The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) UG 2026 on Sunday across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad. The examination, which is the gateway to undergraduate medical and dental programs in the country, saw a massive turnout of over 2.4 million candidates.
Exam Details and Logistics
The NEET UG 2026 was held in a single shift from 2 PM to 5:20 PM. The NTA had set up 4,782 exam centers across the country to facilitate the smooth conduct of the test. In addition to domestic locations, the exam was also held in 14 international cities, including Dubai, Riyadh, and Singapore, catering to overseas candidates.
Security Measures
To ensure the integrity of the examination, the NTA implemented stringent security protocols. Candidates were required to carry their admit cards and valid photo identification. Biometric verification was conducted at the entry points of all exam centers. The use of electronic devices, including mobile phones and smartwatches, was strictly prohibited within the examination premises.
Candidates' Response
Many candidates expressed relief after the exam, stating that the question paper was of moderate difficulty. "The physics section was a bit challenging, but chemistry and biology were manageable," said Priya Sharma, a candidate from Delhi. However, some students found the biology section lengthy, with numerous assertion-reason questions.
Previous Year Comparisons
Compared to NEET UG 2025, the number of exam cities increased by 12 this year, reflecting the NTA's efforts to provide more accessible centers. The number of candidates also saw a slight increase of around 5% from last year's 2.3 million.
Post-Exam Process
The NTA is expected to release the provisional answer keys within a week. Candidates can challenge the answers online for a specified period. The final results are anticipated by mid-July, followed by the counseling process conducted by the Medical Counseling Committee (MCC) for 15% All India Quota seats and state authorities for the remaining 85%.
NEET UG 2026 is a crucial step for aspiring doctors and dentists, with over 90,000 MBBS and 27,000 BDS seats available across India. The exam also serves as the eligibility test for AYUSH and other paramedical courses.
