New Delhi, 12 June (H.S.): The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Friday announced a set of student-friendly measures for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2026, aimed at improving the examination experience and providing candidates with greater convenience during the country's largest medical entrance test.

The examination is scheduled to be conducted on June 21, 2026, and will now feature an extended examination window along with enhanced rough-work provisions for students.

According to the NTA, NEET-UG 2026 will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., giving candidates a total examination window of 195 minutes. The testing duration has been increased by 15 minutes compared to the previous format, allowing students additional time to review questions and complete their responses more comfortably.

In another significant change, the agency has decided to provide extra space for rough work in the question booklet. The move comes in response to feedback from students and educators who had sought more room for calculations and problem-solving, particularly in subjects such as Physics and Chemistry, where extensive numerical work is often required.

The NTA said the measures are part of its continuing efforts to make the examination process more candidate-friendly while ensuring fairness, transparency and efficiency. The additional time and rough-work space are expected to help reduce pressure on candidates and enable them to manage their time more effectively during the examination.

NEET-UG serves as the gateway for admission to undergraduate medical courses, including MBBS, BDS and other allied health programmes across India. Every year, millions of aspirants appear for the examination, making it one of the most competitive entrance tests in the country.

Education experts have welcomed the latest changes, noting that the extended duration could benefit students by providing greater flexibility in tackling lengthy and complex questions. The additional rough-work space is also expected to improve the overall examination experience by reducing the need for candidates to compress calculations into limited areas.

With the examination date approaching, the NTA has advised candidates to carefully review the updated guidelines and remain informed about all instructions issued for NEET-UG 2026. The agency reiterated its commitment to conducting a smooth, secure and student-centric examination process.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar