New Delhi: With the NEET UG 2026 Re-Examination scheduled for June 21, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced that all arrangements have been completed to ensure the smooth, secure and transparent conduct of one of India’s largest entrance examinations. More than 22.79 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the re-test across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad, making it one of the biggest examination exercises undertaken in the country. The examination will be conducted in pen-and-paper mode from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM, while eligible Persons with Disabilities (PwD/PwBD) candidates receiving compensatory time will be allowed to continue writing until 6:20 pm.
Candidates can check the detailed advisory for important instructions on documents to carry, items not allowed inside the centre, reporting time, security checks, and other arrangements for a seamless examination process.
NTA Fully Prepared for Smooth and Secure Conduct of NEET (UG) 2026 Re-Examination on 21 June. pic.twitter.com/474xpVONKI
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 19, 2026
Reporting Time and Gate Closure Rules
Candidates have been instructed to report to their respective examination centres between 11:00 am and 1:30 pm. The NTA has clearly stated that entry gates will close sharply at 1:30 PM, and no candidate will be allowed entry after that time under any circumstances.
Students are advised to leave for their centres well in advance, considering possible traffic congestion, weather conditions and security screening procedures. Candidates wearing customary or religious attire, full-sleeve garments, have been specifically advised to arrive early, as additional time may be required during frisking and verification procedures.
What Candidates Must Carry
The NTA has listed several mandatory documents that candidates must bring to the examination centre. These include:
A printed copy of the NEET (UG) 2026 Re-Examination admit card
One original, valid photo identity proof
Two passport-size photographs, which may be required for affixing to the attendance sheets
A transparent water bottle
Candidates are also advised to verify the exact location of their examination centre using the address mentioned on the admit card.
Special Provisions for Diabetic Candidates
The NTA has provided special relaxations for diabetic candidates to help them manage their medical needs during the examination. Such candidates are allowed to carry sugar tablets, fruits like bananas, apples or oranges, and a transparent water bottle inside the examination centre. These items are permitted only for candidates who require them on medical grounds and must comply with the prescribed examination guidelines.
Items Strictly Prohibited Inside Examination Centres
The NTA has also warned candidates not to carry any prohibited items to the examination centre. Mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, calculators, electronic gadgets, wallets, jewellery, metallic items, food packets, and other communication devices are strictly banned. Possession of any unauthorised item may lead to disciplinary action and could affect a candidate’s examination status. Candidates are advised to follow all exam-day guidelines carefully to avoid any problems.
Biometric Verification Issues Will Not Lead to Denial of Entry
The NTA has clarified that students facing biometric verification issues will still be allowed to take the examination. If biometric authentication fails due to technical glitches, poor fingerprint quality, UIDAI connectivity issues, or physical limitations, candidates can complete a written undertaking at the examination centre and proceed with the exam. In such cases, officials will carry out manual identity verification using valid documents to ensure that genuine candidates are not affected by technical problems.
Massive Nationwide Deployment for Smooth Conduct
According to the NTA, the conduct of the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination involves extensive coordination among multiple agencies, including district administrations, law enforcement authorities and examination officials. A total of 674 City Coordinators have been assigned to oversee city-level operations, while 6,669 observers have been deployed for independent monitoring at examination centres. In addition, Centre Superintendents, invigilators, district authorities, police personnel and escort teams have been mobilised to ensure secure transportation of confidential examination materials and smooth centre management.
Overall, more than two lakh personnel have been engaged across the country to facilitate the fair and efficient conduct of the examination.
Multi-Layered Security Framework in Place
Following concerns over exam integrity in recent years, the NTA has significantly strengthened its security infrastructure for the re-examination. Confidential examination materials will be transported under sealed protocols with strict monitoring mechanisms. GPS-enabled vehicles accompanied by police escorts will be used for the movement of sensitive materials to designated locations. All examination centres will be monitored through CCTV cameras connected to central control rooms. Candidates will also undergo mandatory security checks using metal detectors before entering the examination venue.
To prevent impersonation, Aadhaar-based biometric authentication will be done at the centres. Real-time monitoring systems have also been activated to identify and address any irregularities immediately.
NTA has additionally intensified monitoring of social media platforms and online channels to detect misinformation campaigns, fake claims and malpractice attempts. Complaints have already been lodged with cybercrime authorities, including the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), against individuals or groups suspected of spreading misleading information.
Candidate Comfort Measures Amid Summer Conditions
To ensure a smooth and comfortable examination experience, the NTA has directed all examination centres to provide essential facilities for candidates. These include uninterrupted electricity with generator backup, proper lighting and fans, safe drinking water, clean sanitation facilities, and on-site medical assistance. Wall clocks will also be installed in examination rooms to help candidates manage their time during the test. Additionally, extra biometric verification machines and trained staff have been deployed at centres to speed up the entry process, reduce waiting times, and ensure smooth candidate verification.
Advisory Against Rumours and Fake Claims
Students have been advised to rely only on information available through official NTA and NEET channels. Those receiving suspicious messages or communications claiming to be from the NTA should report them immediately to the agency or cybercrime authorities. The NTA has also stated that strict legal action is being taken against anyone spreading misinformation or attempting to compromise the examination process.
Mental Health Support and Helpline Services
Recognising the stress associated with competitive examinations, the NTA has advised candidates to stay calm and have confidence in their preparation. Students who experience anxiety or emotional distress can seek support through Tele-MANAS, the national mental health helpline, by dialling 14416. For queries or assistance related to the exam, candidates may contact the NTA helplines at 011-40759000 and 011-69227700 during working hours or reach out through the official email support system.
Commitment to a Fair and Transparent Examination
The NTA has reiterated its commitment to conducting the NEET 2026 re-exam in a fair, transparent and smooth manner. With over 22.79 lakh candidates expected to appear, extensive security arrangements, administrative preparations and candidate support measures have been put in place across the country. It has advised students to follow all guidelines carefully, reach their examination centres on time, and stay focused on their preparation for this important examination.
