According to the NTA public notice issued today, the examination window has been extended to 195 minutes and will now be conducted from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM.
(File photo | ANI)
The National Testing Agency (NTA) today announced a set of candidate-friendly changes for the NEET (UG)-2026 examination, aimed at making the test process smoother, more convenient and responsive to student needs. The NEET (UG)-2026 examination is scheduled to be held on 21 June 2026.
The changes, introduced after feedback from candidates over the years, include an extension of the examination window, increased space for rough work, and modifications in the question paper booklet design.
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According to the NTA public notice issued on 12 June 2026, the examination window has been extended to 195 minutes and will now be conducted from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM.
NTA said the extended duration includes time required for mandatory examination procedures such as signing attendance sheets and other invigilation formalities.
The agency stated that the revised timing has been designed to ensure candidates get the intended examination time without administrative processes affecting their opportunity to attempt the paper.
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, providing additional room for calculations, diagrams and other workings during the examination.
Another change relates to the placement of rough-work pages.
Earlier, rough-work pages were provided only at the end of the booklet. NTA said feedback suggested this arrangement was less convenient for some candidates, particularly left-handed candidates.
To address this, two rough-work pages will now be placed immediately after the instruction page at the beginning of the booklet, while two pages will continue to remain available at the end.
The revised layout has been incorporated in both English and regional language versions of the question paper so candidates can use whichever pages are more convenient.
NTA said even small improvements in examination design can positively impact the experience of candidates appearing for a high-stakes examination.
The agency said the measures have been introduced with the objective of making the examination process more comfortable and candidate-friendly while maintaining fairness and security standards.
Candidates have also been advised to carefully read the instructions given in the Admit Card and Information Bulletin and cooperate with the examination staff for the smooth conduct of the examination.
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