The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test – (NEET) UG is the most significant entrance exam for students who wish to pursue their medical education in the country . Conducted by the National Testing Agency, the NEET UG 2026 exam is the single window for admission into undergraduate level medical education in the country , including MBBS , BDS, BSc Nursing and AYUSH courses such as Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy, etc.
As the exam authority is all set to begin the 2026 admission session, many significant changes have been made in the NEET UG exam system , including the extension of the application deadline, the introduction of the biometric verification system and the regional operational planning for the exam.
NEET UG 2026 Registration Extension: Why the Deadline Was Extended
The NEET UG 2026 registration process began on February 8, 2026 , providing candidates with approximately one month to submit their applications . However , as the original March 8 deadline approached, several technical and logistical challenges forced authorities to reconsider the timeline.
The National Testing Agency officially extended the registration deadline to March 11, 2026 ( 9 PM IST ). This extension was introduced primarily due to heavy server traffic and technical delays experienced by students attempting to complete OTP verification and document uploads during the final hours.
Another significant factor was the internet connectivity challenge reported in the Kashmir Valley, where limited internet speeds made it difficult for candidates to complete the application process. Local authorities raised concerns regarding digital accessibility , prompting the extension to ensure that eligible candidates were not disadvantaged.
Despite the extension , the testing agency clearly stated that no further extensions would be granted, making March 11 the final opportunity for applicants to submit their forms.
NEET UG 2026 Application Fee Structure
The application fee for NEET UG 2026 continues to follow a category – based structure designed to maintain accessibility while covering the administrative costs of conducting a nationwide examination.
| Category | Fee (India) | Fee (International Centers) |
| General | ₹1700 | ₹9500 |
| OBC-NCL / EWS | ₹1600 | ₹9500 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Third Gender | ₹1000 | ₹9500 |
Candidates can complete their payment using UPI, net banking, debit cards or credit cards. It is recommended that applicants avoid refreshing the payment page during transactions to prevent payment failures.
Exam Pattern and Structure of NEET UG 2026
The NEET UG exam will be conducted offline using a pen – and – paper format on May 3, 2026.
The examination will last 180 minutes (3 hours) and consists of 200 multiple – choice questions, out of which students must attempt 180 questions.
Subject Distribution
The paper is divided into three core subjects:
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology (Botany and Zoology)
Each subject contains Section A (compulsory questions) and Section B (optional questions) allowing candidates to skip questions they find difficult.
Marking Scheme
- Correct answer : +4 marks
- Incorrect answer : −1 mark
- Maximum score : 720 marks
This negative marking structure encourages candidates to answer questions carefully rather than relying on guesswork.
NEET UG 2026 Language Options
To support India’s linguistic diversity, the exam is conducted in 13 languages, including:
- English
- Hindi
- Tamil
- Telugu
- Kannada
- Malayalam
- Gujarati
- Marathi
- Bengali
- Assamese
- Odia
- Punjabi
- Urdu
Candidates selecting a regional language will receive a bilingual question paper with both the regional language and English versions.
Eligibility Criteria for NEET UG 2026
Eligibility requirements for NEET are regulated by the National Medical Commission.
Age Requirement
- Minimum age: 17 years by December 31, 2026
- No upper age limit is currently applicable.
Academic Qualification
Students must have completed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English.
| Category | Minimum PCB Aggregate |
| General | 50% |
| OBC / SC / ST | 40% |
| PwD | 45% |
Candidates appearing for Class 12 exams in 2026 are also eligible to apply.
Biometric Verification and Aadhaar eKYC
One of the most significant upgrades in the NEET 2026 registration process is the introduction of advanced biometric identity verification.
Candidates must now complete live photo capture using their webcam during the registration process. The captured image is matched with Aadhaar records using facial recognition technology.
This system ensures that :
- The candidate registering is the same person appearing for the exam
- Impersonation and identity fraud are minimized
- A secure identity record is maintained throughout the admission process
NEET UG 2026 Correction Window
The application correction window allows candidates to modify certain details after submission.
The correction period is expected to remain open from March 10 to March 12, 2026.
However , not all fields can be edited.
Non-editable fields
- Candidate name
- Date of birth
- Email ID
- Mobile number
- Nationality
Editable fields
- Category
- Exam city preferences
- Medium of examination
- Academic details
Candidates must ensure that any category change requiring additional fees is completed during the correction window.
Exam Center Expansion in Tamil Nadu
To improve accessibility, the testing authority has expanded the number of exam cities in Tamil Nadu.
For NEET UG 2026, 31 cities across the state have been designated as exam centers , including :
- Chennai
- Coimbatore
- Madurai
- Salem
- Tiruchirappalli
Students must select three exam city preferences, typically choosing nearby locations to avoid travel issues on exam day.
Exam Day Guidelines
The NEET UG 2026 exam will take place from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM IST.
Candidates must arrive at the examination center early as entry gates close strictly at 1:30 PM.
Required Documents
- Printed admit card
- Valid photo ID
- Passport – size photograph
Prohibited Items
- Mobile phones
- Smart watches
- Calculators
- Electronic gadgets
Candidates must follow the official dress code, which includes light clothing and minimal accessories.
Result and Counseling Process
After the exam, the National Testing Agency will release :
- Recorded responses and OMR sheets
- Provisional answer key
- Final results and All India Rank
The results are expected to be announced in June 2026.
Counseling will then be conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee for the 15% All India Quota, while individual – states will manage the 85% state quota admissions.
Conclusion
NEET UG 2026 represents an evolving framework for medical entrance examinations in India. With the introduction of biometric authentication , extended registration timelines and expanded exam centers, the system aims to ensure fairness, security, and accessibility.
For medical aspirants, success in NEET requires not only academic preparation but also careful attention to registration procedures, documentation requirements, and exam guidelines . Staying informed about these administrative details can prevent costly mistakes and ensure a smooth application process.
FAQs
1. What is the last date to apply for NEET UG 2026?
The last date to submit the application for the NEET UG 2026 has been extended to March 11, 2026 (9:00 PM IST) by the National Testing Agency. Candidates must also complete the fee payment by 11:50 PM on the same day to ensure their application is successfully submitted.
2. What is the exam date for NEET UG 2026?
The NEET UG 2026 examination is scheduled to be conducted on May 3, 2026 (Sunday) in a single shift from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM IST across multiple exam centers in India and selected international cities.
3. What is the eligibility criteria for NEET 2026?
To appear for NEET UG 2026, candidates must have completed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English. Minimum PCB marks required are:
- 50% for General category
- 40% for SC/ST/OBC
- 45% for PwD candidates
Candidates must also be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026.
4. Is Aadhaar biometric verification mandatory for NEET 2026 registration?
Yes, the NEET 2026 registration process includes biometric verification through Aadhaar-based eKYC. Candidates must complete live photo capture during the application process, which is verified using facial recognition technology to prevent impersonation and ensure exam security.
5. How many questions are there in NEET UG 2026?
The NEET UG 2026 exam paper contains 200 multiple-choice questions, out of which candidates must attempt 180 questions. The exam follows a +4 marks for correct answers and −1 mark for incorrect answers marking scheme, with a maximum score of 720 marks.