How to Apply for NEET UG 2026: Complete Step-by-Step Application Guide for Medical Aspirants
Last updated: February 9, 2026
Application Mode
Online
Estimated Time
45-60 minutes
Correction Window
10 March 2026 to 12 March 2026
Applying for NEET UG 2026 is the first step toward your dream of becoming a doctor. This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire online application process on the NTA portal — from registration to final submission. NEET UG is a single-day, pen-and-paper exam (OMR-based) for admission to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BUMS, BSMS, BHMS, and B.Sc. Nursing programs across India. Follow these steps carefully to ensure your application is accepted without any issues.
⚠️ Important: Photo & Signature Requirements
Wrong photo/signature size can lead to application rejection. Use our free tool to format your documents perfectly.
Format My Photo Now →Quick Eligibility Check
You must have passed or be appearing in Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English as compulsory subjects. Minimum age: 17 years as on 31 December 2026. There is NO upper age limit. Qualifying marks: General/EWS — 50th percentile, SC/ST/OBC-NCL — 40th percentile, PwBD (General/EWS) — 45th percentile.
View detailed eligibility criteria →Step-by-Step Application Process
Visit the Official NTA NEET UG Website
Go to the official NEET UG 2026 registration portal and click on the "New Registration" button to begin your application.
- Open your browser and visit https://neet.nta.nic.in/
- Click on "NEET (UG) 2026" notification link
- Read the Information Bulletin carefully before proceeding
- Click on "New Candidate Registration" button
Pro Tips:
- • Use a desktop or laptop for the best experience
- • Keep a stable internet connection throughout the process
- • Avoid using mobile phones for registration — the form is complex
- • Use Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox for best compatibility
Do not use auto-fill or password managers. Type all information manually to avoid errors.
Register with Basic Details
Create your account by providing your name, date of birth, email address, and mobile number. You will receive OTPs for verification on both email and mobile.
- Enter your name exactly as per Class 10 certificate
- Provide your date of birth (DD-MM-YYYY format)
- Enter a valid email address (all updates will be sent here)
- Enter your 10-digit mobile number
- Create a strong password (min. 8 characters with uppercase, lowercase, numbers, special character)
- Enter the security code (captcha)
- Click "Submit" to receive OTPs on both email and mobile
Pro Tips:
- • Use an email address you check regularly — admit card and result updates go here
- • Use your own mobile number, not a parent's (you'll need it for OTPs throughout)
- • Write down your password in a safe place immediately
- • Name must match exactly across all documents — even minor mismatches cause problems
Do NOT share your login credentials with anyone. NTA will never ask for your password via call, email, or SMS.
Verify OTP and Save Application Number
Enter the OTPs received on your email and mobile. After successful verification, you will receive your unique Application Number. This is your permanent reference for all future communication.
- Check your email and SMS for OTP codes
- Enter both OTPs in the respective fields
- Click "Verify" to complete registration
- Note down and save your Application Number immediately
- You will also receive a confirmation email with your Application Number
Pro Tips:
- • OTP is valid for a limited time — enter it promptly
- • Take a screenshot of the Application Number screen
- • Check spam/junk folder if OTP doesn't arrive within 5 minutes
- • If OTP expires, click "Resend OTP"
Login and Fill the Application Form
Use your Application Number and Password to login. Fill all required details carefully: personal information, academic qualifications, exam preferences (3 cities for exam center, language of question paper), and other details.
- Login using Application Number and Password
- Fill Personal Details: full address, nationality, category (General/OBC/SC/ST/EWS), parent details
- Fill Academic Qualification: Class 10 and Class 12 board, year, marks, school details
- Select 3 exam center cities in order of preference
- Choose medium of question paper from 13 available languages (English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu)
- Fill in Aadhaar details (or alternate ID if no Aadhaar)
- Save your progress frequently using the "Save & Next" button
Pro Tips:
- • Keep your Class 10 certificate, Class 12 marksheet/admit card, and Aadhaar card handy
- • Choose exam center cities nearest to your location for convenience
- • If your Class 12 board uses CGPA instead of marks, keep the CGPA conversion certificate ready
- • Bilingual option: if you choose a regional language, you also get English on the same paper
Medium/language of question paper CANNOT be changed after submission — not even during correction window. Exam city may be changeable during correction window (10-12 March), but is not guaranteed. Double-check your name, DOB, and category as these are very difficult to correct.
