NEET UG 2026 Registration Started: Dates, New Rules, Pattern & Syllabus

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the notification for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) 2026. The registration window has opened on February 8, 2026, starting the journey for millions of students aiming for admission in MBBS, BDS, AYUSH, and other undergraduate medical courses across India.

Since NEET portals witness heavy traffic near deadlines, candidates are strongly advised to complete their applications early to avoid last-minute technical issues. In this guide, you’ll find the latest NEET 2026 dates, eligibility, new Aadhaar eKYC & live photo capture updates, step-by-step form process, exam pattern changes, tie-breaking rules, language options, and syllabus highlights.

Important Dates for NEET 2026

Staying aligned with the timeline is crucial for a smooth application process. Here are the key dates for the NEET UG 2026 cycle:

Key Eligibility Criteria (NEET UG 2026)

Before filling the form, ensure you meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Age Limit: Minimum 17 years as on December 31, 2026 (born on or before December 31, 2009). Currently, no upper age limit.
• Educational Qualification: Must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English.
• Minimum Marks in PCB: General: 50% | SC/ST/OBC: 40% | PwD: 45%.

What’s New in NEET 2026?

To strengthen exam security and reduce impersonation, NTA has introduced major technological updates in 2026:

• Aadhaar-based eKYC (Mandatory): Aadhaar electronic verification is part of the registration flow. Ensure your mobile number is linked with Aadhaar for OTP verification.
• Live Photo Capture: Candidates must complete a live photo capture during application (through webcam or QR scan using smartphone). This replaces dependency on only old studio photos.

Step-by-Step NEET UG 2026 Application Process

1. Registration: Visit neet.nta.nic.in and click New Registration. Enter basic details (Name, Email, Mobile) to generate Application Number and Password.
2. Fill Application Form: Log in and complete personal details, academic history (Class 10/11/12), and select your preferred medium/language (available in 13 languages).
3. Exam City Selection: Choose exam city preferences based on permanent and present address.
4. Upload Documents:
   • Passport-size & postcard-size photos (10–200 KB)
   • Signature (4–30 KB)
   • Left & right-hand finger/thumb impressions (10–200 KB)
5. Fee Payment: Pay online using Net Banking / Credit Card / Debit Card / UPI.
6. Confirmation Page: Download and print the confirmation page. This is your proof of successful submission.

Document Checklist & File Specifications

Prepare these files in advance to avoid upload errors:

• Passport Size Photo: 10 KB – 200 KB (white background, ~80% face coverage)
• Postcard Size Photo (4"×6"): 10 KB – 200 KB
• Signature: 4 KB – 30 KB (black ink, running hand; not capital letters)
• Left & Right Finger/Thumb Impressions: 10 KB – 200 KB
• Class 10 Certificate: 50 KB – 300 KB (PDF)
• Category / PwBD Certificate: 50 KB – 300 KB (PDF)

NEET UG 2026 Exam Pattern (Core Structure)

NEET 2026 remains an offline (OMR-based) exam conducted in a single shift.

• Total Questions: 180 (All compulsory)
• Total Marks: 720
• Duration: 3 Hours (180 minutes) (updated from earlier 3 hours 20 minutes format)
• Exam Timing: 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM (IST)

Subject-wise Distribution

Marking Scheme

• Correct Answer: +4 Marks
• Incorrect Answer: -1 Mark (Negative Marking)
• Unattempted: 0 Marks
• Multiple Options Marked: Treated as incorrect (-1)

Language Options (13 Languages)

NEET UG 2026 is available in 13 languages: English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu.

• Important: The language/medium selected during registration cannot be changed later.
• If you select a language other than English, the paper is typically bilingual (English + selected language).
• In case of translation ambiguity, the English version is treated as final.

Major Changes Explained (2026)

1) Removal of Section B (Internal Choice)

• Earlier (2021–2024), 200 questions were provided and students attempted 180.
• Now: Exactly 180 questions are provided and all are compulsory.
• Impact: You no longer get the buffer of skipping 5 questions per subject.

2) Time Duration Change

• Exam duration is now exactly 3 hours (180 minutes).
• The extra 20 minutes (COVID-era) has been removed.
• Strategy: You get ~1 minute per question including OMR bubbling time.

3) Updated Tie-Breaking Policy

If two or more candidates score the same marks, rank is decided in this order:

• Higher marks in Biology (Botany + Zoology)
• Higher marks in Chemistry
• Higher marks in Physics
• Overall accuracy (lower incorrect-to-correct ratio)
• Subject-wise accuracy (Biology, then Chemistry, then Physics)
• Final step: Randomization/Lottery if tie still persists (Age/Application number not used)

4) OMR & Rough Work Rules

• Use only a blue/black ballpoint pen (as per centre instructions).
• No separate rough sheets; rough work is done in the test booklet space.

NEET UG 2026 Syllabus Snapshot (Rationalized)

NEET (UG) 2026 syllabus is aligned with the rationalized curriculum notified by NMC. It includes ~79 chapters across Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Some older NCERT chapters remain deleted, while Experimental Skills (Physics) and Practical Chemistry have added importance.

Biology (90 Questions)

• Class 11: Diversity in Living World, Structural Organisation (incl. Frog), Cell, Plant Physiology, Human Physiology
• Class 12: Reproduction, Genetics & Evolution (high weightage), Human Welfare, Biotechnology, Ecology
• Key Deleted (as per rationalization): Transport in Plants, Mineral Nutrition, Digestion & Absorption, Reproduction in Organisms, Environmental Issues

Physics (45 Questions)

• Class 11: Units & Measurements, Kinematics, Laws of Motion, WEP, Rotational Motion, Gravitation, Thermodynamics, Oscillations, Waves
• Class 12: Electrostatics, Current Electricity, Magnetism, EMI & AC, Optics, Dual Nature, Atoms & Nuclei, Semiconductors
• Added Focus: Experimental Skills (Unit 20) (vernier/screw gauge, pendulum, circuits, graphs, errors)

Chemistry (45 Questions)

• Physical: Basic Concepts, Thermodynamics, Equilibrium, Solutions, Kinetics, Electrochemistry
• Inorganic: Periodic Classification, p-Block, d & f Block, Coordination Compounds
• Organic: Purification/Characterization, GOC, Hydrocarbons, Haloalkanes/Arenes, Alcohols/Phenols/Ethers, Carbonyls, Amines, Biomolecules
• Practical Chemistry: titration basics, salt analysis principles, preparation of compounds
• Key Deleted (as per rationalization): Solid State, Surface Chemistry, Metallurgy, Polymers, Chemistry in Everyday Life, etc.

High-Weightage Units (Quick Summary)

Final Advice for Applicants

• Apply early to avoid server load issues near March 8, 2026.
• Keep mobile number and email active throughout the year for NTA alerts.
• Choose your language/medium carefully; it can’t be changed later.
• Double-check category and personal details before final submission.
• Download and save the confirmation page and fee receipt.

With NEET UG 2026 scheduled for May 3, 2026, your first win is a correct and timely application. Stay accurate, stay calm, and keep your preparation consistent.