NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: Exam difficulty analysis, dress code, instructions for candidates and more (Express Photo)
NEET Exam Live Updates: The National Testing Agency (NTA) is conducting the NEET UG 2026 exam, today (May 3). According to the exam authority, nearly 23 lakh candidates are registered to appear across the country. The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) remains one of the single largest undergraduate entrance tests in India, which determines admission to MBBS, BDS, and allied medical courses.
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The NEET UG 2026 is being held in a single shift from 2 pm to 5 pm in offline, pen-and-paper mode. Candidates are required to report well in advance, with entry closing at 1:30 pm. The question paper carries 180 questions for a total of 720 marks.
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As intimated by the NTA earlier, strict exam-day guidelines are in place. Candidates must carry their NEET UG 2026 admit card, valid photo ID, and passport-size photographs. Biometric verification is being conducted at centres to confirm identity. A detailed dress code has also been prescribed by the NTA.
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The exam is being conducted at centres across hundreds of cities in India. This year, as per NTA, most centres are located in government and government-aided institutions. Authorities have deployed invigilators and support staff in large numbers to ensure smooth and fair conduct.w
Security arrangements have been made to be considerably more controlled this year. The NTA has dismissed paper leak rumours and warned against misinformation. Multiple layers of checks, including frisking and biometric systems, are being used to prevent malpractice and ensure transparency.
Live Updates
May 3, 2026 03:15 PM IST
NTA NEET UG 2026 LIVE Updates: Aadhaar-based biometric authentication being conducted at all centres, NTA’s official notice
NTA confirmed through an official notice that all NEET UG 2026 candidates are required to undergo Aadhaar-based biometric verification after frisking and before entering the examination hall. The agency has also deployed additional biometric machines and trained staff at centres to ensure smooth and time-efficient processing. Face authentication and videography are also being used as supplementary verification measures at centres, as detailed in the NEET UG 2026 Information Bulletin published by NTA in February.
May 3, 2026 03:00 PM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: Documents required for entry — printed admit card, valid photo ID, and two passport-size photographs
As per NTA’s official exam-day notice, candidates at NEET UG 2026 centres are required to carry three documents: a printed hard copy of the NEET UG 2026 admit card, one valid original government-issued photo ID, and two passport-size photographs with a white background. NTA’s information bulletin specifically advises candidates to carry 6 to 8 passport-size photographs throughout the NEET process — for the exam, and for subsequent counselling and admission procedures. Digital copies or mobile screenshots of the admit card are not accepted at centres under any circumstances.
May 3, 2026 02:50 PM IST
NTA NEET UG 2026 LIVE Updates: NTA confirmed 22.79 lakh candidates appearing — making NEET UG one of the largest entrance exams in the world
NTA officially confirmed that 22,79,743 students have registered for NEET UG 2026, with the examination being held simultaneously today across 551 Indian cities and 14 international locations. The sheer scale makes NEET UG one of the largest single-day entrance examinations in the world. The exam is the sole gateway for admission to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS, BSMS, BNYS, BVSc and AH, and BSc Nursing programmes at medical and allied health institutions across India, including 15 AIIMS campuses and 2 JIPMER campuses.
May 3, 2026 02:40 PM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: Entry gates closed at 1:30 PM — no exceptions, as stated by NTA
The entry gate at all NEET UG 2026 examination centres closed strictly at 1:30 PM today as per local reports. NTA had earlier stated in its official guidelines that no candidate will be permitted entry after 1:30 PM under any circumstances. Reporting was open from 11:00 AM. The strict 1:30 PM cutoff has been enforced uniformly across all 5,432 centres in India and abroad. NTA specifically noted that candidates in customary or religious attire, or wearing full-sleeve clothing, were required to arrive early to allow adequate time for frisking.
May 3, 2026 02:30 PM IST
NTA NEET UG 2026 LIVE Updates: Single afternoon shift from 2 PM to 5 PM — PwD candidates eligible for compensatory time till 6 PM
NEET UG 2026 is being conducted in a single afternoon shift from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM in offline, pen-and-paper mode. Candidates who are eligible for compensatory time — specifically PwD and PwBD candidates — are permitted to write the exam until 6:00 PM, giving them an additional one hour. The exam duration of three hours covers 180 questions across Physics, Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology, for a total of 720 marks.
May 3, 2026 02:20 PM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: Exam underway today — 22,79,743 candidates registered across 551 cities in India and 14 abroad
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is conducting NEET UG 2026 today, May 3, 2026. According to NTA, a total of 22,79,743 candidates have registered for the examination — one of the largest cohorts in the history of this exam. The test is being held across 551 cities in India and 14 international cities. Over 5,432 examination centres have been set up to accommodate the registered candidates, with the exam scheduled from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM in a single shift.
May 3, 2026 01:30 PM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: Exam quick details
Exam Time: 2 PM – 5 PM (PwD till 6 PM)
Reporting Window: 11 AM – 1:30 PM (strict gate closure)
Mandatory Items: Admit card + valid ID proof
Dress Code: Half-sleeve light clothes, slippers/sandals only
Verification: Biometric + frisking at entry
Facilities: Water, medical aid, backup power at centres
May 3, 2026 01:10 PM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: GPS tracking on exam materials
NTA explained that exam materials are being transported under GPS tracking with police escort, and centres are equipped with backup electricity, drinking water, and medical support to assist candidates. The advisory also stressed that discipline and adherence to instructions are essential, urging aspirants to remain calm and trust their preparation.
