National Testing Agency Starts NEET UG Registration 2026 with Aadhaar eKYC & Live Photo Verification

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has started the NEET UG registration 2026 on 8 February 2026. The authority has also introduced stricter identity verification rules.

What are the major changes in the NEET UG 2026 exam this year?

The biggest highlight of NEET UG examination 2026 is:

• Introduction of Aadhaar-based eKYC and 
• Mandatory live photo capture during the application process

Click here to read the official notification by NTA NEET UG 2026.

NTA has clarified that these changes in NEET UG exam 2026 will improve transparency and prevent fraudulent entries. This will result in a more secure registration process for students. Candidates must note that NEET UG 2026 application has started from 8 February 2026. The last date to register for NEET ug is 8 March 2026.

Must Read: NEET UG 2026 Registration Begins

NEET UG 2026 Registration Dates and Schedule

Students must keep track of important deadlines announced by NTA.

NEET UG Eligibility Criteria rules for 2026 are also out. 

What is New in NEET UG 2026 Exam

NTA has announced these major changes in this year’s NEET UG exam:

For more information, read: NEET UG Exam Details

Recently, NTA announced NEET UG Syllabus 2026.

Aadhaar-Based eKYC Introduced for NEET UG 2026

Aadhaar verification is one of the most significant changes in NEET UG exam 2026. Candidates will now be electronically authenticated. The authentication will be through Aadhaar-based eKYC during registration.

Why Aadhaar eKYC Matters in NEET UG 2026

The step has been taken to:

• Prevent impersonation in the exam.
• Reduce duplicate registrations.
• Ensure fair exam practices.
• Strengthen exam integrity.

Important Tip: You must make sure that your Aadhaar-linked mobile number is active. Proper network connectivity is essential for a smooth eKYC.

Candidates also check: NEET MDS, NEET PG 2026: Tentative exam schedule released.

Live Photo Capture Now Mandatory in NEET UG 2026

Introduction of live photograph capture is another big update for NEET UG aspirants in 2026.

Candidates could upload a studio photo or a gallery image in previous exams. But now, NTA requires you to click a real-time photograph when you submit the exam form.

How Live Photo Verification Works

It’s quite simple. You just need to know the following:

• The system captures your photo.
• Then it is automatically matched with your Aadhaar photo.
• In case of a mismatch, a supporting certificate is needed.

NTA has clearly warned candidates about these:

• No blurred images
• No outdated photos
• No casual uploads

Smarter Exam City and Language Allocation in NEET UG 2026

To make the regional distribution of exam centres better, NTA has also streamlined exam city and medium selection. The aim is to reduce arbitrary selections also.

You must choose your exam city and language based on:

• Present address
• Permanent address

Exam Pattern Remains the Same

These updates are confined to registration changes only. The good news for candidates is:

• NEET UG syllabus
• Exam duration
• NEET UG pattern 

Are unchanged. Only verification and application-level checks are under tight scrutiny.

To make their preparation impeccable, NEET UG Past Year Question Papers are your guide.

Could Facial Recognition Be Introduced Next?

Presently, only Aadhaar eKYC and live photo capture have been introduced. But they hint toward more advanced verification systems in the future. Some media reports suggest that NTA may bring facial recognition technology in upcoming NEET exams.

How to Apply for NEET UG 2026

The application will be made only through the official portal:

• Go to neet.nta.nic.in
• Click New Registration
• Enter personal details 
• Get Application Number
• Log in and fill the application form
• Upload required documents 
• Complete Aadhaar eKYC / Live photo capture
• Pay the application fee online
• Submit the form 
• Download the confirmation page

Takeaways for NEET UG Aspirants

Here’s what you should remember:

• NEET UG 2026 registration window is from 8 Feb to 8 Mar.
• Aadhaar-based eKYC is now compulsory.
• Live photo capture is a must.
• Exam city and language selection is stricter.

Final Word

Technological advancements have been integrated into the NEET UG exam 2026. These measures will ensure a secure NEET UG 2026 registration process. Students must complete the application soon and not wait until the last date. For other NEET UG 2026 updates, track the official website of NTA closely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques: What has been changed in NEET UG 2026 exam?

Ans: A few important announcements have been made in NEET UG 2026 exam by NTA:

• Introduction of Aadhaar-based eKYC. 
• Mandatory live photo capture.
• Exam city and language selection will be based on the address.

Ques: Has NTA started NEET UG registration process?

Ans: Yes. NTA has started the NEET UG 2026 application process. The notification was released on 8 February, marking the beginning of the sole entrance exam of India for medical admission in undergraduate courses. 

Ques: What will be the NEET UG cutoff 2026?

Ans: NEET cutoff 2026 has not been out yet. It will be released once the exam is completed and NEET UG results are out. Qualifying NEET UG marks are:

• 50th percentile for General
• 40th for OBC/SC/ST

To secure a medical seat in government colleges, you need higher scores. 

• 610+ for General
• 490-520+ for SC/ST

NEET UG is also one of the toughest exams in India with more than 20 lakhs students appearing in the last two years. The actual NEET UG 2026 cutoff will depend on the exam difficulty level, the number of students who appeared and the number of seats.

Ques: Is the NEET 2026 syllabus released?

Ans: Yes. NTA has already released the NEET UG syllabus for 2026. No major changes have been announced in the syllabus. However, instead of relying on other sources, candidates must check the official document released by NTA.