For NEET UG 2026, the official notification has been released and registration is currently live. Since you are aiming for this cycle, here is the most current and vital information you need to stay on track.
📅 Important Dates (Mark Your Calendar)
- 📝 Registration Started: February 8, 2026
- ⏰ Last Date to Apply: March 8, 2026 (9:00 PM)
- 💳 Last Date for Fee Payment: March 8, 2026 (11:50 PM)
- ✏️ Correction Window: March 10 – March 12, 2026
- 🎫 Admit Card Release: Expected late April 2026
- 📖 Exam Date: May 3, 2026 (Sunday)
- ⏱️ Exam Timing: 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM (3 hours)
- 📊 Result Declaration: Expected in June 2026
🆕 Big Changes for 2026
NTA has introduced some high-tech updates this year to improve security and transparency:
Aadhaar-based eKYC
For the first time, registration involves mandatory Aadhaar-based electronic authentication. Ensure your Aadhaar is linked to an active mobile number.
Live Photo Capture
Instead of just uploading a pre-clicked photo, the application portal will capture a live photograph of you via webcam or smartphone to prevent impersonation.
No Optional Questions
Unlike recent years, the “Section B” internal choice (where you could pick 10 out of 15 questions) has been removed. All 180 questions are now compulsory.
Reduced Duration
The exam duration is now strictly 3 hours (180 minutes) for 180 questions, down from the previous 3 hours and 20 minutes.
📋 Exam Pattern & Marking
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Offline (Pen and Paper / OMR) |
| Total Marks | 720 |
| Question Count | 180 (45 Physics, 45 Chemistry, 90 Biology) |
| Marking Scheme | +4 for correct, -1 for incorrect, 0 for unattempted |
| Languages | 13 languages (including English, Hindi, and Malayalam) |
✅ Eligibility & Fees
Age Requirement
You must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026 (Born on or before Dec 31, 2009). There is no upper age limit.
Qualifying Marks
12th Pass with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English:
- General: 50% aggregate in PCB
- OBC/SC/ST: 40% aggregate in PCB
Application Fee
- General: ₹1,700
- General-EWS/OBC-NCL: ₹1,600
- SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender: ₹1,000
📄 Documents Required for Upload
- Passport Size Photo: White background, 80% face coverage, ears visible (10–200 KB)
- Postcard Size Photo: (4″x6″) taken on or after Jan 1, 2026 (10–200 KB)
- Signature: On white paper with black/blue pen (4–30 KB)
- Thumb Impressions: Left and right-hand fingers and thumb impressions
- Address Proof: Aadhaar, Voter ID, or Utility bill (PDF)
- Class 10 Certificate: (50–300 KB PDF)
📊 The Competition
Student Statistics
- Estimated Applicants (2026): Over 2.5 to 2.6 million (25+ Lakhs) students
- Previous Year Trend: In 2025, approximately 2.4 million students appeared
- Success Ratio: Only about 2% to 3% of total applicants secure a Government MBBS seat
🏥 MBBS Seat Matrix
| Category | Number of Colleges | Total MBBS Seats |
|---|---|---|
| Government Colleges | ~390 | ~56,500 |
| Private/Deemed Colleges | ~325 | ~52,000 |
| Total (India) | ~715 | ~1,08,500 |
🎯 High-Demand Institutional Seats
- AIIMS (All India Institutes of Medical Sciences): ~2,044 seats (across 20+ campuses)
- JIPMER (Puducherry & Karaikal): ~250 seats
- AFMC (Armed Forces Medical College, Pune): ~150 seats
- BHU & AMU: ~250 seats combined
📌 Reservation & Quotas
All India Quota (15%)
Approximately 8,500 seats are open to students from all over India based purely on NEET rank.
State Quota (85%)
Approximately 48,000 seats are reserved for students of their respective home states (domicile).
Category-wise Reservation (Central Pool)
- OBC (NCL): 27%
- EWS: 10%
- SC: 15%
- ST: 7.5%
- PwD: 5% (Horizontal reservation)
⚠️ Important: Your choice of examination city is now strictly determined by the current and permanent addresses you provide in the form.