Application Process - NEET 2026: Exam Date, Syllabus, Eligibility, Pattern, Registration

NEET 2026 Application Form Overview

NEET 2026 Important Dates

NTA releases the official schedule for NEET registration in the information bulletin. Based on previous year trends, the tentative dates for NEET 2026 are provided below. Candidates should regularly check the official website for confirmed dates.

NEET 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for NEET 2026, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria set by NTA and NMC. Only eligible candidates can complete the registration process successfully.

How to Apply for NEET 2026: Step-by-Step Process

The NEET 2026 application process is completely online. Candidates must visit the official website neet.nta.nic.in to complete the registration. The application process involves four main steps.

Step 1: NEET 2026 Registration

The first step is to register on the NEET official portal. Candidates must create a new account by providing basic details.

• Visit the official website neet.nta.nic.in
• Click on the "New Registration" link
• Read the instructions carefully and proceed
• Enter your name as per Class 10 certificate
• Enter your mobile number and email address
• Enter your date of birth
• Create a strong password
• Choose a security question and answer
• Click on Submit button
• Verify OTP received on mobile number and email
• Note down the Application Number generated

Step 2: Fill NEET Application Form

After registration, candidates must log in using the Application Number and password. The application form requires personal, academic, and exam-related details.

Personal Details Required:

• Candidate's Name (as per Class 10 certificate)
• Father's Name and Mother's Name
• Date of Birth
• Gender
• Nationality
• Category (General/EWS/OBC-NCL/SC/ST/PwD)
• Aadhaar Number
• Present and Permanent Address
• State of Eligibility

Academic Details Required:

• Class 10 Board Name and Year of Passing
• Class 10 Roll Number
• Class 12 Board Name
• Class 12 Year of Passing or Appearing
• NEET Qualifying Code (1-7)
• Marks in Physics, Chemistry, Biology

Exam Preferences:

• Select four exam city preferences
• Choose question paper medium (13 languages available)

Step 3: Upload Documents

Candidates must upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, and thumb impressions as per NTA specifications. Incorrect uploads may lead to rejection of the application form.

Step 4: Pay Application Fee

The final step is to pay the NEET 2026 application fee through online mode. The confirmation page is generated only after successful payment.

NEET 2026 Application Fee

NTA has fixed category-wise application fees for NEET 2026. The fee can be paid online only through Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. The application fee is non-refundable.

Note: Additional GST and processing charges are applicable on the application fee. The fee once paid cannot be refunded under any circumstances except in cases of duplicate payment due to technical issues.

Documents Required for NEET 2026 Application Form

Candidates must keep all required documents ready before starting the application process. Both soft copies (for upload) and hard copies (for reference) are needed.

Documents to Upload

Documents to Keep Ready

• Aadhaar Card (updated with correct details)
• Class 10 Marksheet and Passing Certificate
• Class 12 Marksheet (if passed)
• Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS)
• PwD Certificate with UDID (if applicable)
• Domicile Certificate (for state quota counselling)
• Valid Photo ID Proof
• Address Proof

NEET 2026 Photo Requirements and Specifications

NTA has strict guidelines for photograph and signature upload. Incorrect format or specifications can lead to rejection of the application form.

Passport Size Photo Specifications

Signature Specifications

Thumb Impression Specifications

NEET Qualifying Codes 2026

Candidates must select the appropriate qualifying code based on their educational qualification. Selecting the wrong code may lead to rejection of the application form.

NEET 2026 Question Paper Languages

NEET 2026 will be conducted in 13 languages. Candidates can choose their preferred language while filling the application form. English is available with all other regional languages as a bilingual option.

NEET 2026 Application Form Correction Window

NTA provides a correction window for candidates to rectify errors in the submitted application form. The correction facility is available for a limited period after the application deadline.

Details That Can Be Corrected

• Personal details (Name, Father's Name, Mother's Name)
• Date of Birth
• Gender
• Category
• Person with Disability status
• Photograph and Signature
• Educational details
• Exam city preferences
• Question paper language

Details That Cannot Be Corrected

• Registered Mobile Number
• Registered Email ID
• Aadhaar Number (in most cases)

Note: Additional fees may be applicable for corrections that change the fee category. Candidates should use this one-time opportunity carefully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in NEET 2026 Application Form

Many candidates face rejection due to avoidable errors in the application form. Here are the common mistakes and how to avoid them.

NTA Advisory for NEET 2026 Document Updation

NTA has released an advisory on January 5, 2026, asking candidates to update their documents before the registration process begins. This advisory highlights the importance of having accurate and updated documents.

