NEET UG 2026 Exam Details: Timing, Dress Code, and Guidelines

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NEET UG 2026 Exam Overview

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will hold the NEET UG 2026, India’s largest medical entrance exam, on May 3. Admit cards were released on April 26. Candidates must bring their admit card and a valid government photo ID for identity checks at the exam centre.

Exam Pattern and Marking

The exam will have 180 multiple-choice questions worth a total of 720 marks. Each correct answer earns 4 marks, while each wrong answer results in a 1 mark deduction.

Exam Timing and Entry Rules

The exam will be conducted in a single session from 2 pm to 5 pm. Candidates should arrive at least one hour early. Entry will close at 1:30 pm, and latecomers will not be allowed inside. Candidates with disabilities will receive extra time.

Important Guidelines and Dress Code

To avoid issues during Aadhaar biometric verification, candidates must update their Aadhaar details beforehand.

The dress code requires wearing plain shirts or T-shirts with simple trousers or pants. Clothes with heavy embroidery, large buttons, extra pockets, sequins, or metal parts are not allowed.

Items Not Allowed in Exam Hall

All candidates will be frisked using metal detectors before entering. The following items are banned inside the exam hall:

• Jewellery and ornaments
• Belts and wristwatches
• Goggles or sunglasses
• Metallic objects
• Mobile phones or electronic devices
• Food items or packets

Dos and Don’ts for Candidates

Dos:

• Arrive early for frisking and Aadhaar verification
• Carry admit card, Aadhaar or photo ID, and passport-sized photos
• Wear simple, light-colored clothes and plain sandals or slippers
• Fill the OMR sheet carefully
• Sign the attendance sheet only in front of the invigilator
• Start with easier questions and stay calm
• Aim to score above the qualifying marks

Don’ts:

• Do not arrive late; gates close before the exam starts
• Do not forget required documents
• Avoid belts, jewellery, shoes, jackets, and metallic items
• Do not make errors in roll number or booklet code
• Do not sign the admit card before the exam
• Do not panic over difficult questions
• Do not bring phones, smartwatches, calculators, or food

Exam Centres and Candidates

The exam will take place at 552 centres across India and 14 centres abroad. This year, 22,79,743 candidates have registered to appear for NEET UG 2026.

Important Facts for Exams

• NEET UG 2026 exam date: May 3
• Exam timing: 2 pm to 5 pm
• Admit cards released on April 26
• Total questions: 180, total marks: 720
• Marking scheme: +4 for correct, -1 for wrong
• Entry closes at 1:30 pm
• Dress code: plain clothes without metal or heavy decorations
• Prohibited items: jewellery, belts, watches, phones, food, metallic objects
• Total exam centres: 552 in India, 14 overseas
• Total registered candidates: 22,79,743