NEET 2026 registration has opened. The National Testing Agency (NTA) is accepting applications on its official website, neet.nta.nic.in. Applicants must submit their forms by March 8, 2026 . This year’s application process includes a mandatory live photo capture. Candidates will also need to use Aadhaar eKYC for verification. These measures aim to enhance security. The NEET 2026 exam is scheduled for May 3, 2026 .
NEET 2026 Application Timeline
The application window is open from February 8, 2026 , to March 8, 2026 . Candidates can pay the application fee until the deadline on March 8. A form correction window will be available from March 10 to March 12, 2026 . The final deadline to pay the application fee is March 8, 2026, by 11:50 PM .
Application Fees
| Category | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| General | 1700 |
| EWS/OBC-NCL | 1600 |
| SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender | 100 |
Live Photo Capture Requirements
Applicants must take a live photograph during the application process. This photo will be cross-referenced with the Aadhaar database. The background should be light-colored, preferably white. The applicant’s face must be clear and well-lit, occupying 80% of the frame. Ears must be visible. Masks, tinted glasses, and caps are prohibited. Candidates can use a webcam on a laptop or PC. Desktops without cameras can use a QR code to connect a mobile device for photo capture. Candidates should look directly at the camera lens. A neutral expression is required. If the initial capture is unclear, the retake option is available. The system will automatically verify the live photo against Aadhaar records. If verification fails, applicants must provide an attested certificate from a Class-I Gazetted Officer or School Principal. This certificate is referred to as Annexure-VI. Ensure the uploaded photo is clear in the preview section before final submission.