NEET-UG 2026 Registration Starts; J&K Students to Compete for 1,526 MBBS Seats

The NEET-UG 2026 examination is scheduled for May 3, 2026, in a single shift nationwide

Srinagar, Feb 08: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has opened registration for NEET-UG 2026, offering medical aspirants in Jammu and Kashmir expanded opportunities following a steady increase in MBBS seats over recent years. For the 2026 admission cycle, 1,526 MBBS seats in Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) in the Union Territory will be filled through the national-level entrance examination.

The registration window opened on February 8, with the online application form made available on the official portal neet.nta.nic.in. Candidates seeking admission to MBBS, BDS, AYUSH and other undergraduate medical courses can submit their applications online by March 8, 2026 (9 pm). The correction window will remain open from March 10 to March 12, 2026.

The NEET-UG 2026 examination is scheduled for May 3, 2026, in a single shift nationwide.

Over the past few years, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a major expansion in MBBS capacity across its government medical colleges. According to approvals granted by the National Medical Commission, the number of MBBS seats in the Union Territory has increased from about 500 to over 1,500, driven by higher intake at existing GMCs and the establishment of new institutions.

In September 2025, the National Medical Commission sanctioned 190 additional MBBS seats for five GMCs in J&K. GMCs at Baramulla, Doda and Kathua received 50 seats each, while GMC Srinagar and GMC Jammu were allotted 20 seats each. Institutions such as AIIMS Jammu, ASCOMS and SMVD Medical College have also added to the overall intake following recent approvals.

All MBBS admissions in J&K, in both government and private institutions, are conducted through NEET-UG merit. Of the total seats, 15 per cent fall under the All India Quota and are filled through MCC counselling, while the remaining 85 per cent are allotted under the J&K quota through the JKBOPEE.

For BDS courses, government dental colleges offer around 126 seats, with private colleges contributing about 100 seats, all filled through NEET-UG and JKBOPEE counselling.(GK)