Key Points from NTA Advisory

• Ensure Aadhaar card details match Class 10 certificate (name, date of birth)
• Update facial recognition data in Aadhaar for smooth verification
• PwD candidates must have valid UDID card with updated disability details
• OBC-NCL, EWS, SC/ST candidates should ensure category certificates are in latest format
• Category certificates must be within validity period
• Mismatched Aadhaar details can cause issues during registration and exam day

NEET 2026 Exam Pattern

NEET 2026 Helpline and Contact Details

Candidates facing issues during the application process can contact NTA through the following channels.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. When will NEET 2026 application form be released?

The NEET 2026 application form is expected to be released in the first week of February 2026. NTA will announce the official dates through the information bulletin on the website neet.nta.nic.in. Candidates should regularly check the official website for updates.

Q2. What is the application fee for NEET 2026?

The NEET 2026 application fee varies by category. General category candidates pay Rs. 1,700, OBC-NCL/EWS candidates pay Rs. 1,600, and SC/ST/PwD candidates pay Rs. 1,000. Candidates opting for exam centres outside India pay Rs. 9,500. The fee must be paid online through Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.

Q3. What documents are required for NEET 2026 application form?

Candidates need passport size photograph, postcard size photograph, signature, thumb impressions, Class 10 certificate for date of birth proof, and category certificate if applicable. All documents must be uploaded in JPG/JPEG format with specified file sizes. PwD candidates need to upload their disability certificate with UDID.

Q4. Can I apply for NEET 2026 if I am appearing in Class 12?

Yes, students appearing for Class 12 board exams in 2026 can apply for NEET 2026. They should select Qualifying Code 1 in the application form. However, they must pass Class 12 with the required percentage before the counselling process begins.

Q5. What is the qualifying code for NEET droppers?

NEET droppers who have already passed Class 12 should select Qualifying Code 2 in the application form. This code is for candidates who have completed their Higher/Senior Secondary Examination or equivalent (10+2 pattern) from any recognized board.

Q6. Is Aadhaar mandatory for NEET 2026 registration?

Yes, Aadhaar card details are required for NEET 2026 registration. NTA uses Aadhaar for identity verification and to auto-fill application details. Candidates should ensure their Aadhaar details match their Class 10 certificate before registration. Many applicants on Reddit and Quora have reported facing issues due to Aadhaar mismatches.

Q7. What happens if my NEET application form is rejected?

If the application is rejected due to correctable errors, candidates can use the correction window to fix mistakes. Common reasons for rejection include blurred photos, incorrect details, or incomplete payment. If rejection is due to eligibility issues, candidates may have to wait for the next year to apply again.

Q8. Can I edit my NEET application form after submission?

Yes, NTA provides a correction window after the application deadline. Candidates can edit personal details, photograph, signature, category, and exam preferences during this period. However, registered mobile number and email ID generally cannot be changed. Additional fees may apply for category changes.

Q9. What is the photo size for NEET 2026 application form?

The passport size photograph should be 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm with file size between 10 KB to 200 KB in JPG format. The photo must have a white background with 80% face coverage. The candidate's name and date of taking the photo must appear below the image. Photos taken on or after January 1, 2026, are valid.

Q10. How many times can I attempt NEET?

There is no limit on the number of attempts for NEET. Candidates can appear for the exam as many times as they wish, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. The attempt limit was removed in 2018 by the Medical Council of India.

Q11. What is the last date to pay NEET 2026 application fee?

The last date to pay the NEET 2026 application fee is the same as the last date to submit the application form, expected in the first week of March 2026. The application is considered incomplete without fee payment, and the confirmation page is generated only after successful payment.

Q12. Can I change my exam city preference after submitting the NEET application?

Yes, exam city preferences can be changed during the correction window period. However, city allotment depends on availability and is subject to NTA's decision. Candidates should carefully select their preferred cities during the initial application to avoid complications.

Q13. Is there any fee relaxation for female candidates in NEET?

No, there is no separate fee relaxation for female candidates in NEET 2026. The application fee is the same for male and female candidates within each category. Fee concession is available only for SC, ST, PwD, and Third Gender candidates.

Q14. What should I do if NEET payment is deducted but form shows incomplete?

If payment is deducted but the application status shows incomplete, candidates should first check the payment status on the NTA website. If the issue persists, contact the NTA helpline immediately with transaction details. Many students on Quora have faced similar issues and were advised to wait 24-48 hours before contacting support.

Q15. Can NRI and foreign students apply for NEET 2026?

Yes, NRI, OCI, PIO, and Foreign Nationals can apply for NEET 2026. They must meet the same eligibility criteria as Indian candidates. NRI/OCI candidates need to submit a certificate from the Indian Diplomatic Mission in their country. Foreign nationals opting for exam centres outside India pay Rs. 9,500 as application fee.

Official Website: For the latest updates on NEET 2026 application form, eligibility criteria, and important dates, candidates should visit the official NTA website at neet.nta.nic.in.