NEET 2026 Registration Guide: 8 Important Rules You Must Know Before Filling the Form

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has started the registration process for NEET UG 2026. Students can apply from 8 February 2026 till 8 March 2026 (9 PM). But hold on. Before you rush to the website neet.nta.nic.in and start filling the form, you need to know something important.

Many students make small mistakes while filling the NEET application form. These mistakes can lead to big problems later. Your form might get rejected. You might face issues during the exam. Or worse, you might miss your chance to appear for NEET altogether.

The good news? You can avoid all these problems. Just read the NEET UG Information Bulletin 2026 carefully before you start. NTA has clearly mentioned everything in this bulletin. Let me walk you through the eight most important guidelines that every NEET aspirant must know.

Important Dates for NEET 2026

First, let me give you the complete timeline so you can plan your application properly:

• Notification and Information Bulletin released: 8 February 2026
• Registration starts: 8 February 2026
• Last date to submit application: 8 March 2026 (till 9 PM)
• Last date to pay fees: 8 March 2026 (till 11:50 PM)
• Correction window opens: 10 March to 12 March 2026

NEET 2026 Application Fees

The registration fees vary according to your category. Here is what you need to pay:

• General category: Rs 1,700
• General EWS/OBC NCL: Rs 1,600
• SC/ST/PwD/Third Gender: Rs 1,000
• Candidates from outside India: Rs 9,500

The Aadhaar Card Rule You Cannot Ignore

NTA has given special attention to this rule. They have written it in bold letters on page 8 of the information bulletin.

In previous years, many students used ID proofs other than Aadhaar cards during registration. This created problems for them. They had to submit additional documents to verify their identity. Some students faced issues because their identity could not be verified properly.

To avoid such complications, NTA strongly recommends using only your Aadhaar card as ID proof while filling the NEET form. This will make your verification process smooth and hassle-free.

Eight Critical Guidelines Before Filling NEET Form

1. Everything is Online Only

The entire NEET application process is online. You need to upload your documents, photograph, signature, thumb impression, and pay fees online. Do not send anything through post, email, WhatsApp, or any other medium. NTA will not accept them. If anything is missing from your online form, your application will be rejected straight away.

2. Use Your Own Contact Details

Enter your own mobile number and email ID. If not yours, use your parents' or guardian's contact details. This is important because NTA will send all communications to these contacts only. You will receive your confirmation page, scanned OMR sheet, score card, and all updates on these details. When you pay the fees, the OTP will come to this registered mobile number or email ID. Without that OTP, your fee payment will not go through.

3. No Changes After Submission

Once you submit your application, you cannot take it back. If your application is incomplete, it will not be accepted. If it does not follow the instructions properly, it will be rejected automatically without any notice. Your application is complete only when the confirmation page gets generated. NTA advises you to print multiple copies of the NEET UG Confirmation Page. You will need them later.

4. Cross Check Everything Before Submitting

Check all the information you fill in the form very carefully. NTA has clearly stated that no changes will be allowed in any column after the confirmation page is generated. They will not accept any request for changes under any circumstances. So get it right the first time.

5. Fill the Correct Qualifying Exam Code

Students who have already passed their Class 12 (qualifying exam) should fill code 02 to 07. Students appearing for Class 12 board exams in 2026 should fill code 01. You can check the detailed eligibility conditions in Chapter 6 of the NEET Information Bulletin 2026 PDF.

6. Update Your Aadhaar Card in Advance

NTA had advised students a month ago to update their Aadhaar cards for NEET UG 2026. If any information on your Aadhaar is wrong, you must get it updated before applying. Also, if applicable, make sure your Caste Certificate and Disability Certificate (PwD Certificate) are updated.

7. Fill Complete Address Details

Fill both correspondence address and permanent address properly with complete details and PIN code. NTA has strictly prohibited using coaching centre addresses or any such place. Fill only your home address. This is where all official communications will reach you.

8. Keep Passport Size Photos Ready

Get 6 to 8 passport size colour photographs (with white background) clicked right now while filling the form. You will need these photos from the exam day through counselling and admission process. According to the rules, you must use the same photograph everywhere from application to admission. So get them clicked professionally and keep them safe.

What Happens if You Make Mistakes?

NTA has made it very clear. If candidates do not follow the instructions while filling the NEET online application form, make mistakes, or upload fake documents, their application will not be accepted. The candidate alone will be fully responsible for this. No excuses will work.

This is not something to take lightly. Your NEET dream depends on filling this form correctly. One small error can create big troubles. You might lose a whole year just because of a preventable mistake.

Smart Tips for Safe Registration

Here are some practical tips to make your NEET registration smooth:

• Read the complete information bulletin before you start filling the form
• Keep all your documents scanned and ready in the correct format and size
• Fill the form when you have good internet connectivity and enough time
• Do not rush through the process
• Double check every detail before you click submit
• Take screenshots at every step as backup
• Save and print multiple copies of the confirmation page once generated
• Note down your application number and keep it safe

Remember, NEET is a competitive exam. Lakhs of students apply for it every year. The competition is tough. But before you even reach the exam hall, you need to cross the application stage successfully. This stage is completely in your control. You can ensure everything goes smoothly just by being careful and following the guidelines properly.

Parents and guardians should sit with their children while filling the NEET form. Check each section together. Make sure no field is left empty by mistake. Verify that all uploaded documents are clear and in the right format. This joint effort will help avoid silly errors that students often make when filling forms alone.

The correction window from 10 to 12 March gives you one last chance to fix any mistakes. But why wait for that? Why take the stress? Get it right the first time itself. Fill your form carefully, follow all eight guidelines mentioned above, and submit it confidently. Your NEET journey will start on the right note.