NEET UG 2026 Registration Deadline Nears: Complete Guide for Aspiring Medical Students
The registration process for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET UG) 2026 is set to conclude next week, with the final deadline on March 8, 2026. Candidates aiming to pursue medical and allied health sciences courses must complete their online applications through the official National Testing Agency (NTA) portal before this critical cutoff. According to a public notice issued on February 8, 2026, applications are exclusively accepted in online mode, emphasizing the need for timely submission to avoid last-minute technical issues.
NEET UG 2026: Crucial Dates and Timeline
Aspiring medical students should mark their calendars with the following key dates to ensure a smooth application process:
- Registration Start Date: February 8, 2026
- Last Date to Apply: March 8, 2026 (until 9:00 PM)
- Last Date for Fee Payment: March 8, 2026 (until 11:50 PM)
- Application Correction Window: March 10 to March 12, 2026
- NEET UG 2026 Exam Date: May 3, 2026
These dates are non-negotiable, and candidates are strongly advised to complete all steps well in advance to prevent any disruptions.
Exam Structure and Format for NEET UG 2026
The NEET UG 2026 exam will maintain its traditional pen-and-paper format, with specific details outlined for candidates:
- Exam Duration: 180 minutes (3 hours)
- Exam Timing: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM IST
- Mode of Exam: Pen and Paper
- Languages Available: Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu
This structure ensures a standardized testing environment across India, catering to linguistic diversity among examinees.
Courses Covered Through NEET UG 2026 Scores
NEET UG 2026 scores are pivotal for admission into a wide range of undergraduate medical and paramedical programs. The exam is mandatory for the following courses:
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
- Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry (BVSc and AH)
- Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)
- Bachelor of Unani Medicine and Surgery (BUMS)
- Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery (BSMS)
- Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS)
Additionally, the exam is essential for candidates seeking admission to Bachelor of Science (BSc) Nursing courses at Armed Forces Medical Services hospitals under the Military Nursing Service (MNS).
NEET UG 2026 Application Fee Structure
The application fee varies based on category, designed to accommodate different socioeconomic backgrounds:
- General Category: ₹1,700
- General–Economically Weaker Section (EWS) / Other Backward Classes–Non Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL): ₹1,600
- Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) / Third Gender: ₹1,000
- Candidates Outside India: ₹9,500
These fees must be paid online through the designated payment gateways on the NTA portal.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for NEET UG 2026
Candidates can follow these straightforward steps to complete their NEET UG 2026 application:
- Visit the official NTA website at neet.nta.nic.in.
- Click on the NEET UG 2026 registration link prominently displayed on the homepage.
- Complete the initial registration by providing basic personal details.
- Fill out the comprehensive application form with accurate academic and contact information.
- Upload the required documents, including photographs and signatures, in the specified formats.
- Pay the application fee online using net banking, credit card, debit card, or UPI.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Pro Tip: Applicants are urged to apply well before the March 8 deadline and thoroughly review the information bulletin available on the official website. For the latest updates and announcements regarding NEET UG 2026, regular visits to neet.nta.nic.in are recommended.
