NTA NEET UG 2026 Application Window Remains Open After February 8 Launch

The National Testing Agency (NTA) continues to process a high volume of registrations as the application window for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) 2026 remains active. Following the official launch on February 8, 2026, the portal has seen millions of aspirants initiating their journey toward medical education. This year’s registration cycle is particularly significant as it introduces advanced security protocols designed to streamline candidate identification and prevent malpractice.

Registration Timeline and Key Deadlines

According to the official Information Bulletin for NEET UG 2026, the application process will remain open for exactly one month, concluding on March 8, 2026. The NTA has urged students not to wait until the final days to submit their forms, citing potential technical surges that could affect payment gateways. The exam is firmly scheduled for the first Sunday of May, specifically May 3, 2026, maintaining the traditional calendar for India’s largest medical entrance test.

• Submission Deadline: Online forms must be completed and submitted by 9:00 PM on March 8, 2026.
• Fee Payment Window: The deadline for successful fee transactions through UPI or Net Banking is March 8, 2026, at 11:50 PM.
• Correction Window: A brief three-day window for correcting specific particulars in the application will be provided from March 10 to March 12, 2026.
• Exam Duration: The test will span three hours, conducted from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM in pen-and-paper mode.

Enhanced Security: eKYC and Live Photo Capture

In a departure from previous years, the 2026 application cycle mandates the use of Aadhaar-based eKYC for all candidates. This move, supported by the National Medical Commission (NMC), aims to verify the identity of the registrant in real-time. Furthermore, the NTA has integrated a live photo capture system within the registration portal, requiring candidates to use a webcam or mobile device to take a current photograph during the submission process.

The live photo must capture at least 80% of the face against a white background without any accessories like caps or tinted glasses. This image will be cross-referenced with the candidate's Aadhaar records and used for verification on the day of the exam. The NTA emphasizes that these measures are essential to uphold the meritocratic values of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) and other governing medical bodies.

Eligibility Criteria and Academic Requirements

Candidates must ensure they meet the age and academic requirements before initiating the registration process. To be eligible for NEET UG 2026, an aspirant must have completed 17 years of age on or before December 31, 2026. This implies that anyone born on or before December 31, 2009, is qualified to apply. Academically, students must have passed their 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as core subjects.

• Minimum Marks: General category students require an aggregate of 50% in science subjects, while reserved categories require 40%.
• Attempt Policy: There is currently no upper age limit or restriction on the number of attempts for the NEET UG examination.
• Course Scope: The 2026 scores will be valid for admission into MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BSMS, BUMS, BHMS, and B.Sc. Nursing (MNS) programs across all medical institutions in India.

Conclusion

With the NEET UG 2026 application window now fully operational, the NTA has established a robust framework to manage the registration of over 20 lakh expected candidates. The inclusion of eKYC and live photography marks a significant step toward a more secure and transparent testing environment. As the March 8 deadline approaches, aspirants are advised to keep their scanned documents and Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers ready. This registration phase is the gateway for students to secure their place in the medical fraternity, ensuring that the 2026-27 academic session commences with a verified and dedicated cohort of future healthcare professionals.

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