The National Testing Agency (NTA) has observed a steady flow of applications for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2026 as the registration window enters its final two weeks. Since the process began on February 8, lakhs of medical aspirants across India have successfully submitted their forms. With the official deadline of March 8 fast approaching, the agency has urged students not to wait until the final hours to avoid potential technical issues due to heavy website traffic. As of today, February 24, the portal at neet.nta.nic.in remains fully operational for new registrations and fee payments.
Registration Trends and Important Timelines
The 2026 registration cycle is following a similar pattern to previous years, with a high volume of sign-ups from states like Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. The NTA has provided a clear schedule to help students manage their time effectively. While the registration closes in early March, a brief correction window will be opened later for those who need to fix minor errors in their applications. This ensures that every candidate has a fair chance to present accurate data before the admit cards are generated in April.
The table below provides the essential dates that every medical aspirant must remember for the current academic session:
| Event Milestone | Important Date (2026) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | March 08 (up to 09:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | March 08 (up to 11:50 PM) |
| Correction Window Dates | March 10 to March 12 |
| NEET UG 2026 Exam Date | May 03 |
Digital Requirements and Application Process
To complete the registration, students must ensure they have all their digital documents ready. This year, the NTA has emphasized the use of Aadhaar-based verification to make the process more secure. Candidates need to upload a recent passport-size photograph, a postcard-size photo, and a scanned copy of their signature. It is also mandatory to provide a valid mobile number and email address, as all future updates regarding the exam and results will be sent through these channels.
The application fee for General category candidates is ₹1,700, while those in the SC/ST/PwBD categories are required to pay ₹1,000. All payments must be made through online modes such as Net Banking, Credit Card, or UPI. If a student fails to complete the fee payment by the night of March 8, their application will be considered incomplete and will be rejected automatically. After the payment is successful, the portal generates a confirmation page which should be saved for the admission process.
Conclusion
As the mid-cycle of the registration period passes, the focus for many is now on the upcoming exam on May 3. The NTA continues to monitor the portal to ensure a smooth experience for all applicants. For any official queries or technical help, candidates can visit the official NTA website or contact the dedicated helpline. Completing the form accurately and on time is the first step for every student dreaming of a career in medicine. With the deadline less than two times a week away, the time to act is now.
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