Upload Photo, Signature, and Thumb Impressions
Upload your scanned passport photograph, signature, and both left and right hand thumb impressions. Additionally, a live photograph will be captured. All uploads MUST meet exact specifications or your application will be rejected.
- Prepare your photo: 276×354 pixels (3.5×4.5 cm at 200 DPI), JPEG format, 10-200 KB, white background, 80% face visible including ears
- Prepare your signature: 276×118 pixels (3.5×1.5 cm at 200 DPI), JPEG format, 10-100 KB, black ink on white paper
- Prepare left hand thumb impression: 276×276 pixels (3.5×3.5 cm at 200 DPI), JPEG format, 10-200 KB, black ink on white paper
- Prepare right hand thumb impression: same specifications as left hand
- Use our free formatting tool to resize and compress perfectly
- Upload all four files one by one
- Capture the live photograph using your webcam (must match your uploaded photo)
- Verify all previews before proceeding
Pro Tips:
- • Photo must be taken after 01 January 2026 — older photos will be rejected
- • Spectacles are allowed if you regularly use them
- • For thumb impressions: press your thumb firmly on white paper with black stamp ink, then scan
- • Live photograph requires a webcam with good lighting and a white/light background
- • Polaroid or computer-generated photos are NOT acceptable
- • Use a QR code on the website to upload photos from your phone camera
⚠️ CRITICAL: Photo, signature, and thumb impressions CANNOT be corrected during the correction window. Get them right the first time! Use our free formatting tool.
Upload Supporting Documents
Upload scanned copies of required documents in PDF format (50-300 KB each). These include your Class 10 certificate, marksheet, category certificate (if applicable), and identity proof.
- Upload Class 10 Certificate (for DOB proof) — PDF, 50-300 KB
- Upload Class 10 Marksheet — PDF, 50-300 KB
- Upload Category Certificate if SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS — PDF, 50-300 KB
- Upload PwBD/PwD/UDID Certificate if applicable — PDF, 50-300 KB
- Upload identity proof (if not using Aadhaar) — JPG/JPEG, 10-200 KB
- Upload CGPA Conversion Certificate if your board uses CGPA — PDF, 50-300 KB
- Upload Address Proof for both present and permanent address — PDF, 50-300 KB
Pro Tips:
- • Scan documents at 200 DPI for clear, readable text within file size limits
- • Ensure PDF files are not password protected
- • OBC-NCL certificate must be from the current financial year and from a competent authority
- • Keep original documents safe — you will need them during counselling and admission
Pay Application Fee
Pay the application fee online through Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI. The fee varies by category.
- Review your complete application form one final time
- Verify the fee amount based on your category
- Click "Proceed to Payment"
- Choose your payment mode (Credit Card / Debit Card / Net Banking / UPI)
- Complete the payment on the payment gateway
- Wait for the confirmation — do NOT close the browser during payment
- Save the payment receipt and transaction ID
Pro Tips:
- • Keep your payment card or UPI app ready before starting
- • If payment fails, wait 24-48 hours before retrying — amount will be refunded automatically
- • Save a screenshot of the payment success page
- • UPI payment is the fastest and most reliable option
Application fee is non-refundable once paid. Last date for fee payment: 08 March 2026 (upto 11:50 PM).
Submit Application and Save Confirmation
After successful payment, review and submit your application form. Download and print the confirmation page for your records. The application CANNOT be withdrawn once submitted.
- Verify all details one last time on the preview screen
- Click "Final Submit"
- Download the Confirmation Page (PDF)
- Print at least 2 copies of the confirmation page
- Save a digital copy in your email and cloud storage
Pro Tips:
- • Keep the confirmation page safe until the entire admission process is complete
- • Save PDF in cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.) as a backup
- • Note your Application Number and keep it accessible — you'll need it for admit card download, result checking, and counselling
Once submitted, your application CANNOT be withdrawn. Submitting multiple applications is treated as Unfair Means (UFM) and all applications will be rejected.
Correction Window (10-12 March 2026)
If you made mistakes in limited fields, you can correct them during the correction window from 10 to 12 March 2026. Note: Photo, signature, thumb impressions, and some personal details CANNOT be changed.
