NCET Application Guide — Step-by-Step (By IITians)
Filling the NCET form is easy if you follow a clear checklist. This page walks you through registration → form fill → uploads → payment → confirmation, plus correction window, subject selection, and exam-city tips. Rules can change each year, so always cross-check with the current Information Bulletin and public notices.
- Before you start
- Step 1 — Make your account
- Step 2 — Fill the application form
- Step 3 — Upload photo, signature & docs
- Step 4 — Pay the fee & verify
- Step 5 — Download confirmation page
- Correction window (what you can change)
- Choosing subjects (IIT/NIT/RIE targets)
- Choosing exam city
- Troubleshooting & portal errors
- After applying — what next?
- FAQs
Before you start (15-minute prep)
- Email & phone ready: Use an email/number you check daily. SMS/OTP will come here.
- Documents scanned as PDFs/JPGs: photo, signature, valid ID (Aadhaar/Passport/Driving Licence), and category/PwBD/ews certificates if applicable.
- Academic details: Class X & XII roll numbers, board, year, marks/grades.
- Subject plan: Decide your 2 Languages and 3 Domain Subjects (see Syllabus). Align to your target programme at IIT/NIT/RIE or other universities.
- Payment: Card/UPI/Netbanking access.
File naming tip: Save scans as NCET25_Photo_Firstname.jpg, NCET25_Sign_Firstname.jpg, NCET25_ID_Firstname.pdf. Keep a copies folder in Google Drive/Phone.
Step 1 — Make your account
- Open the official NCET application portal for the current year.
- Click New Registration. Read instructions; tick declarations.
- Enter personal details exactly as on your ID and Class X certificate.
- Set a strong password & security question. Save them in a password manager.
- Verify OTP on email/SMS. Your Application Number is generated.
Step 2 — Fill the application form
Log in with your Application Number and password. Fill sections in order:
- Personal details (name, parents’ names, DOB, gender, category, PwBD if applicable, nationality).
- Address & contact — use the same phone/email you control.
- Academic details — Class X & XII data. For “appearing” candidates, select the correct status.
- Subjects & language choices — choose Language 1 & Language 2 (different), 3 Domain Subjects, and compulsory General Test & Teaching Aptitude.
- City choices — add preferences thoughtfully (see Choosing exam city).
Step 3 — Upload photo, signature & documents
Follow the year’s bulletin for exact specs. Typical requirements look like:
| Upload | Format | Size (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Photo | JPG/JPEG | 10–200 KB | Recent colour photo on plain background; no caps/sunglasses; eyes visible. |
| Signature | JPG/JPEG | 4–50 KB | Sign in black/blue ink on white paper; crop closely; clear contrast. |
| Category/PwBD/EWS | Up to 500 KB | As per format/date mentioned in the bulletin; scan all pages. | |
| Photo ID | Up to 300 KB | Aadhaar/Passport/DL; ensure name & DOB legible. |
If the portal rejects a file: resize using your phone’s editor or any offline tool. Keep clarity; avoid over-compression.
Step 4 — Pay the fee & verify
- Choose a payment method (UPI/cards/netbanking). Stay on the page until the success message and transaction ID appear.
- If payment fails but money is debited, wait for automatic reversal or check the portal’s “Payment Status” after 24–48 hours.
Step 5 — Download the confirmation page
- Click Download Confirmation Page. Save as PDF and print a copy.
- Also download the filled form and fee receipt. Email a copy to yourself for backup.
Save these now: Application Number, password, security answer, submitted form PDF, confirmation page PDF, fee receipt, and all uploaded files. Store in a labelled Google Drive folder.
Correction window (what you can change)
A short correction window usually opens after registration closes. The exact list of editable fields varies each year; some fields (like Application Number) are never editable.
| Field | Usually Editable? | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Photo/Signature | Yes | Re-upload clear files if flagged. |
| Personal details | Limited | Match Class X certificate; watch spellings. |
| Subjects (Languages/Domains) | Sometimes | Allowed only if notified; confirm before relying on it. |
| City choices | Sometimes | Reorder if travel changed. |
| Category/PwBD | As per notice | Read rules; some changes may not be allowed. |
Choosing subjects (IIT/NIT/RIE targets)
- B.Sc. B.Ed. (Secondary) at IIT/NIT/RIE: Choose PCM or PCB as the 3 domain subjects. This directly aligns with science-track ITEP.
- B.A. B.Ed.: Pick three from History/Geography/Political Science/Economics/Psychology/Sociology as per programme.
- B.Com. B.Ed.: Accountancy + Business Studies + Economics is the cleanest combo.
Golden rule: your NCET domains should mirror the programme prerequisites of your target institute. When in doubt, choose strength + eligibility alignment over novelty.
Choosing exam city (travel-safe)
- Prefer your current city of study/residence. If not available, pick the nearest well-connected city on your route (rail/metro).
- If you’re targeting IIT/NIT/RIE campuses for admission later, exam city doesn’t affect college choice—only convenience on test day.
- For long-distance travel, reach a day early; book refundable options.
Troubleshooting & portal errors
- OTP not received: Check spam/promotions; try resend; switch to alternate network; ensure number isn’t DND-blocked for transactional SMS.
- Image rejected: Resize to the size window; keep aspect upright; avoid filters.
- Payment debited, status pending: Wait; don’t pay multiple times. Check “Payment Status” page after 24–48h or bank message.
- Server busy: Try off-peak hours (7–9 AM or late night). Use a desktop browser if possible.
After applying — what next?
- Set reminders for city intimation, admit card, and exam day from our Important Dates.
- Start the 8-week plan or 4-week accelerator from Syllabus.
- Attempt a Free Mock this week; review only weak topics.
- Subscribe to our Free Video Courses and pair each video with PYQs.
FAQs
Can I edit subjects after submitting? Only if the year’s correction notice allows it — and within that window.
Is there an age limit? The exam usually doesn’t specify a strict upper age, but programmes may. Always check institute rules.
Which city should I pick? Choose the closest practical city; exam city has no bearing on admissions.