NEET (UG) 2026 exam time increased; NTA announces key changes for students

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has introduced candidate-friendly changes for NEET (UG) 2026, extending the examination duration to 195 minutes and increasing space for rough work in question booklets. The revised exam window, scheduled from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM on June 21, 2026, includes time for mandatory administrative formalities, a move aimed at ensuring students can fully utilise their allotted test-taking time without disruptions.


ALSO READ | NEET 2026 Re-exam: Paper setters to be kept under strict isolation until exam ends on June 21

New Changes for NEET (UG) 2026

1. Exam duration extended: The examination window has been increased to 195 minutes, with the test scheduled from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM.
2. Administrative time included: The revised duration accounts for mandatory formalities such as attendance signing and invigilation procedures, ensuring candidates get the full intended time to attempt the paper.
3. More space for rough work: Candidates will now receive four rough-work pages instead of two, providing additional space for calculations, diagrams and other workings.
4. Revised rough-work page placement: Two rough-work pages will be placed immediately after the instruction page at the beginning of the booklet, while two pages will continue to be provided at the end.
5. Improved convenience for left-handed candidates: The new booklet design addresses feedback from candidates, particularly left-handed students, who found the earlier layout less convenient.
6. Applicable across all question papers: The revised rough-work page layout has been incorporated in both English and regional language versions of the question paper.

The NEET-UG for admissions into medical courses took place on May 3 this year but was cancelled by the NTA on May 12 amid allegations of a paper leak. The CBI is currently investigating this matter, and a retest is scheduled for June 21.

Meanwhile, authorities have placed all experts involved in preparing the retest question paper under strict isolation at a secure and undisclosed location as part of enhanced security measures.

As per reports, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has instructed officials to ensure that weaknesses identified during the previous examination cycle are fully addressed before the retest is conducted.