- Login to your application portal during 10-12 March 2026
- Click on "Correction Window" option
- Review and correct any errors in allowed fields
- Submit the corrected application
- Download the revised confirmation page
Pro Tips:
- • Correction window is only 3 days — don't miss it
- • No additional fee is required for corrections
- • Only limited fields are open for correction — not all details
Photo, Signature, and Thumb Impressions CANNOT be corrected. Name, DOB, and Category corrections are also restricted. Get these right during initial submission!
Documents Required
Mandatory Documents
Passport Size Photograph
Recent coloured photograph with white background, taken after 01 January 2026. 80% face visible including ears.
Examples:
- White background only — no coloured or patterned backgrounds
- Face should cover 80% of the photo area including both ears
- Spectacles allowed if used regularly
- No mask, cap, or hat (unless religious reasons)
- Polaroid or computer-generated photos NOT acceptable
Signature
Signature on white paper with black ink pen
Examples:
- Sign on clean white A4 paper with black ink
- Signature should be within the frame area
- Should match the signature you will use on exam day
- Do not use pencil or coloured pens
Left Hand Thumb Impression
Clear thumb impression using black stamp ink on white paper
Examples:
- Use black stamp ink (not pen ink)
- Press thumb firmly on white paper, then scan
- Ensure ridges and patterns are clearly visible
- Blurry or unclear impressions will be rejected
Right Hand Thumb Impression
Clear thumb impression using black stamp ink on white paper
Examples:
- Same specifications as left hand thumb impression
- Both hands are mandatory — you cannot skip either
Class 10 Certificate
For Date of Birth verification. Must be from a recognized board.
Examples:
- CBSE/ICSE/State Board certificate
- Must clearly show Date of Birth
Class 10 Marksheet
Marksheet from Class 10 board examination
Examples:
- If your board uses CGPA, also upload CGPA Conversion Certificate
Valid Photo Identity Proof
Aadhaar Card or any other government-issued photo ID
Examples:
- Aadhaar Card (preferred)
- Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Driving License
- Live photograph must match Aadhaar photo if using Aadhaar
Address Proof (Present & Permanent)
Proof of both present and permanent address
Examples:
- Aadhaar Card, Passport, Utility Bill, or Bank Statement
- Both present and permanent address proofs needed if different
Optional/Conditional Documents
Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS)
Government-issued category certificate from competent authority
Examples:
- Must be issued by a competent authority
- OBC-NCL certificate must be from current financial year
- EWS certificate must be valid for 2026
PwBD / PwD / UDID Certificate
Disability certificate for persons with benchmark disabilities
Examples:
- Issued by a government hospital or medical board
- Must specify percentage of disability (minimum 40%)
- UDID (Unique Disability ID) card also accepted
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
General (India) Payment: Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI | ₹1,700 |
General-EWS / OBC-NCL (India) Payment: Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI | ₹1,600 |
SC / ST / PwBD / PwD / Third Gender (India) Payment: Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI | ₹1,000 |
All Categories (Outside India) Payment: Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI | ₹9,500 |
💡 Note: Application fee is non-refundable. Pay only through official payment gateway. Keep payment receipt for future reference.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Wrong Photo/Signature/Thumb Impression Size
✅ Solution:
Use our free formatting tool to get exact specifications. Photo must be 276×354 pixels (10-200 KB), signature 276×118 pixels (10-100 KB), thumb impression 276×276 pixels (10-200 KB). Do NOT manually resize in Paint or Photoshop — use a purpose-built tool for exact specs.
❌ Submitting Multiple Applications (UFM)
✅ Solution:
Submit only ONE application. Multiple applications will be treated as Unfair Means (UFM) and ALL your applications will be rejected. If you made mistakes, wait for the correction window (10-12 March).
❌ Name Mismatch Across Documents
✅ Solution:
Enter your name EXACTLY as it appears on your Class 10 certificate. Even minor spelling differences (e.g., "Raj Kumar" vs "Rajkumar") can cause problems at exam center and during counselling.
❌ Unclear or Blurry Thumb Impressions
✅ Solution:
Use proper black stamp ink (not pen ink). Press thumb firmly on clean white paper. The finger ridges and patterns must be clearly visible. Blurry impressions lead to rejection — the bulletin specifies this clearly.
