The registration process for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) 2026 has officially begun, marking the start of one of the most important phases for medical aspirants across India. Every year, millions of students compete for admission to MBBS, BDS, and other undergraduate medical courses through this nationwide examination. With the release of the official notification, candidates can now complete their applications online and begin preparing according to the updated exam schedule.
The announcement has brought clarity regarding key dates, eligibility requirements, and the application procedure. Students planning to appear for NEET UG 2026 are advised to carefully review all instructions and submit their forms well before the deadline to avoid last-minute complications.
NEET UG 2026 Exam Date and Schedule
According to the official notification, the NEET UG 2026 examination is scheduled to be conducted on May 3, 2026. The test will take place in a single shift across multiple examination centres throughout the country.
The exam will begin at 2:00 PM and conclude at 5:00 PM, giving candidates a total duration of three hours (180 minutes) to complete the paper. Students are advised to reach their allotted examination centres early to complete mandatory verification and entry formalities.
Conducting the exam in a single shift ensures uniformity in the difficulty level and evaluation process. Candidates should regularly check official updates to stay informed about any changes or additional announcements related to the exam.
Official Notification and Registration Portal
The official NEET UG 2026 notification has been made available through the designated examination website. Medical aspirants can access detailed instructions, eligibility criteria, and the application link through the online portal.
Since the application process is conducted exclusively online, candidates must ensure they use the official website for registration. Submissions made through any other mode will not be accepted. The notification also provides detailed guidelines on document specifications, fee payment, and correction policies.
Students are encouraged to read the information bulletin carefully before beginning the registration process to avoid errors that could lead to rejection or disqualification.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for NEET UG 2026
The application process is designed to be straightforward, but accuracy is essential at every stage. Candidates can complete the registration by following these steps:
1. Create Registration Credentials
Visit the official NEET portal and click on the “New Registration” link. After reading the instructions, generate your application number and password.
2. Fill the Application Form
Log in using the credentials and enter personal details, educational qualifications, and preferred examination cities carefully.
3. Upload Required Documents
Applicants must upload scanned copies of their recent passport-size photograph and signature within the specified size limits.
4. Pay the Application Fee
Proceed to the online payment section and complete the fee transaction using the available digital payment options.
5. Submit and Save the Confirmation
After successful submission, download and print the completed application form for future reference.
Taking time to double-check all entries before final submission is crucial, as incorrect information can create issues later in the admission process.
Application Fee Details
The application fee varies depending on the candidate’s category. General category applicants are required to pay a higher fee compared to reserved categories. Candidates belonging to General-EWS and OBC-NCL categories have a slightly reduced fee, while SC, ST, PwD, and third-gender candidates benefit from additional concessions.
Applicants should ensure that the fee payment is completed successfully, as incomplete transactions may result in an invalid application.
Important Instructions for Candidates
The examination authority has issued several essential guidelines that applicants must follow throughout the registration and examination process:
- The application form must be submitted only through online mode.
- Candidates must upload valid and recent documents that meet the prescribed specifications.
- All communication regarding the exam will be sent to the registered email ID or mobile number provided during registration.
- Incorrect or incomplete details may lead to rejection of the application.
Additionally, students should regularly check the official portal for updates related to admit cards, exam centre allocation, and other notifications.
Updated Syllabus and Preparation Strategy For NEET UG
The examination body has also released an updated syllabus to help candidates align their preparation with the current pattern. Reviewing the revised topics early allows aspirants to plan a structured study schedule and focus on high-weightage subjects.
With the exam scheduled for early May, students now have a clear timeline to revise concepts, practice previous years’ papers, and strengthen weak areas. Consistent preparation combined with mock tests can significantly improve performance in a competitive exam like NEET UG.
Why Early Registration Matters For NEET UG
Completing the application process well in advance offers several advantages. Early registration provides sufficient time to correct mistakes, upload documents properly, and avoid server-related issues during peak traffic periods.
Moreover, students who finish the formalities early can shift their entire focus to preparation without worrying about administrative deadlines.
Final Conclusion
The start of NEET UG 2026 registration marks a crucial milestone for aspiring medical students across the country. With the exam date confirmed and the application portal now active, candidates should act promptly to complete their registration and carefully follow all official guidelines.
Accurate form submission, timely fee payment, and regular monitoring of official announcements will ensure a smooth application experience. As the countdown to May 2026 begins, aspirants now have a clear opportunity to organise their preparation strategy and move one step closer to securing admission to their preferred medical colleges.
Also Read: CTET 2026 Exam Confirmed: February 7 & 8 Schedule, Essential Guidelines and Important Instructions
