The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced changes for NEET-UG 2026, including additional space for rough work and a 15-minute extension to the examination window.

The medical entrance examination will be held on 21 June from 2 pm to 5.15 pm, providing candidates with a total examination window of 195 minutes. According to the NTA, the additional time is intended to accommodate invigilation procedures, including signing formalities, without affecting candidates’ working time.

The agency has also increased the number of rough-work pages in the question-paper booklet from two to four. Under the revised format, two pages will be placed after the instruction page and two at the end of the booklet in both English and regional-language versions.

The NTA said the change is designed to improve accessibility for left-handed candidates, who previously had rough-work pages only at the back of the booklet.

The agency said the measures are aimed at improving candidates’ examination experience while maintaining a fair and secure testing process.

NEET-UG 2026 follows the cancellation of the previous examination on 12 May after allegations of a paper leak. The matter is currently under investigation by the CBI.

Inputs from PTI

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