❌ Wrong Language Selection
✅ Solution:
Choose your question paper language very carefully. You can select from 13 languages, but this choice CANNOT be changed after submission, not even during the correction window. If in doubt, select English.
❌ Not Keeping Physical Photos Ready for Exam Day
✅ Solution:
Keep 6-8 passport size photos AND 4-6 postcard size (4"×6") photos ready. You will need to paste them on the attendance sheet at the exam center. These must match your uploaded photo.
❌ Using Parent's Mobile Number
✅ Solution:
Use your own mobile number for registration. OTPs for login, correction, admit card download, and result will all go to this number. Using someone else's number causes delays and missed alerts.
❌ Not Saving the Confirmation Page
✅ Solution:
Download and print the confirmation page immediately after submission. Save a digital copy via email and cloud storage. You cannot withdraw the application once submitted, so this is your proof.
❌ Applying on the Last Day
✅ Solution:
Apply at least 3-4 days before the deadline (08 March 2026). Last-minute rush causes server overload, payment gateway failures, and OTP delays. Fee payment deadline is 11:50 PM on 08 March.
❌ Not Reading the Information Bulletin
✅ Solution:
The 124-page official information bulletin contains all rules, specifications, and instructions. Most mistakes happen because students skip reading it. Download it from the official portal and review at least the key sections.
Pro tip: Double-check everything before final submission. Most mistakes can be avoided by careful reading of instructions.
Important Links
Official NEET UG Website
NTA official NEET UG portal
NEET UG 2026 Application Portal
Direct link to apply online
Download Official Information Bulletin (PDF)
Complete 124-page official bulletin from NTA
Format Photo, Signature & Thumb Impression
Free tool to format all uploads to exact specifications
View Complete NEET UG 2026 Exam Details
Eligibility, dates, exam pattern, resources, and FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I correct during the correction window (10-12 March 2026)?
You can correct limited fields like personal details, academic information, and exam center preferences. However, your photo, signature, thumb impressions, and certain critical fields like name and DOB have restrictions. No additional fee is required for corrections.
What if my payment is deducted but the application shows pending?
Wait 24-48 hours for the payment to reflect. If it still shows pending, contact NTA helpdesk at 011-40759000 or email neet@nta.ac.in with your Application Number and transaction ID. Do NOT make a duplicate payment.
Is Aadhaar card mandatory for NEET UG application?
Aadhaar is not mandatory but is recommended for smoother verification (live photo matching). If you don't have Aadhaar, you can use other government-issued photo ID like Passport, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Driving License.
Can NRI/OCI/Foreign nationals apply for NEET UG 2026?
Yes, Indian citizens, NRIs, OCIs, and foreign nationals can all apply. The application fee for candidates appearing from centers outside India is Rs. 9,500 (all categories). They need to provide relevant nationality/citizenship documents.
What percentile is needed to qualify NEET UG?
General/EWS: 50th percentile, SC/ST/OBC-NCL: 40th percentile, PwBD (General/EWS): 45th percentile, PwBD (SC/ST/OBC): 40th percentile. Note: qualifying NEET does not guarantee admission — that depends on your rank, counselling, and seat availability.
How does NEET counselling work for admissions?
15% seats are filled through All India Quota counselling by MCC (mcc.nic.in). 85% seats are filled through state-level counselling by respective state authorities. AYUSH courses have separate counselling through AACCC (aaccc.gov.in). You must register separately for counselling after results.
How many photos do I need for exam day?
Keep 6-8 passport size photographs AND 4-6 postcard size (4"×6") photographs ready. You need to paste them on the OMR attendance sheet at the exam center. They must be identical to the photo uploaded in your application.
Can I change my exam center city or language after submission?
Exam center city changes may be possible during the correction window (10-12 March), subject to availability. However, the medium/language of question paper CANNOT be changed once submitted. Choose both carefully during initial application.
Ready to Apply?
Follow the steps above carefully and apply before the deadline. Good luck!
⚠️ Disclaimer
This guide is for informational purposes only. Always refer to the official National Testing Agency (NTA) website and notification for the most accurate and up-to-date information. We are not responsible for any errors or changes in the application process.