The National Testing Agency (NTA) is successfully facilitating the online registration process for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate) or NEET UG 2026. Having commenced on February 8, the Registration portal has seen a massive surge in traffic from medical aspirants across the country. A significant update in this year's Form cycle is the mandatory implementation of Aadhaar-based eKYC. This measure has been introduced to enhance the security of the Entrance examination process and eliminate instances of impersonation.
- Submission Deadline: Candidates have a one-month window, concluding on March 8, 2026, to submit their applications.
- Identity Authentication: The official NEET portal now requires real-time Aadhaar authentication during the initial sign-up phase.
- Single Application Rule: The NTA has strictly advised that each candidate must submit only one Application, as multiple entries will lead to immediate disqualification.
- Communication Channels: Applicants are urged to use active personal email addresses and mobile numbers for all official correspondence regarding the Examination.
Revised Protocols for Live Photograph and Document Uploads
For the 2026 cycle, the NTA has introduced a "Live Photo" capture system that replaces the traditional method of simply uploading a pre-saved digital image. This new Registration protocol requires candidates to use a web camera or a mobile QR code scanner to take a photo at the time of filling out the Form. This image is then cross-referenced with the Aadhaar database to ensure the highest level of integrity for the upcoming Entrance test.
| Category of Candidate | Application Fee (INR) |
| General / Unreserved | ₹1,700 |
| General-EWS / OBC-NCL | ₹1,600 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Third Gender | ₹1,000 |
| Processing Charges & GST | As applicable by Banks |
- Photo Specifications: The live capture must ensure 80% face coverage with ears clearly visible against a white background.
- Document Checklist: Candidates must also upload a scanned signature (4 KB to 30 KB) and a valid address proof in PDF format.
- Fee Payment: The last date for successful fee transaction is March 8, 2026, up to 11:50 PM.
- Correction Window: A brief edit facility will be provided between March 10 and March 12, 2026, for specific fields.
Conclusion
The ongoing Application phase for NEET UG 2026 marks a technological shift in how national-level medical entrance tests are conducted in India. With the Examination scheduled for May 3, 2026, the current focus of the NTA is to ensure a seamless and transparent Registration experience. As the February window progresses, the introduction of eKYC and live photography sets a new benchmark for the Entrance process. Aspirants are currently in the process of finalizing their academic details and selecting their preferred Examination cities. The successful conclusion of this Form filling exercise on March 8 will pave the way for the release of city intimation slips and admit cards in April.
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