NEET 2026 Exam Day Guidelines & Important Instructions

National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test 2026 ( NEET )

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NEET 2026 Application Refund Last Date

22 May '26 - 22 Jun '26

Rupali
Rupali Pruthi
Deputy Manager - Editorial
Updated on Apr 27, 2026 14:20 IST
NEET 2026 exam day guidelines and important instructions are shared regarding dos and don'ts, dress code, what to carry to exam centre, list of prohibited items, etc. NEET 2026 will be conducted on May 3, 2026. Know documents required to be carries to exam centres for NEET UG 2026 exam.

NEET 2026 exam day guidelines and important instructions are shared regarding dos and don'ts, dress code, what to carry to exam centre, list of prohibited items, etc. Know the documents required for NEET UG 2026 exam scheduled on May 3.

NEET Exam Day Guidelines 2026

NEET Exam Day Guidelines 2026

The NEET UG 2026 exam will be held on May 3, 2026, in 566 cities across India and abroad. The duration of the exam is 180 minutes, which will be conducted from 2 pm to 5 pm. The NEET admit card 2026 has been released, informing the candidates about the exam schedule and guidelines to be followed by candidates. It is important for aspirants to follow the NEET exam day guidelines 2026 to appear for the exam without any stress or hassle. Go through the NEET 2026 exam day instructions, exam day procedures, dos and don'ts, dress code and prohibited items list on this page.

Table of contents
  • NEET 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: Admit Card
  • NEET 2026 Exam Day Guidelines
  • Safety Measures in Place at the NEET 2026 Exam Centre
  • NEET 2026 Exam Day Rules: What Not to Carry?
  • NEET Exam Day Guidelines 2026: Dress Code for Male & Female
  • NEET 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: Know the Exam Schedule

NEET 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: Admit Card

The most important document on the exam day is the NEET 2026 admit card. Candidates are advised to download their NEET admit card well in advance and not wait for the last date.

  1. He/she must take out a printout of the NEET 2026 admit card
  2. A recent postcard-sized photograph (4”x6”) has to be pasted in the space provided
  3. A recent passport-sized photograph (same as uploaded on NEET 2026 application form)
  4. Left-hand thumb impression has to be put in the designated space
  5. All three pages have to be printed
  6. They should not sign on the NEET 2024 admit card in the absence of invigilators or they would be disqualified on the exam day
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the procedure to challenge NEET OMR sheets?
A: 

The responses marked on the OMR Sheet of NEET are scanned and uploaded on the official website of NTA. The responses marked are read and captured by the machines, which can sometimes lead to smudging of the responses. Therefore, there can be errors in the scanned copy of NEET OMR sheet. If a student finds any such error in their OMR sheet, they have the provision to challenge them. Candidates have to pay a processing fee of INR 200 per response challenged. The steps for challenging the OMR sheet of NEET are given below:

  1. Go to the official website of NTA NEET
  2. Login using the NEET application number and password or date of birth
  3. Click on “OMR Challenge”
  4. You will see the questions in sequential order
  5. Select Question (s) for which you wish to challenge the Recorded Response.
  6. Once you select any Question for Challenge, you will see three options under the column ‘Candidate’s Claim’.
  7. If you wish to challenge this option, you may use the Options given in the ‘Candidate’s Claim’ column.
  8. After clicking your desired option, for Physics / Chemistry / Botany / Zoology for NEET (UG) - 2023, scroll down, ‘Submit’, and move to the next screen.
  9. You will see a screen displaying your challenges.
  10. Click on ‘Submit' and Pay Fee Finally’.
  11. Select Mode of Payment and Pay a processing fee of INR 200 for each question/grade challenged. Make payment through Debit/Credit Card/Net Banking/Paytm.
  12. After successful payment, download/print the Answer Key challenge receipt
Q:   If I opt to participate in second round of NEET UG counseling, will my allotted seat of first round be cancelled?
A: 

In case candidates are not allotted any seat in the second round of the NEET UG counselling, the earlier allotted seat in Round 1 will be retained. However, on up-gradation of a seat in the second round, the earlier allotted seat in Round 1 will automatically be cancelled and allotted to another candidate. Therefore, candidates are advised to fill in only higher choices or any other choice which they prefer over the earlier allotted seat, for second round.

Q:   After I join a college allotted during the Second Round of NEET UG Counseling, can I leave or resign the seat?
A: 

Once a candidate joins second round seat allotted in the NEET UG counselling, he/she will not be allowed to vacate from the allotted second round seat. However if candidates are allotted a seat in Second Round and have not joined the college, then he/she can Exit with Forfeiture of security amount. Moreover, the candidates who have joined up to round 2 of AIQ or state quota will not be eligible to participate in the further rounds of AIQ or state quota.

Q:   Will candidates be provided with face masks at the NEET exam centres?
A: 

Till last year, candidates were provided N95 masks at the NEET exam centre which was mandatory to be used by candidates. They had to dispose of their own masks before entering the exam centre at the designated bin. However, since the intensity of Covid has reduced as compared to the last two years, this year candidates may not be provided masks at the centre. The information will be confirmed after the release of the NEET admit card. However, it is recommended that they wear face masks for the entire duration. This should be done to ensure their and other test-takers' safety.

