NEET (UG) Registration: Eligibility Criteria, Documents, and Important Dates 2026

You see yourself as a doctor. It’s a vision you’ve held onto through every late-night study session and every tough NEET mock test. But before you can cross the finish line of the NEET exam, you have to get to the starting line. And that starting line? It’s the NEET UG registration process 2026.

While the NEET registration form might seem like just another document to fill out, getting it right is crucial. 

Don't let this crucial first step be an afterthought. We know your focus is on preparing for the exam, so let us simplify this part for you. Consider this as your personal checklist to ensure your blueprint is perfect.

To ensure your journey stays on track without missed deadlines or forgotten documents, we’ve highlighted the key dates you need to mark on your calendar.

Additionally, we’ll provide a complete list of required NEET registration documents (and where to find them!) along with the eligibility criteria relevant for this year’s admission.

NEET (UG) 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before you start planning your journey, it’s important to make sure you meet the eligibility requirements set by the NTA and Medical Council of India for NEET (UG) registration. While the official NEET (UG) 2026 guidelines are yet to be announced, they are expected to be similar to NEET (UG) 2025 guidelines.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Who can apply: If you’re an Indian citizen, NRI, PIO, OCI, or even a foreign national, you’re eligible to appear for NEET registration.
• Age limit: You must be at least 17 years old by 31 December, 2026. Maximum age limits can vary based on category and other official guidelines.
• Educational qualification: You should have completed Class 12 (or equivalent) with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English as your core subjects.
• Minimum marks: General category candidates need a minimum of 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Reserved category candidates have relaxed criteria.
• Number of attempts: Currently, there’s no restriction on how many times a student can attempt NEET. But it’s always good to check the latest NTA updates to be sure.

Along with completing the NEET application form, double-check your NEET qualifying codes for your category and state quota. Entering the correct codes ensures your registration is processed accurately.

Documents Required for NEET Registration 2026

Submitting the documents required for NEET registration in a proper and specified format plays a crucial role in completing your application without errors or rejection. The application form will be available on the official NEET registration website.

1. Photograph:

• A passport-sized photo (2”×2”) and a postcard-sized photo (4”×6”). Both of these photos should be recent.
• Make sure your face takes up about 80% of the frame, with your ears clearly visible.
• Do not wear any masks, caps, or goggles. If you wear spectacles every day, they are allowed.
• And one last thing: keep the background plain white for a clean, clear shot.

Now, while uploading the photographs in the online application form, make sure to follow these instructions:

• When saving your photo for NEET registration, name the file using the first two letters of your name followed by ‘_PHOTO.’ For instance, if your name is Jayesh, the file should be named JA_PHOTO.
• Make sure your scanned passport-sized and postcard-sized photos are between 10 KB and 200 KB and in JPG or JPEG format.
• If possible, it’s a good idea to include your name and the date the photo was taken directly on the picture. Don’t worry about getting the photos attested as it is not required.

Keep 6–8 passport-sized and 4–6 postcard-sized photographs ready. It’s mandatory to use the same photo throughout the process—for your application, the exam, and later during counselling or admission.

2. Signature and Impressions:

• You’ll need to upload a scanned copy of your signature in running handwriting (avoid using capital letters).
• Use a black ink pen on white paper for clarity.
• In addition, you’ll also need to upload scanned impressions of your left and right fingers and thumbs.

When uploading your signature and impressions in the NEET registration online application form, be sure to follow these guidelines:

• Name the signature file using the first two letters of your name followed by _SIGNATURE. For example, if your name is Kirti, the file should be KI_SIGNATURE. Keep the file size between 10 KB and 50 KB, in JPG or JPEG format.
• Name the fingerprint file using the first two letters of your name followed by _FINGERPRINT. For example, KI_FINGERPRINT. Make sure the file is 10 KB to 200 KB with clear resolution, in JPG or JPEG format.

3. Identity Proof

The table below lists the types of acceptable identity proofs based on nationality. You must upload any one of the following in the application form.

