The National Testing Agency will administer the NEET UG 2026 exam on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (IST) in a single shift. Candidates eligible for compensatory time, such as those under PwD/PwBD categories, can write the exam until 6:00 p.m.
This year’s NEET (UG) boasts a massive scale, with around 22.79 lakh registered candidates. The exam will be held in pen-and-paper mode across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad, spanning over 5,432 centers, making it one of the largest entrance exams globally.
The NTA has organized a significant administrative and security setup for the exam. Coordinated efforts involve 674 city coordinators overseeing operations, with over 6,000 observers ensuring independent monitoring. Center superintendents, invigilators, district administrations, and police forces are actively engaged, especially in the secure transportation of confidential materials.
Candidates must reach their respective centers between 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Entry gates will close promptly at 1:30 p.m., with no late entries permitted. Candidates wearing customary or religious attire are advised to arrive early for detailed security checks.
As per guidelines, candidates need to bring a printed admit card, a valid original photo ID, and two passport-size photos for attendance. Only specific items like a transparent water bottle are allowed inside the exam hall. Diabetic candidates may carry sugar tablets or fruits like bananas, apples, or oranges.
