The National Testing Agency (NTA) has reiterated its comprehensive advisory for medical aspirants regarding the mandatory updation of personal and academic documents for the NEET UG 2026 cycle. As of 11 February 2026, the registration portal remains highly active, following its official launch on February 8. This year, the NTA has introduced enhanced security measures, including Aadhaar-based eKYC and a live photograph capture system, making it imperative for students to ensure their identity records are perfectly synchronized with their academic certificates. The advisory serves as a persistent reminder that any mismatch in name, date of birth, or biometric data could lead to significant hurdles during the verification and subsequent counseling phases.
Mandatory eKYC and Live Photo Capture
A primary requirement of the 2026 application process is the integration of real-time identity verification. Candidates are now required to utilize a webcam or a mobile-based QR code to capture a live photograph during the form-filling process. According to the Official NEET NTA Portal, this live image will be cross-referenced with the Aadhaar database to prevent impersonation. Aspirants who have not updated their Aadhaar cards in the last three years are specifically advised to do so immediately to avoid failures in the biometric authentication step.
- Live Image Standards: The face must occupy at least 80% of the frame, with ears clearly visible and a light-colored background.
- Aadhaar Synchronization: The name on the Aadhaar card must exactly match the Class 10 certificate to pass the automated eKYC turnstile.
- Digital Scrutiny: All uploaded documents, including the signature and thumb impressions, must adhere to the NTA specifications for file size and resolution.
- Proactive Updation: Candidates are urged to check the [suspicious link removed] to ensure their mobile numbers are linked to their Aadhaar for OTP verification.
Category Certification and Reservation Compliance
Beyond identity, the NTA advisory places heavy emphasis on the validity of category certificates for those seeking reservation benefits under EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, or ST quotas. For the 2026-27 admission session, certificates must be issued on or after April 1, 2025, to be considered valid. This requirement is a frequent cause of application rejection, and the agency has encouraged students to utilize the current registration window—which ends on March 8—to procure updated documents from their respective revenue departments or the Swavlamban Portal for PwD candidates.
| Document Type | Formatting Requirement | Validity/Source |
| Passport/Postcard Photo | JPG (10 KB to 200 KB) | Taken after Jan 1, 2026 |
| Scanned Signature | JPG (4 KB to 30 KB) | Black ink on white paper |
| Category Certificate | PDF (50 KB to 300 KB) | Issued on/after April 1, 2025 |
| UDID Card | PDF (50 KB to 300 KB) | Mandatory for PwD status |
- Correction Window: The NTA has scheduled a brief correction window from March 10 to March 12, 2026, but it is limited to non-identifying fields.
- Fee Structure: General category aspirants must pay ₹1,700, while General-EWS/OBC-NCL pay ₹1,600 through the NTA payment gateway.
- Single Submission: Only one application form is permitted per candidate; multiple entries will lead to immediate disqualification without appeal.
Conclusion
As the 11 February update emphasizes, the shift toward a more technologically integrated verification system leaves little room for error. The active advisory on the NTA portal is designed to act as a safeguard for the millions of medical aspirants competing for limited seats in MBBS, BDS, and AYUSH programs. By prioritizing the updation of Aadhaar and category records now, students can focus their remaining energy on the competitive rigors of the exam, which is fixed for May 3, 2026. Adherence to these administrative verification protocols is not merely a formality but a foundational step in securing a future in the Indian medical fraternity. Candidates should continue to monitor the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and NTA websites for any supplementary notices regarding exam city intimation or admit card release dates.
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