GUWAHATI: The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Friday, June 12, announced a set of candidate-friendly measures for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET UG) 2026, aimed at making the examination process more comfortable while maintaining fairness and security standards.
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In a public notice, the NTA said the changes were introduced based on feedback received from candidates over the years and are intended to ensure a smoother examination experience.
One of the key changes is the extension of the examination window by 15 minutes. NEET UG 2026 will now be conducted from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM, allowing additional time for mandatory examination formalities such as signing attendance sheets and completing other procedural requirements. The agency said the revised schedule is designed to ensure that administrative processes do not reduce the time available for candidates to attempt the paper.
The NTA has also increased the space provided for rough work in the question paper booklet. Candidates will now receive four rough-work pages instead of two, providing more room for calculations, diagrams and other workings during the examination.
Another significant change concerns the placement of rough-work pages in the booklet. Previously, these pages were available only at the end of the question paper. Following feedback, particularly from left-handed candidates who found the arrangement inconvenient, two rough-work pages will now be placed immediately after the instruction page at the beginning of the booklet, while the remaining two pages will continue to be provided at the end.
According to the agency, the revised layout has been incorporated in both English and regional language versions of the question paper to improve convenience for all candidates.
The NTA stated that even small improvements in examination design can help reduce candidate stress during high-stakes tests. It said the measures have been introduced with the objective of making the examination process more candidate-friendly while upholding the highest standards of fairness, transparency and security.
Candidates have been advised to carefully read the instructions provided in their admit cards and the information bulletin, and to cooperate with examination staff to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination.