The National Testing Agency (NTA) has launched the NEET UG 2026 registration process with major updates designed to tighten security and improve fairness in India’s medical entrance exam.
While the exam date, pattern and syllabus remain largely unchanged, NTA has introduced several important verification and allocation changes in the application process that every aspirant must understand before submitting their forms.
These changes focus on Aadhaar‑based identity checks, live photo capture and smarter exam centre arrangements — all meant to reduce impersonation and ensure transparency.
NEET UG 2026 Exam Date & Application Window
NEET UG 2026 registration began on February 8, 2026, on the official portal neet.nta.nic.in and will remain open until March 8, 2026 (up to 9:00 PM). After the submission deadline, a correction window will be available from March 10–12 for students to make minor changes to their forms.
The NEET UG exam is scheduled for May 3, 2026, and will be held in pen–and–paper format across the country in 13 languages to support diverse aspirants.
NEET UG 2026:Â Key Documents & Details Applicants Must Prepare
In addition to ensuring Aadhaar details match exactly with personal data such as date of birth and name, candidates are advised to provide accurate address information to avoid last‑minute centre allocation problems. Even small discrepancies in Aadhaar, class 10 marksheet or category certificates can lead to form rejection or allocation delays.
The live photo step also means applicants will need a webcam‑enabled device or smartphone during registration. Ensuring good lighting and a neutral background can help the live capture process complete smoothly.
NEET UG 2026: Aadhaar‑Based eKYC – Stronger Identity Verification
One of the biggest additions this year is Aadhaar‑based eKYC (electronic Know Your Customer) to verify candidates’ identities during NEET UG 2026 registration. Under this system, aspirants’ personal details, including their Aadhaar number and supporting information, are authenticated electronically with government records.
This change aims to eliminate instances of impersonation, duplicate applications and fraudulent registrations that have affected competitive exams in the past. Candidates must ensure their Aadhaar details are accurate and up to date well before filling the form.
NEET UG 2026:Â Mandatory Live Photo Capture –Â No More Uploads From Gallery
NEET UG 2026 requires candidates to capture their photograph live while filling out the application form. Instead of uploading an existing image from a phone or laptop gallery, the system will use the device camera to take a real‑time photograph of the student. This image will then be automatically matched against the photo in the candidate’s Aadhaar record.
If the live photo does not match the Aadhaar photo, the applicant may be asked to upload a valid supporting certificate. NTA has emphasised that blurred, outdated or low‑quality images will not be accepted, making it crucial for aspirants to prepare accordingly.
NEET UG 2026:Â Smarter Exam City & Language Allocation
For NEET UG 2026, the process for selecting the examination city and language has been updated to align more closely with the candidate’s present and permanent address. This means students cannot arbitrarily pick cities far from their registered locations, and centre allocation will be more efficient and organised.
Experts warn that this change could affect travel plans for students residing away from their home address who have yet to update their Aadhaar details. The new system echoes a wider shift by NTA to assign exam centres more fairly across regions based on document‑verified data.
Why These Changes Matter for NEET Aspirants
NTA’s move to incorporate Aadhaar‑based eKYC and live photo capture comes at a time when exam integrity has become a core focus for national‑level testing. By integrating these verification methods at the application stage, the agency hopes to reduce fraud, impersonation at exam centres and logistical mismatches.
The smarter exam city assignment system also aims to level the playing field for rural and urban students alike by aligning test centres with verified address data — limiting unfair advantages in access.
NEET UG 2026:Â Where to Apply & Get Help?
Candidates can submit their applications online only through the official NTA NEET UG portal — neet.nta.nic.in. For assistance, students can email neetug2026@nta.ac.in
 or use the helpline provided on the website.
As always, experts remind NEET aspirants: read instructions carefully, provide accurate details, and avoid last‑minute rushes to reduce the risk of mistakes that could jeopardise application acceptance.
