NEET UG 2026: NTA extends exam duration, adds more rough-work pages for candidates
NEET UG 2026 will feature a 195-minute exam window, extra rough-work pages, and a revised booklet format for left-handed candidates, the NTA announced
The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Friday (June 12) unveiled several changes for NEET (UG) 2026 aimed at easing candidates’ examination experience, including more space for rough calculations and a longer overall test session. NEET-UG 2026 is slated to take place on June 21.
Longer exam duration
The agency stated that as per the revised format, the examination will run from 2 pm to 5:15 pm, giving candidates a total examination window of 195 minutes. This marks a 15-minute increase compared with the previous schedule.
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"This window is designed to accommodate the invigilation formalities at the start and end of the examination, such as the signing requirements, which candidates earlier felt reduced their effective working time,” stated the NTA.
More rough-work space
The NTA has also expanded the rough-work section provided within the question-paper booklet. Candidates will now receive four pages for calculations and note-making, up from the previous allocation of two pages, providing additional space for problem-solving and reasoning during the test.
"Candidates may preferably use the rough-work pages provided at the beginning and at the end of the booklet for this purpose," it said.
Measure for left-handed candidates
In another change, the agency has redesigned the placement of rough-work pages to support left-handed candidates better.
Earlier, rough-work pages were provided only at the end of the booklet. Under the revised format, two rough-work pages will be placed at the beginning of the booklet, immediately after the instruction page, in addition to those at the end in both English and regional-language versions of the question paper.
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"The booklet now offers rough-work space at both the front and the back, allowing every candidate to work comfortably, and is especially helpful for left-handed candidates, who account for nearly 10% of all candidates," it said.
Candidate-friendly changes
The NTA said these measures reflect its recognition that small, thoughtful changes in examination design can make a meaningful difference to a candidate's comfort during the high-stakes hours of the examination.
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"NTA reaffirms its commitment to conducting NEET (UG) 2026 in a fair, secure and candidate-friendly manner, and to continuously improving the examination experience for the lakhs of aspirants who appear for it," it added.
The NEET-UG for admissions into medical courses took place on May 3 this year but was cancelled by the NTA on May 12 amid allegations of a paper leak. The CBI is currently investigating this matter.
(With agency inputs)