The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) is India’s single largest medical entrance exam for admission into MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other undergraduate medical courses. Every year, thousands of students across the country prepare to secure a seat in premier medical colleges.
For NEET-UG 2026, candidates and aspirants are eagerly waiting for the official application start date (fill-up date) and related schedule information. Let’s walk through everything you need to know — from key dates to eligibility, application process, preparation strategy, and post-exam steps.
📅 1. NEET-UG 2026 Exam & Application Date Overview
Although the official notification from the National Testing Agency (NTA) hasn’t been released yet, based on credible sources and trends from past years:
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| NEET-UG 2026 Application (Fill-Up) Start Date | Early February 2026 (Expected) |
| Last Date to Apply | First week of March 2026 (Expected) |
| Application Correction Window | Mid-March 2026 (Expected) |
| Admit Card Release | Late April 2026 (Expected) |
| NEET Exam Date 2026 | 3 May 2026 (Sunday) (Expected) |
| Result Announcement | Second week of June 2026 (Expected) |
| Counselling Begins | July 2026 (Expected) |
👉 The application form is generally released about 3 months before the exam, and previous years show forms opening in early February.
📝 2. NEET-UG 2026 Application (Fill-Up) Start Date — In Detail
The NEET-UG application window is anticipated to open in early February 2026. In past years:
- 2025: Started on 7 February and closed by 7 March.
- 2024: Started on 9 February and closed mid-March.
Given this trend and expert estimates, candidates preparing for NEET-UG should get ready for online application to start during the first week of February 2026, likely around 1–7 February 2026.
🔗 The application will be accepted only through the official NTA website: neet.nta.nic.in.
👤 3. Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria
Before filling the NEET-UG application form, candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements set by the NTA:
📚 Academic Requirements
- Must have passed (or be appearing in) Class 12 or equivalent exam with Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology and English.
🎓 Minimum Marks
- General category: Minimum 50% aggregate in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology)
- Reserved categories: 40-45% depending on category status.
🎂 Age Criteria
- Candidates must have completed 17 years of age on or before 31 December 2026.
💡 4. Documents Needed for NEET-UG Form Fill-Up
To ensure a smooth application process when the form opens, keep the following ready:
✔ Class 10 certificate (for Date of Birth)
✔ Class 12 marksheet or appearing certificate
✔ Scanned passport-size photograph (recent)
✔ Scanned signature (as per specifications)
✔ Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar, passport, etc.)
✔ Category certificate (if applicable)
💡 Scan and upload documents in the specified file formats and sizes to avoid rejection during submission.
🛠️ 5. How to Fill the NEET-UG 2026 Application Form
When registration opens, follow these steps:
- Visit Official Website: neet.nta.nic.in
- Click on “NEET-UG 2026 Registration / Apply Online”
- Register with a valid mobile number and email ID
- Note the Application Number generated
- Fill in personal, academic, and contact details
- Upload scanned photo, signature, and other documents
- Pay the Application Fee online
- Review and submit the application
📍 Note: Keep the application number and fee payment receipt safe for future reference (admit card, result, counselling).
📘 6. Preparation Tips After Filling Up the NEET Form
Once your application is successfully submitted, you can completely shift focus to preparation:
📌 Understand the Exam Pattern
- NEET is an offline pen-and-paper based exam with multiple-choice questions.
📚 Cover the Syllabus Carefully
- Focus on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as per the NTA syllabus.
🧠 Practice with Previous Year Papers
- Solving past papers helps improve speed and accuracy.
⏱ Time Management
- Simulate test conditions while practicing for time discipline.
🔄 Revision Strategy
- Regular revision ensures better retention of concepts.
📆 7. After the Exam — Key Next Steps
Once NEET-UG 2026 is conducted (tentatively on 3 May 2026):
📍 Answer Key Release
- The provisional answer key is released first, allowing challenges.
📍 Result Declaration
- Results are typically announced by June 2026.
📍 Counselling & Seat Allotment
- After results, admissions are processed through NEET counselling (MCC and state-level rounds) usually starting July 2026.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When will NEET-UG 2026 application form start?
➡ It’s expected to begin in early February 2026.
Q2. Where do I apply for NEET-UG?
➡ Through the official NTA portal: neet.nta.nic.in.
Q3. What are the important documents needed?
➡ Class 10 DOB certificate, Class 12 marksheet, ID proof, scanned photo, signature, etc.
Q4. When is the NEET-UG 2026 exam?
➡ The exam is expected to be held on 3 May 2026 (Sunday).
🏁 Conclusion
NEET-UG 2026 is one of the most competitive entrance exams for medical aspirants. The **application (fill-up) process is expected to start in the first week of February 2026 and will remain open for several weeks thereafter.
To succeed:
👉 Stay updated with the official NTA notifications
👉 Prepare your documents ahead of time
👉 Focus on a strong study plan
With proper planning and preparation, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your medical career goal!