NEET 2026 Exam Day Guidelines

The following exam day guidelines will have to be followed by the NEET takers. 

  1. The exam centre for NEET 2026 will open at 11 am. No candidate will be allowed to enter the examination hall before that.
  2. The last entry into the examination hall will be at 1:30 pm. No candidate will be allowed to enter the examination hall past 1:30 pm.
  3. The candidate must carry the NEET 2026 admit card along with a valid photo ID proof, along with an updated Aadhaar Card and a passport-sized photograph to be pasted on the Attendance Sheet on the exam day.
  4. He/she must produce the admit card of NEET 2026 on demand.
  5. It is mandatory to undergo security procedures, such as body scanners and frisking. Candidates are thus advised to cooperate with the security personnel present at the exam centre.
  6. Candidates who intend to use their own scribe must carry a ‘Letter of Undertaking’ to the exam centre.
  7. Candidates will not be allowed to leave the examination hall before 5 pm.
  8. All those appearing for the examination must note that the attendance sheet has to be signed twice, the first time right after the examination begins, and the second time while handing over the answer sheet. Any candidate who fails to sign twice will be considered absent.
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Safety Measures in Place at the NEET 2026 Exam Centre

The exam authorities will follow the steps given below to ensure the maintenance of safety measures and security protocols at the exam centres, especially to avoid unfair means.

  • The NEET 2026 exam hall will be under surveillance through CCTV cameras and equipped with jammers.
  • Candidates will be frisked with handheld metal detectors and biometric checks.
  • Candidates will not be allowed to take bio-breaks in the first hour and the last half an hour. Invigilators may frisk them physically, and biometric attendance will be taken after returning from bio-breaks. 
  • NTA uses AI-based real-time analytical tools and technologies to map likely or potential use of unfair means.
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is NEET exam timing?
A: 

The NEET exam was conducted from 2.00 to 5.00 pm with these exam timings-

EventsTiming
Exam Centre Entry Begins11.00 AM
Exam Centre Last Entry1.30 PM
Sitting on the Exam Hall1.15 PM
Announcement of Important Instructions1.15 PM to 1.30 PM
Distribution of NEET Test Booklet 1.45 PM
Writing of particulars on the NEET Test Booklet1.50 PM
NEET Exam Timing2 PM to 5 PM
Q:   Will there be NEET exam in 2026?
A: 

There was NEET exam in 2026. The NEET UG exam was held on May 3. The NTA announced the dates and schedule for the exam in information bulletin. 

Q:   Is the NEET Re Exam 2026 City Choice Filling Facility Started?
A: 

The NTA allowed the NEET Re-Exam Address and City of Examination Choice filling facility for the candidates. The last date to make these changes in the application was May 21.

Q:   What is the new date for NEET 2026?
A: 

The National Testing Agency released the NEW Dates for the NEET 2026 exam. The NEET 2026 exam held on May 3 was cancelled by the NTA. The RE-NEET exam date is June 21, 2026.

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NEET 2026 Exam Day Rules: What Not to Carry?

NTA will release a list of items that are banned inside the examination hall. Candidates appearing for the examination must ensure that they do not have any of the following items with them on the exam day.

  • Stationery items such as test-based material (written/printed), papers, notes, Pencil box, pouches, geometry box, pen, scale/ruler, eraser, etc.
  • Electronic devices such as calculators, cameras, electronic pens, scanners, etc.
  • Accessories such as bags, belts, caps, goggles, wallets, etc.
  • Devices used for communication, such as mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth, fitness bands, earphones, pagers, etc.
  • Any ornaments (both metallic/non-metallic) such as earrings, nose pins, piercings, etc.
  • Eatables (packed or home-cooked), thermos, etc.
  • Students who are suffering from Diabetes can carry sugar tablets, fruits, and a transparent water bottle. However, such candidates must have filled in the required information in their NEET application form.

NEET Exam Day Guidelines 2026: Dress Code for Male & Female

The candidates appearing for this entrance must follow the NEET 2026 dress code, as suggested by NTA. Those failing to dress accordingly may have to face delays or be refused entry to the examination hall.

Dress Code: Common NEET 2026 exam day guidelines for both male and female candidates

  • Students must be dressed casually and avoid clothes with long sleeves.
  • Shoes/boots, etc., will not be permitted. Applicants must instead wear slippers, open-toed sandals with low heels, etc.
  • Students are advised to wear customary dress and must report to the exam centre by 12:30 pm. It will also be mandatory for such candidates to have provided this information while filling out the NEET application form.
  • Candidates who are unwell and may need to deviate from the dress code of NEET 2026 must take prior permission from the NTA.

NEET 2026 Guidelines: Post the Exam

After the exam finishes and you submit the answer sheets, maintain proper discipline and decorum and follow the instructions below while leaving the centre.

