The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, NEET UG 2026, for admission to undergraduate medical courses is being held across the country today. The examination began at 2 PM and will continue till 5 PM, while eligible candidates requiring compensatory time will be allowed to write till 6 PM.
Conducted by the National Testing Agency, the examination is one of the largest and most competitive entrance tests in the country, with around 22 lakh 79 thousand candidates appearing this year. NEET UG is being conducted in pen-and-paper mode at more than 5 thousand 400 centres spread across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad.
According to the NTA guidelines, candidates were allowed entry to examination centres only till 1:30 PM. Candidates are required to carry their printed admit card, a valid original photo identity proof such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, or Ration Card, along with two passport-sized photographs.
The Agency has put in place elaborate security arrangements for smooth and fair conduct of the examination. Frisking through metal detectors, Aadhaar-based biometric verification, CCTV surveillance, and live monitoring from control rooms are being carried out at all centres. More than 6 thousand observers and nearly 2 lakh personnel have been deployed for the examination process.
The NTA has clarified that candidates whose biometric verification fails will still be permitted to appear for the examination after manual verification and signing an undertaking.
Strict restrictions have been imposed on prohibited items including mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, Bluetooth devices, wallets, jewellery, and metallic objects. Candidates have also been advised to follow the prescribed dress code.
Special facilities including drinking water, medical support, sanitation, and power backup arrangements have been made at the examination centres. Diabetic candidates have been allowed to carry fruits and sugar tablets inside the venue.
The NTA has advised candidates to remain calm, carefully read instructions on the question paper, and manage their time effectively during the examination. Official updates and assistance are available through the NTA helpline and website.
