NEET UG 2026 to get 15 extra minutes as NTA introduces candidate-friendly changes

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced a series of candidate-friendly changes for NEET UG 2026, scheduled to be held on June 21, including an extended examination duration of 195 minutes and a revised question booklet layout. The agency said the measures have been introduced to make the examination process fair, secure and more responsive to the needs of candidates while improving exam-day convenience and usability.

Under the revised format, the examination will be conducted from 2:00 pm to 5:15 pm. NTA clarified that the additional 15 minutes have been incorporated to accommodate mandatory examination procedures such as attendance verification, signature collection and invigilation formalities. The agency stated that the change is intended to ensure that administrative processes do not reduce the effective time available to candidates for answering questions.

NTA has also increased the rough-work space provided in the question paper booklet. Candidates will now receive four rough-work pages instead of two, allowing additional room for calculations, diagrams and working notes during the examination. The agency said the change was introduced after receiving feedback from candidates over the years regarding space limitations during the test.

The structure of the question paper booklet has also been modified. Previously, all rough-work pages were placed at the end of the booklet. Under the new arrangement, two rough-work pages will be provided immediately after the instruction page, while the remaining two pages will continue to be placed at the end. The revised design will be implemented across both English and regional language versions of the question paper. NTA noted that the modification particularly benefits candidates, including left-handed students, who found the earlier format less convenient.

The agency stated that the changes are aimed at improving candidate comfort without compromising examination security and fairness standards. Candidates have been advised to carefully read the instructions provided in the admit card and information bulletin and cooperate with examination staff for the smooth conduct of the test. NTA has also activated the portal for submission of scribe details for eligible candidates and extended the deadline for bank account detail submission by candidates who appeared in the earlier NEET UG 2026 examination until June 22.