The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced a series of student-centric measures for the upcoming NEET (UG) 2026 examination, scheduled to be held on June 21, aimed at enhancing candidate comfort and ensuring a smoother examination experience.
In a statement issued on Friday, the agency said the examination window has been extended to 195 minutes, from 2:00 pm to 5:15 pm. The revised duration includes invigilation-related formalities such as signing attendance sheets at the beginning and end of the examination.
The NTA said the move has been made to ensure that candidates receive the full allotted time for attempting the examination without losing time to procedural requirements.
To facilitate rough work during the test, the agency has also doubled the number of rough-work pages in the question-paper booklet from two to four pages. Candidates will be able to use these pages for calculations and reasoning during the examination.
In another change, the placement of rough-work pages has been redesigned to better accommodate left-handed candidates, who account for nearly 10 per cent of test-takers. While rough-work pages were earlier provided only at the end of the booklet, two pages will now be placed immediately after the instruction page, with two additional pages remaining at the end. The revised format will be available in both English and regional-language versions of the question paper.
The NTA said these changes are intended to improve candidate convenience and reduce discomfort during the examination.
“By setting the window at 195 minutes inclusive of formalities, we have ensured that the time available for the examination is fully protected,” the agency said.
It added that such modifications in examination design can make a meaningful difference to candidates appearing for a high-stakes examination and reaffirmed its commitment to conducting NEET (UG) 2026 in a fair, secure and candidate-friendly manner.
The agency also said it would continue efforts to improve the examination experience for the large number of students who appear for the medical entrance test each year.
NEET-UG 2026 was rescheduled to June 21 following allegations of paper leaks and administrative irregularities. The investigation into the matter is being conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has made several arrests in connection with the case.
-ANI
