June 12, 2026
New Delhi, June 12, 2026: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced a series of student-friendly measures for the upcoming NEET (UG) 2026 examination, aimed at enhancing the overall testing experience while maintaining the highest standards of fairness, security, and transparency.
According to the public notice issued by NTA, the changes have been introduced based on feedback received from candidates over the years. These measures are designed to ensure that students can utilize their examination time more effectively and experience a smoother examination process.
Extended Examination Duration
One of the key changes announced for NEET (UG) 2026 is the extension of the examination duration to 195 minutes. The examination will now be conducted from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM, providing candidates with additional time that includes mandatory examination formalities such as attendance verification and other invigilation procedures.
The revised schedule has been implemented to ensure that administrative requirements do not reduce the actual time available to students for attempting the question paper.
Increased Space for Rough Work
NTA has also increased the space available for rough work in the question paper booklet. Candidates will now receive four rough-work pages instead of two, allowing them greater flexibility for calculations, diagrams, and problem-solving during the examination.
This change is expected to benefit students, particularly those appearing for Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics-related calculations within the examination.
Improved Question Booklet Design
Another significant improvement relates to the layout of the question paper booklet. Previously, rough-work pages were available only at the end of the booklet. Following feedback from candidates, especially left-handed students, NTA has revised the design.
Under the new format, two rough-work pages will be placed immediately after the instruction page at the beginning of the booklet, while two additional pages will remain at the end. This updated arrangement will be available in both English and regional language versions of the question paper, allowing students to use whichever pages are most convenient for them.
Focus on Candidate Comfort
NTA emphasised that even small improvements in examination design can significantly enhance the candidate experience during a high-stakes examination such as NEET. The agency stated that these measures have been introduced to make the examination process more comfortable and student-centric while preserving the integrity and security of the examination.
Advice for NEET 2026 Aspirants
Candidates appearing for NEET (UG) 2026 are advised to carefully read all instructions provided in the Admit Card and Information Bulletin. NTA has also urged students to cooperate with examination staff to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination.
With these latest reforms, NTA continues its efforts to create a more candidate-friendly testing environment for one of India’s most competitive medical entrance examinations.
Rus Education encourages all NEET 2026 aspirants to stay updated with official notifications and examination guidelines to ensure a hassle-free examination experience.
