Major Changes Introduced in NEET UG 2026 Compared to Last Year

On 8th February, NTA made the NEET application portal live, and every student across India who wants to pursue a career in medicine is applying with urgency and enthusiasm. All the while being nervous about approaching the exam, especially with the expected exam date on 03 May 2026 Students are working hard and they are also keeping an eye on the Major Changes Introduced in NEET UG 2026 Compared to Last Year

Surely, NEET is a tough exam to crack, but consistent preparation with unwavering focus helps, and knowledge on NEET 2026 new rules can help you secure good marks. And by all means, with less than three months on hand, you need personalised NEET support to ace the exam. That’s why, at Aakash, we offer result-oriented programs with final test series, concept clarity, and live doubt discussions.

While preparation remains crucial, you need to understand the exam logistics as well for a seamless experience, from NEET Registration to exam day. For instance, with several NEET UG 2026 major changes, it’s essential for students to be fully updated on what’s new and how it impacts their preparation strategy. Let’s explore!

NEET UG 2026 New Rules: What Remains Unchanged This Year

Before getting started on the NEET 2026 new rules, let’s take a look at the existing standards that are the same as last year.

• NEET Eligibility Criteria: There are no changes in the eligibility criteria for NEET 2026 as per the conducting body’s update information bulletin. 
• NEET syllabus and NEET exam pattern: NTA has released the exam syllabus and pattern in its updated information bulletin. And in comparison with last year’s syllabus, there are no changes included as of now.
• Registration and application form: As for where to apply and how to apply, there are less NEET 2026 changes compared to 2025. 
• Required Documents: As per the updated NTA information bulletin, the required documents for the NEET application form remain the same in accordance with last year’s requirements.
• Application Fee Details: There are no NEET UG 2026 major changes for application fees, as per the NTA’s updated information bulletin. 

NEET Eligibility Criteria 2026

NEET 2026 New Rules Compared to Last Year

Even though most of the crucial standards remain consistent with last year’s criteria, there are some NEET 2026 new rules. Simply put, the same exam but with tighter checks.

Aadhaar-based eKYC

A notable initiative among the NEET UG 2026 major changes is the addition of Aadhaar-based eKYC to verify the student’s identity. So you need to make sure that your name, birthday, and gender on your school records match your Aadhaar card to the minute details. Any discrepancies in verification details will lead to the rejection of your application.

This particular step is asked by the NTA to ensure the integrity of your application, which in turn ensures fairness and order. More importantly, this step greatly reduces the possibility of impersonation and duplication like never before. Simply put, to appear for NEET 2026, you need to provide your Aadhaar card to verify every single piece of personal information.

NEET Admit Card

Live Photo Capture

One of the NEET 2026 new rules is how you upload your photo for NEET verification. Until last year, you had to upload your recent passport-sized photo in the prescribed format. 

However, for the first time this year, you are asked to upload your live photograph along with a recent passport-sized photograph at the time of filling out the application form. For capturing a live photograph:

• You can switch on your camera or connect your webcam to the device used for filling out the application form. 
• If your device does not support a webcam, the QR code on the right side of the application form can be scanned using a mobile device/tablet. 

As for the live photo format, you should ensure there is a light-colored background with proper lighting and face visibility, including ears, without a mask. Additionally, make sure your live photograph matches your identity proof. 

Otherwise, you are asked to verify your identity by uploading a signed and attested certificate, along with a recent photograph. Note that the captured live photograph cannot be edited during the correction window.

Exam Centre Allocation

Usually, while filling out the application form, you are asked to select your three most convenient cities for exam centre allocation. While the option exists the same as last year, there are NEET 2026 latest updates in how you select your preferences. 

The choice of exam centres will be exclusive to the state of permanent address or present address only. To do so, make sure you enter the right address in the applications, and for convenience, you can select your own city or neighbouring cities if available.

Medium of the Question Paper

Same as the exam centre, while filling out the application form, you are asked to select your preferred medium of the question paper. While the option exists with 13 mediums, the same as last year, there is a major change in how you select your preferences. 

The choice of regional languages will be exclusive to the state of permanent address or present address only. However, English and Hindi are open to select throughout India, consistent with the previous year.

Final Thoughts 

Even though there are NEET 2026 new rules, that’s nothing to be afraid of. Carefully read through the Important changes NEET aspirants must know provided by the NTA, and you are good to go.

What you really need to focus on is your exam preparations. For effective NEET preparation with an undivided focus, we are here to help. At Aakash, we offer access to PYQs, test series, and expert guidance so that you can ace your exam.

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