NEET 2026 Exam Today: 22.79 Lakh Candidates Across 551 Cities

The NEET 2026 exam is scheduled to commence at 2:00 PM and will conclude at 5:00 PM. However, candidates with disabilities who qualify for compensatory time are permitted to continue their examination until 6:00 PM. It is essential for all candidates to report to their designated exam centres between 11:00 AM and 1:30 PM. Notably, entry gates will close promptly at 1:30 PM, and no latecomers will be allowed to enter the examination hall.

NEET 2026 Exam Advisory: Key Guidelines for Candidates

The NTA has released a comprehensive advisory for the NEET 2026 exam, detailing crucial instructions and permissible items for candidates. Here are the highlights:

• Candidates are allowed to bring a transparent water bottle into the examination hall.
• Diabetic candidates may carry sugar tablets and fruits such as bananas, apples, and oranges.
• All candidates must adhere to the prescribed dress code, which is particularly important for female candidates.

NEET 2026 Exam Security Measures and Personnel Deployment

To ensure the integrity and security of the NEET 2026 examination, the NTA has deployed over 2 lakh personnel across 5,432 exam centres. This includes:

• 674 city coordinators responsible for overseeing the exam in their respective areas.
• Approximately 6,000 observers who will monitor the examination process to prevent any irregularities.

Additionally, biometric machines will be utilized for candidate verification during mandatory security checks, further enhancing the examination's security protocols.

Travel Planning for NEET 2026 Candidates

The NTA has advised candidates to plan their travel to the examination centres well in advance. Factors such as traffic conditions and weather should be taken into account to ensure timely arrival. Proper planning is crucial, as late arrivals will not be accommodated beyond the stipulated entry time.

NEET 2026 Exam: Important Items and Dress Code

As part of the NEET 2026 exam advisory, candidates must adhere to specific guidelines regarding what they can bring into the exam hall. The following items are permitted:

• A transparent water bottle
• Diabetic-friendly food items, such as sugar tablets and fruits

It is also essential for candidates to follow the prescribed dress code, especially female candidates, to avoid any issues on the exam day.