NEET UG 2026: India’s Largest Medical Entrance Exam Begins Across 565 Cities
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is set to conduct the NEET UG 2026 examination today, marking one of the most significant events in the country’s academic calendar. This year, approximately 22.79 lakh aspiring medical students will appear for the test, which is being held simultaneously across 565 cities nationwide. The examination will follow a traditional pen-and-paper format and is scheduled to run from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
In the lead-up to the exam, the NTA conducted comprehensive mock drills on Saturday to assess preparedness and ensure smooth execution. Security arrangements have been substantially reinforced, with a three-tier security framework implemented at all examination venues. The agency has coordinated closely with central and state authorities, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, local police forces, the Border Security Force, and various paramilitary organizations to guarantee a fair and secure testing environment.
Exam Centres and Candidate Allocation
A total of 5,432 examination centres have been established across 551 cities within the country, complemented by 14 additional centres located abroad. The NTA has successfully allocated preferred centres to 99.2% of registered candidates, reflecting the agency’s commitment to candidate convenience. Notably, 98.8% of the examination centres—excluding 68 specific locations—are situated within government educational institutions, a strategic decision aimed at upholding the integrity of the examination process.
Abhishek Singh, Director General of the NTA, confirmed that all preparations are complete to maintain the sanctity of the examination. He advised candidates to arrive at their designated centres between 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM, as entry will be strictly prohibited after the latter time. To prevent any possibility of question paper leaks, the agency is closely monitoring postgraduate medical students and former candidates. Additionally, approximately 30 Telegram channels suspected of spreading rumours or attempting to mislead students have been shut down.
Special Measures in Election-Bound States
Given that several states are currently in election mode, with results scheduled for Monday, the NTA and the central home ministry have placed particular emphasis on West Bengal. Multiple rounds of discussions have been held with the chief ministers of Haryana, Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Telangana to address regional concerns and ensure uninterrupted examination conduct.
Essential Guidelines for Candidates
Candidates are urged to follow these important instructions to ensure a hassle-free examination experience:
- Those wearing traditional, religious, or full-sleeved attire should arrive earlier to allow sufficient time for thorough checking procedures.
- Verify the exact location of the examination centre from the admit card rather than relying solely on maps or navigation apps.
- Carry a printed copy of the admit card, a valid photo identification document, and two passport-sized photographs.
- Account for potential traffic congestion and weather conditions on the day of the exam; plan to reach the centre well before the reporting time.
- Review the dress code and regulations issued on 30 April 2026, available on the official NTA website, and comply with them strictly.
- Bring only essential and permitted items to the examination hall.
Prohibited Items Inside Exam Halls
To maintain the fairness of the examination, the following items are strictly banned from examination premises:
- Mobile phones and smartwatches
- Bluetooth devices and calculators
- Wallets, jewellery, and metallic objects
- Food and beverages from outside
Candidates are advised to rely exclusively on information published on the official NTA website and disregard any unofficial sources.
First-Time Provision for Water Bottles
In a notable development, candidates will be permitted to carry transparent water bottles from home for the first time. This decision emerged from consultations with state chief secretaries, who emphasized the need for a safe and comfortable environment at examination centres. Other arrangements include assured drinking water availability, uninterrupted power supply with generator backup, and emergency medical assistance services on standby.
The examination centres are equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance infrastructure, featuring 1.85 lakh cameras providing round-the-clock four-tier CCTV monitoring. Question papers are securely stored in double-locked strong rooms with continuous video surveillance.
Helpline and Support Services
Candidates requiring assistance or clarification can reach out to the NTA helpline between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Support is available through dedicated phone lines and the official website. The agency has assured candidates of prompt resolution of any issues that may arise during the examination period.
With all logistical arrangements in place and security measures heightened, the NTA is confident of conducting a transparent and smoothly executed NEET UG 2026 examination, paving the way for the next generation of medical professionals in India.
