG 2026 Matters Now
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test is the sole gateway for admissions to a wide array of undergraduate medical and allied health science courses across India, including MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BSMS, BUMS, and BHMS programs. With the registration deadline fast approaching, the NTA’s introduction of stringent new security protocols for NEET UG 2026 underscores a proactive effort to enhance the transparency and fairness of the examination process. These measures, while adding new steps for applicants, are intended to minimize malpractices and ensure that only verified candidates participate, thereby strengthening the credibility of medical admissions in the country. This shift signals a heightened focus on digital verification and data integrity within India’s crucial medical education sector.