NEET (UG) 2026 Exam: NTA Announces Candidate-Friendly Changes

The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Friday announced a series of changes to the NEET (UG) 2026 examination, including an extended exam window and a revised question paper booklet design, as part of efforts to make the test more candidate-friendly. In a statement the NTA said it is "committed to ensuring that NEET (UG)-2026 examination is conducted in a manner that is fair, secure and responsive to the needs of candidates." "As part of this effort, a few candidate-friendly changes have been introduced for NEET (UG) 2026," the agency added. Explaining the basis for the changes, the agency said, “Based on feedback received from candidates over the years, the examination window has been extended to 195 minutes and will be from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM.” The NTA clarified that this includes “the time required for mandatory examination formalities such as signing of attendance sheets and other invigilation procedures.” It further said, “The revised examination window has been designed to ensure that candidates are able to utilize the intended examination time without feeling that administrative processes are taking away from their opportunity to attempt the paper.” On changes to exam materials, the agency said, “Candidates will now be provided with four rough-work pages instead of two, giving them more room for calculations, diagrams and other workings during the examination.” It added that feedback had highlighted accessibility concerns in earlier formats. “Earlier, rough-work pages were provided only at the end of the booklet. While this arrangement worked well for many candidates, feedback indicated that it was less convenient for some, particularly left-handed candidates.” “To address this, two rough-work pages have now been placed immediately after the instruction page at the beginning of the booklet, while two pages will continue to be available at the end,” the NTA said. The agency added that the revised structure has been implemented across language versions so that candidates can use whichever format is more convenient. The NTA said, “Even small improvements in examination design can have a positive impact on the experience of candidates during a high-stakes examination.” It added, “These measures have therefore been introduced with the objective of making the examination process more comfortable and candidate-friendly while maintaining the highest standards of fairness and security.” Candidates have been advised to carefully follow instructions provided in the admit card and information bulletin and “cooperate with the examination staff for the smooth conduct of the examination.” Key changes announced by NTA:

NEET UG 2026 exam scheduled for June 21, 2026

Exam window extended to 195 minutes (2:00 PM to 5:15 PM)

Administrative time included in the exam duration

Rough work pages increased from 2 to 4

Two rough sheets moved to beginning of question bookle

Remaining rough sheets retained at the end

Layout revised for both English and regional language papers

The development follows earlier disruption in the NEET-UG 2026 cycle after the National Testing Agency cancelled the examination amid allegations of a coordinated question paper leak. The exam, originally conducted on May 3 for over 22 lakh candidates, was cancelled on May 12 after reports of irregularities, triggering widespread anger and agitation among aspirants and parents. Rajasthan Police SOG had flagged a “guess paper” circulating on messaging platforms that reportedly matched a large number of questions from the test. The case was subsequently handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation for a detailed probe into the alleged leak.