Today marks one of the most significant days for medical aspirants across India. The NEET-UG 2026 is being held in a single shift as the sole gateway for admissions to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, and other undergraduate medical courses.
Crucial Exam Timings and Entry Rules
Timing is the most critical factor for candidates today. NTA has made it clear that latecomers will not be entertained under any circumstances.
Reporting Time: Entry into the exam centers began at 11:00 AM
. Gate Closing Time: The gates will strictly close at 1:30 PM. No entry is allowed after this.
Exam Duration: The test starts at 2:00 PM and concludes at 5:20 PM
. Mode: Traditional Pen-and-Paper (offline) mode.
Mandatory Documents to Carry
Candidates must ensure they have the following original documents ready for verification at the gate:
Printed Admit Card: Downloaded from the official NTA website.
Passport-size Photographs: At least two recent color photos (one to be pasted on the admit card and one for the attendance sheet).
Postcard-size Photograph: A 4x6 inch color photo must be pasted on the designated space on the admit card.
Valid ID Proof: Original Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, or Passport.
Transparent Water Bottle: Only clear bottles are permitted inside the hall.
Strict Dress Code for 2026
To prevent any form of malpractice, NTA has established a detailed dress code:
Clothes: Light-colored clothes with half-sleeves only. Avoid large buttons, brooches, or elaborate embroidery.
Footwear: Slippers or sandals with low heels are recommended. Shoes are strictly prohibited
. Prohibited Items: No jewelry, metallic items, watches, wallets, or electronic gadgets like mobile phones and Bluetooth devices are allowed.
New Security Framework
This year, the NTA has introduced a multi-layered security framework.
Furthermore, to combat misinformation, the NTA confirmed it has successfully blocked over 65 Telegram channels that were circulating fake question papers earlier this week.