For millions of students across India, the dream of wearing a white coat begins with a single exam. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially sounded the bugle for NEET UG 2026, opening the registration window for the country's sole undergraduate medical entrance test.
With competition fiercer than ever—over 20 lakh candidates expected—missing a deadline or making an error in the application is not an option. Here is everything you need to know to navigate the process smoothly.
The Critical Timeline
The NTA has kept the schedule tight this year. The application link is already active on the official portal. Students have exactly one month to complete their registration, payment, and document upload.
⚠️ Pro Tip: Don't wait for the last day. Server crashes are common on March 8 due to heavy traffic.
Preparing for the grueling roadmap to medical school. (Credit: Unsplash)
Fee Structure breakdown
The application fee varies by category. Ensure you have the correct documents (like a valid Category Certificate) ready if you are claiming a concession.
- General: ₹1700
- Gen-EWS / OBC-NCL: ₹1600
- SC / ST / PwBD / Third Gender: ₹1000
- Centres Outside India: ₹9500 (Uniform for all)
What Documents Do You Need?
Before you sit down to fill the form, keep these scanned files handy to avoid session timeouts:
- Passport Size Photo: Recent, with 80% face coverage, ears visible, white background.
- Postcard Size Photo: 4"x6" size.
- Signature: Scanned copy on white paper with black ink.
- Thumb Impressions: Left and Right fingers and thumb impressions.
- Class 10 Certificate: For date of birth proof.
Important: The 'One Form' Rule
The NTA has been strict about duplicate applications. Submitting more than one form will lead to immediate cancellation of your candidature. If you make a mistake, do not fill a new form. wait for the Correction Window (March 10-12) to fix it.
With the exam date set for May 3, the clock is ticking. Good luck future doctors!