‘Exam window extended to 195 mins’: NTA rolls out ‘student-friendly’ measures for NEET UG 2026

ANI

NEWS DELHI: The National Testing Agency (NTA), on Friday introduced a set of revisions to the NEET (UG)-2026 examination framework, extending the exam window and modifying the question paper booklet design as part of what it described as candidate-friendly measures aimed at improving fairness and the exam-day experience.The examination is scheduled for June 21, 2026. The NTA said it is “committed to ensuring that NEET (UG)-2026 examination is conducted in a manner that is fair, secure and responsive to the needs of candidates.”It added, “As part of this effort, a few candidate-friendly changes have been introduced for NEET (UG) 2026.”Explaining the basis for the changes, the agency said, “Based on feedback received from candidates over the years, the examination window has been extended to 195 minutes and will be from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM.”The NTA clarified that this includes “the time required for mandatory examination formalities such as signing of attendance sheets and other invigilation procedures.” It further said, “The revised examination window has been designed to ensure that candidates are able to utilize the intended examination time without feeling that administrative processes are taking away from their opportunity to attempt the paper.” On changes to exam materials, the agency said, “Candidates will now be provided with four rough-work pages instead of two, giving them more room for calculations, diagrams and other workings during the examination.”It added that feedback had highlighted accessibility concerns in earlier formats. “Earlier, rough-work pages were provided only at the end of the booklet. While this arrangement worked well for many candidates, feedback indicated that it was less convenient for some, particularly left-handed candidates.”“To address this, two rough-work pages have now been placed immediately after the instruction page at the beginning of the booklet, while two pages will continue to be available at the end,” the NTA said.The agency added that the revised structure has been implemented across language versions so that candidates can use whichever format is more convenient.The NTA said, “Even small improvements in examination design can have a positive impact on the experience of candidates during a high-stakes examination.”It added, “These measures have therefore been introduced with the objective of making the examination process more comfortable and candidate-friendly while maintaining the highest standards of fairness and security.”Candidates have been advised to carefully follow instructions provided in the admit card and information bulletin and “cooperate with the examination staff for the smooth conduct of the examination.”

Key changes announced by NTA:

The NEET examination was earlier cancelled by the NTA following allegations of a coordinated question paper leak. The exam, initially held on May 3 for over 22 lakh candidates, was rescheduled. Rajasthan Police SOG had flagged a “guess paper” circulating on Telegram and WhatsApp that reportedly matched around 120 questions from the test. The case has been handed over to the CBI for further investigation.