Likhith · February 22, 2026 
Introduction
The journey to becoming a doctor in India is a marathon that starts long before you step into the examination hall. Every year, over 20 lakh students compete for a seat in top medical colleges through the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).
For the 2026 academic session, the NEET application process has officially begun. With new rules like Aadhaar-based eKYC and live photo capture, the process is more detailed than ever. Missing a single deadline or making a small error can lead to rejection. This guide breaks down every official milestone to help you submit a flawless application.
Milestone 1: The Registration Window (Feb–March)
The National Testing Agency (NTA) officially released the NEET 2026 notification on February 8, 2026. This marked the beginning of the one-month window where students can register for the country’s largest medical entrance exam.
- Registration Start Date: February 8, 2026
- Last Date to Apply: March 8, 2026 (up to 9:00 PM)
- Last Date for Fee Payment: March 8, 2026 (up to 11:50 PM)
Aspirants must use the NTA official website (neet.nta.nic.in) for all submissions. It is highly recommended to complete your registration at least a week before the deadline to avoid potential technical glitches caused by high server traffic.
Milestone 2: Fulfilling NEET Eligibility Criteria
Before you begin the form, you must ensure you meet the NEET eligibility criteria. According to the latest Information Bulletin, the requirements are as follows:
- Minimum Age: You must be at least 17 years old by December 31, 2026.
- Academic Qualification: You must have passed (or be appearing for) Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English.
- Minimum Marks: 50% for General, 45% for PwD, and 40% for SC/ST/OBC categories in PCB aggregate.
| Category | Qualifying Marks (PCB) | NEET 2026 Application Fee |
|---|---|---|
| General | 50% | ₹1700 |
| General-EWS/OBC-NCL | 45% / 40% | ₹1600 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Third Gender | 40% | ₹1000 |
(For Source: click here)
Milestone 3: The Step-by-Step Application
How to register on the NTA portal?
The NEET 2026 registration involves four major stages. First, you create a login using your email and mobile number. For 2026, NTA has introduced Aadhaar-based eKYC, meaning your details will be verified against your Aadhaar database in real time.
Are your documents in the right format?
Incorrect document sizes are the most frequent cause of application delays. For the first time, NTA requires a live photograph capture using a webcam or smartphone camera during the process, in addition to uploaded documents.
- Passport Photo: 10 KB to 200 KB (JPG/JPEG).
- Signature: 4 KB to 30 KB (JPG/JPEG).
- Thumb Impressions: 10 KB to 200 KB (JPG/JPEG).
- Class 10 Certificate: 50 KB to 300 KB (PDF).
Milestone 4: The Correction Window (March 10–12)
Mistakes happen, but NTA gives you one final chance to fix them. The NEET correction window for 2026 is scheduled from March 10 to March 12, 2026.
During this short period, you can edit fields like your exam city preference, the medium of the question paper, and academic details. However, permanent details like your registered mobile number, email ID, and Aadhaar-verified data cannot be changed.
How Career Plan B Helps
The NEET application process is just the first hurdle in your medical journey.
- Career Plan B supports students through every phase of this high-pressure environment.
- Our Personalized Career Counselling and Career Roadmapping help you stay organized with deadlines and college choices.
- By using our Psycheintel and Career Assessment Tests, students gain the mental clarity needed for the NEET 2026 exam date.
Additionally, our Admission and Academic Profile Guidance ensures your paperwork is as ready as your preparation.
Have any doubts?
📞 Contact our expert counsellor today and get all your questions answered!
FAQ Section
- Can I change my exam city later?
You can only modify your exam city preference during the official NEET correction window (March 10–12, 2026).
- Is the live photograph mandatory?
Yes. For NEET 2026, a live photo capture is mandatory to verify the candidate’s identity through eKYC.
- What happens if I miss the March 8th deadline?
NTA generally does not extend the deadline. Late applications are not accepted, so ensure your fee is paid before 11:50 PM on March 8.
- When is the actual NEET 2026 exam date?
The exam is officially scheduled for May 3, 2026 (Sunday), from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Conclusion
Navigating the NEET application process requires patience and precision. By staying aware of milestones like the registration close date and the correction window, you protect your hard work from administrative errors. Always rely on the NTA official website for the most current updates.
