The National Testing Agency (NTA) is conducting the NEET UG 2026 re-examination on June 21 for candidates affected by the cancellation of the earlier test held on May 3. More than 20 lakh aspirants are expected to take the examination across the country.
The medical entrance examination is being held in a single shift from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM at centres in India and abroad.
The re-exam is being conducted under heightened security arrangements aimed at ensuring a fair and transparent process.
Measures include biometric authentication, strict frisking procedures and additional monitoring at examination centres. Candidates have been advised to download their admit cards from the official NEET portal and verify all details before reporting for the test.
Re-NEET UG 2026 no entry after 1:30 PM
NTA has reiterated that candidates will not be allowed to enter examination centres after 1:30 PM.
According to the schedule, entry to centres begins at 11:00 AM, while gates close at 1:30 PM. Distribution of test booklets starts at 1:45 PM, followed by the process of filling candidate details on the booklet at 1:50 PM. The examination begins at 2:00 PM and concludes at 5:15 PM.
Candidates instructed to follow dress code
The agency has directed candidates to adhere to the prescribed dress code to facilitate smooth security checks.
Male and female candidates have been advised to wear simple, light-coloured clothing with half sleeves along with slippers or low-heeled sandals. Heavy garments, full-sleeved outfits, shoes, large buttons and accessories are not permitted.
Candidates have also been instructed not to wear jewellery, including rings, earrings, necklaces, bracelets or other decorative items while appearing for the examination.
NTA issues advisory on OMR sheets
The agency has asked candidates to carefully fill in all required details on their OMR answer sheets and correctly darken the appropriate circles.
NTA said inaccuracies in filling the OMR sheet could lead to evaluation-related issues and urged aspirants to exercise caution during the process.
Compensatory time only for eligible candidates
NTA has also clarified the eligibility criteria for compensatory time during the examination.
According to the advisory, only Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) candidates whose admit cards specifically state "Eligibility for Compensatory Time: Yes" will be granted additional time.
The agency noted that candidates who only see a "Y" marked on their admit cards without meeting the prescribed eligibility conditions will not qualify for compensatory time. Aspirants have been advised to carefully review the information mentioned on their admit cards before appearing for the examination.
Single-shift examination across centres
The NEET UG 2026 re-exam is being conducted in a single-shift format across all designated centres.
The examination remains one of the largest entrance tests in the country, with more than 20 lakh candidates expected to participate in the retest following the cancellation of the earlier May 3 examination.