Note: If you’re using a document other than Aadhaar or Digilocker as identity and address proof for NEET registration, upload a scanned copy of your Identity Proof and name the file as ‘first two characters of name_last 4 characters of Identity No’.

For example, if your name is Priya, the file should be PR_0123.

Also, make sure the file size is between 10 KB and 200 KB, and that it’s in JPG or JPEG format.

4. Class 10 Marksheet and Certificate

• You’ll need to upload a scanned copy of your Class 10 Marksheet along with your Class 10 Passing Certificate (or an equivalency certificate for converting CGPA/grades to percentage).
• Name the files as:
  1. First two letters of your name_ClassXCertificate
  2. First two letters of your name_ClassXMarksheet

For example, if your name is Krisha: KR_CLASSXCERTIFICATE and SA_CLASSXMARKSHEET.

• Keep the file size between 50 KB and 300 KB, in PDF format.

5. Address Proof

• Upload a scanned copy of your Present and Permanent Address Proof. Name the file as: first two letters of your name_Addressproof.

For example, KR_ADDRESSPROOF.

• File size should be between 50 KB and 300 KB, in PDF format.

6. Category Certificate (if applicable)

• If a category certificate is applicable in your application, name the file as: first two letters of your name_Category. 

For example, KR_CATEGORY.

• Keep the file size between 50 KB and 300 KB, in PDF format.

7. Citizenship Certificate/Embassy Certificate/Documentary Proof (if applicable)

• For NRI/OCI/Foreigner certificates or any other proof of citizenship, name the file as: first two letters of your name_Citizenshipproof.

For example, RI_CITIZENSHIPPROOF.

• File size should be between 50 KB and 300 KB, in PDF format.

8. PwD/PwBD/UDID Certificate (if applicable)

• Name the file as first two letters of your name_PwDCertificate 

For example, RI_PWDCERTIFICATE.

• File size: 50 KB to 300 KB, PDF format, both sides in the same file.
• Medical Certificates from a 5-doctor or 2-doctor bench should also be scanned in 50–300 KB, PDF format. Include any certificate for physical limitations if relevant.

Scribe (if opted)

You’ll need to upload the scribe’s documents which would be as follows:

• Scanned photograph: 10–200 KB
• Scanned signature: 10–50 KB
• Qualification certificate: 50–300 KB
• Undertaking for using your own scribe: 50–300 KB
• Identity proof: 10–200 KB

NEET (UG) 2026 Important Dates

Keeping track of the NEET registration dates is just as important as your preparation. From the NEET form release date to the exam day itself, being aware of the timeline ensures you don’t miss out on any crucial steps in the process. Here are the key NEET registration details for 2026:

If the NEET registration dates are ever extended, the NTA usually announces it officially on the website. So, keep an eye out for notifications to stay updated and avoid missing any important deadline.

To Sum It Up

Think of the NEET application process as a necessary step to get started. Follow the instructions, upload the correct documents, and move past it smoothly so your energy can stay on studying for the exam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NEET Registration

1. When does the NEET UG registration 2026 usually start and end?

Ans: NEET UG registration typically opens in the first week of February and closes in the first week of March each year.

2. What documents are required for NEET UG registration 2026?

Ans: You’ll need your Class 10 and 12 mark sheets, a valid ID (like Aadhar or passport), a passport-sized photograph, and a signature.

3. Who is eligible to apply for NEET UG 2026?

Ans: Indian Nationals, NRIs, PIOs, OCIs, and foreign nationals who have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English are eligible.

4. What is the application fee for NEET UG 2026?

Ans: The fee generally ranges from ₹1,700 for general category candidates to ₹ 1,600 for General-EWS/OBC-NCL, and ₹ 1,000 for SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender. Whereas it is ₹ 9500 for abroad candidates.

5. Do I need a domicile certificate for NEET UG registration 2026?

Ans: Yes. A domicile certificate is required for NEET UG candidates who wish to apply under state quota seats during the state counselling process.

6. What should I do if I forget my NEET UG login details 2026?

Ans: You can use the ‘Forgot Password’ option on the official NEET website to reset your login details via your registered email or mobile number.

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