  • Candidates must remain seated and wait for instructions from the invigilator
  • During the exit, invigilators will allow candidates to leave the hall one at a time
  • Candidates will have to hand over the duly filed admit card and the OMR sheet to the invigilator on their way out
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is the NEET 2026 Exam Cancelled?
A: 

Yes, the National Testing Agency has cancelled the NEET 2026 exam conducted on May 3. The NTA has announced that it will conduct the RE-NEET 2026 on June 21. The NTA will also re-issue the NTA city slip and Admit card.

Q:   Will NEET be conducted twice?
A: 

Although earlier NTA was mulling the idea of conducting NEET twice a year, now it has been confirmed that the exam will be held only once a year in a paper-pencil based mode. NTA communicated this information through an RTI response where it was stated that NEET will be conducted once a year. This has quashed the possibility of conducting NEET twice a year. However, the NTA expert committee headed by ISRO Chief K. Radhakrishnan has recommended conducting NEET twice a year, but there has not been any official confirmation on it yet. 

Q:   What is the NEET Re-Exam Shift Timing?
A: 

The NTA will conduct the NEET RE-Exam on June 21. The NTA will provide 15 minutes extra to the candidates and the new shift timing will be 2.00 to 5.15 PM/ This 15-minute extra time is provided to accommodate the OMR and attendance formalities.

Q:   What is the date for NEET Re Exam 2026?
A: 

The NTA will conduct the NEET Re Exam 2026 on June 21. The candidates should note that the Admit card will be released by June 14. The NTA can release the city intimation but it is not clear.

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NEET 2026 Exam Day Guidelines: Know the Exam Schedule

The following table brings the exam day events and their timings so that candidates can plan their timing and travel accordingly.

Activity

Time

Opening of the exam centre gate

11:00 am

Entry to the examination hall begins

12.00 pm

Seat allotment

1:15 PM

Gate closing time

1:30 pm

Invigilators announce important instructions

1:30 pm to 1:45 pm

Test booklets will be distributed

1:45 pm

Candidates can fill details in the test booklet

1:50 pm

Exam begins

2:00 pm

Exam concludes

5:00 pm

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About the Author
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Rupali Pruthi
Deputy Manager - Editorial

With MA in English, Rupali has more than 15 years of editorial experience. At Shiksha.com, a subsidiary of Info Edge (India) Limited, she creates content and make prep guides for students preparing for competitive e

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Write here...

Answered 3 days ago

The NTA has not released the NEET 2027 exam date yet. However, the NEET UG 2027 exam is likely to be held on May 2, that is, the first Sunday of the month, the trend followed by NTA in previous years.

V

Virajita Shukla

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 3 days ago

Depending upon your quota

If you're a ST candidate then there is a chances but for gen or obc it's not easy

C

Chinmoy

Beginner-Level 1

Answered 4 days ago

Candidates can check below the application fee of NEET UG and NEET PG:
NEET UG application fee:

  • General/NRI: INR 1,700
  • General-EWS/OBC-NCL: INR 1,600
  • SC/ST/PwBD/Third Gender: INR 1,000
  • Foreign Nationals/Outside India: INR 9,500

NEET PG application fee:

  • General and OBC: INR 3,500
  • SC/ST/PWD/Physically Handica

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Raj Priya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 days ago

No, Punjabi University, Patiala are not decided based on NEET-UG score. Punjabi University, Patiala has only mentioned accepting scores of its ownin-house entrance exam to select candidates for BPharm courses.

Thus, candidates with a valid NEET-UG score will still need to appear in this entrance exam

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Saurabh Khanduri

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

The NTA will conduct the re NEET 2026 on June 21, 2026. The re exam will be held from 2.00 to 5.15 pm. Candidates who took NEET UG 2026 registration can appear for the re exam.

R

Ranjeeta Srivastava

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 5 days ago

Candidates can calculate NEET scores 2026 using the provisional answer key through the process shared below-

  • Know the number of correct answers and incorrect answers.
  • Multiply the correct answers by 4.
  • Deduct 1 mark for each wrong answer.
  • You get the total NEET scores.

V

Vikram Shukla

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 5 days ago

The Re NEET answer key 2026 will be released soon after the exam. As seen in May 3 exam when the provisional answer key was displayed on May 6, the NEET 21 June answer key will be released by June 24, 2026.

U

Upasana Hazarika

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 5 days ago

Yes, you could get to study MBBS at Sharda University with a rank of 60,000 if you belong to the General HS category. For this category, the overall MBBS course cutoff ranged from 86482 to 313983. Hence, with a rank of  60,000, admission might be possible at this university.

Note: The cutoff for othe

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Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

Sharda University NEET cutoff 2025 was published for admission to the MBBS and BDS courses for the Home State quota category. The cutoff was released in the form of opening and closing ranks. 

For the General HS category, the last round cutoff for the BDS and MBBS courses was 80896 and 313983, respec

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Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 5 days ago

To get into Sharda University for the MBBS and BDS courses, students have to appear in the NEET UG entrance exam and then in the UP NEET counselling process. To qualify for the exam, students have to get at least 55% in 10+2. So yes, with a 70% percentile in class 12, you are eligible to sit for the

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Neerja Rohatgi

Contributor-Level 10