The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially released the NEET (UG) 2026 notification for admission to undergraduate medical courses across India. The online application process has started from 08 February 2026, and eligible candidates can apply through the official website neet.nta.nic.in.
The NEET (UG) 2026 examination will be conducted on 03 May 2026 from 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM in pen-and-paper mode. The exam is mandatory for admission to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BSMS, BVSc & AH, and B.Sc Nursing (MNS) courses.
The last date to submit the application form is 08 March 2026 (up to 9:00 PM), while the fee payment deadline is 11:50 PM on the same day. The application correction window will be open from 10 to 12 March 2026.
Candidates must ensure they meet the age limit, educational qualification, and subject eligibility before applying. Admit card release date and result schedule will be announced later on the NTA website.
Overview of the NEET UG 2026
Exam Name: National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (UG) 2026
Conducting Authority: National Testing Agency (NTA)
Exam Date: 03 May 2026
Exam Date: 03 May 2026
Courses Covered: MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BSMS, BIMS, BVSc & AH, B.Sc Nursing (MNS)
Duration: 3 Hours (180 Minutes)
Age Limit:
Minimum Age Limit : Candidate must have completed 17 years of age at the time of admission or by 31 December 2026.
Maximum Age Limit: No upper age limit as per current NEET (UG) norms (subject to court decisions / government rules).
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 / equivalent examination from a recognized board.
The qualifying examination must include:
Physics
Chemistry
Biology/Biotechnology
English
NEET (UG) 2026 Application Fee
SC / ST / PwBD / Third Gender: ₹1000
General-EWS / OBC-NCL: ₹1600
General: ₹1700
Outside India All Categories: ₹9500
How to Apply for NEET (UG) 2026
- Visit neet.nta.nic.in
- Register using email ID & mobile number
- Fill NEET (UG) 2026 application form
- Upload:
- Passport size photo
- Signature
- Address proof (if required)
- Pay application fee online
- Submit and download confirmation page
✔ Only one application per candidate is allowed.
Minimum Marks Required (Class 12)
| Category | Minimum Percentage |
|---|---|
| General | 50% |
| General-PwBD | 45% |
| SC / ST / OBC-NCL | 40% |
Important Dates – NEET (UG) 2026
- Application Start: 08 February 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 08 March 2026 (up to 09:00 PM)
- Last Date for Fee Payment: 08 March 2026 (up to 11:50 PM)
- Correction Window: 10 to 12 March 2026
- Exam Date: 03 May 2026
Important Dates
| Online Application Form | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Information Brochure | Click Here |
NEET UG 2026 Merit List and Qualifying Criteria
The NEET UG 2026 merit list will be prepared by NTA based on candidates’ exam scores. Only those who score the minimum qualifying percentile will be considered qualified and included in the merit list for medical admissions.
To qualify NEET UG 2026, General and General-EWS candidates must secure the 50th percentile, while SC, ST, and OBC-NCL candidates need the 40th percentile. For PwBD candidates, the qualifying percentile is 45% (General) and 40% (SC/ST/OBC). The actual cutoff marks may vary depending on the exam difficulty and number of candidates.
After the result, NTA will release the All India Rank (AIR), which is used for 15% All India Quota counselling and central institutions. States will also prepare their own merit lists for 85% state quota seats based on NEET scores.
If two candidates score the same marks, preference is given to higher marks in Biology, followed by Chemistry, then Physics. Qualifying NEET does not guarantee admission, as final selection depends on rank, cut off, seat availability, and counselling choices.