The National Testing Agency (NTA) reported a 96.92 per cent turnout for NEET UG 2026, conducted nationwide on Sunday. Of the 22,75,011 registered candidates, 22,05,035 appeared for the examination across 37 states and Union Territories.

The exam remains the country’s largest undergraduate entrance test for admission to MBBS, BDS and allied medical programmes. Last year, 22,09,318 candidates appeared for the test.

In Tamil Nadu, around 1.4 lakh students took the exam across 31 centres. Candidates in Chennai indicated that the paper was easier than the previous year. The NTA stated that all centres were equipped with CCTV surveillance linked to central control rooms, along with power back-up, drinking water and on-site medical support. No malpractice was reported in the state.

In Maharashtra’s Latur district, 16,070 of 16,285 registered candidates appeared across 34 centres. Local authorities arranged shaded waiting areas, water facilities and medical services, with a control room set up to address issues in real time.

Nationwide, the NTA coordinated with district administrations and police to oversee exam conduct, deploying invigilators, observers and centre superintendents.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reviewed preparations at the NTA headquarters ahead of the examination.

Initial analysis suggests the paper was balanced and moderately difficult. Physics and Chemistry sections focused on conceptual clarity, while Biology was largely accessible, with Botany requiring more time due to length.

The provisional answer key is expected later this month, with results of NEET UG 2026 likely to be declared in June.

Inputs from IndianExpress

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