May 3, 2026 01:00 PM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: Remember them
The Agency mentioned that frisking and biometric verification are mandatory, and candidates should carry their admit card, a valid photo ID, and a transparent water bottle. It was further clarified that only light-coloured half-sleeve clothes are permitted, and students must avoid shoes, jewellery, or heavy clothing.
May 3, 2026 12:50 PM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: Exam time
The National Testing Agency stated that the NEET UG 2026 exam will be held today, May 3, from 2 PM to 5 PM, with PwD candidates receiving extra time until 6 PM. According to the advisory, candidates must report to the exam centres between 11 AM and 1:30 PM, as no entry will be allowed after gate closure.
May 3, 2026 12:30 PM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: shuttle services by Ama Bus for NEET UG in Odisha
Special shuttle services by Ama Bus for students appearing in the NEET examination in Bhubaneswar and Sambalpur.
May 3, 2026 12:10 PM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: Mental health services
Tele-MANAS (24×7 National Mental Health Helpline)14416 or 1-800-891-4416(Free, confidential counselling in multiple languages)
May 3, 2026 12:00 PM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: 611 centres set up in Rajasthan for NEET-UG 2026
Rajasthan has set up 611 centres across the state for the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, officials said.The test will be conducted at centres spread across 27 districts of the state. Special monitoring arrangements have been made in sensitive cities, including Kota and Sikar, known as coaching hubs, as well as in the capital, they said.The officials said shops such as e-Mitra centres, photocopy outlets and cyber cafes will remain closed within a 300-metre radius of examination centres on the day of the test.
May 3, 2026 11:50 AM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: NMC’s pre-NEET exam leave advisory draws doctors’ criticism
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued an advisory asking medical colleges not to grant leave to students on May 2 and 3 ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 examination.The advisory triggered sharp criticism from the medical fraternity.The doctors’ body, the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), demanded immediate withdrawal of the directive and an apology from the regulator.
May 3, 2026 11:40 AM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: Exam in Riyadh
The NEET UG 2026 exam is underway today (May 3), and the Consulate General of India in Dubai has confirmed that all arrangements have been completed for Indian students appearing at the overseas exam centre in Dubai. The Consulate emphasized that the exam is being conducted under the supervision of the National Testing Agency (NTA), with strict adherence to guidelines to ensure fairness, transparency, and smooth conduct.
Local coordination and security measures have been put in place, with exam centre readiness assured. This update reassures candidates and parents that the overseas centre in Dubai is fully prepared, reflecting India’s commitment to supporting students abroad.
May 3, 2026 11:30 AM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: Exam in Dubai
The Consulate General of India in Dubai has also issued an update regarding the NEET UG 2026 exam being held today (May 3). In its post, the CGI Dubai confirmed that all necessary arrangements have been completed for Indian students appearing at the overseas exam centre in Dubai. The Consulate emphasized that the exam is being conducted under the supervision of the National Testing Agency (NTA) with strict adherence to guidelines, ensuring fairness, transparency, and smooth conduct.
This communication reassures candidates and parents that local coordination, security, and exam centre readiness are in place, reflecting India’s effort to support students not only across the country but also abroad.
May 3, 2026 11:20 AM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: Exam in Kuwait
The Embassy of India in Kuwait has shared an important update regarding the NEET UG 2026 exam being held today (May 3). In its post, the Embassy confirmed that all necessary arrangements have been made in Kuwait to facilitate Indian students appearing for the exam. It highlighted that the exam is being conducted under the supervision of the National Testing Agency (NTA), with strict adherence to guidelines to ensure fairness and transparency.
May 3, 2026 11:10 AM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: Extra time for Pwd candidates
The National Testing Agency (NTA), through its official handle, has confirmed that the NEET UG 2026 exam is being held today, May 3. In its post, NTA reiterated the exam timings (2 PM to 5 PM, with extra time for PwD candidates until 6 PM) and reminded aspirants about the reporting schedule—gates open at 11 AM and close strictly at 1:30 PM.
The announcement also emphasized mandatory frisking and verification protocols, urging students to carry their admit card, valid ID proof, and follow the prescribed dress code. NTA highlighted that no candidate will be allowed entry after the gate closure time, reinforcing the importance of punctuality.
May 3, 2026 11:00 AM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: Security measures in Gurugram
The NEET UG 2026 exam is being conducted today, and the Gurugram district administration has taken extensive steps to ensure its smooth and fair conduct. In a post shared by the Deputy Commissioner of Gurugram, it was highlighted that all necessary arrangements have been completed for the exam centres across the district. The DC mentioned that magistrates have been deployed, police forces are in place, and strict security protocols are being followed to maintain order and transparency during the exam.
Alongside these measures, the administration has ensured basic facilities like drinking water, medical support, and backup electricity at centres to help candidates cope with the summer heat. The post also emphasized that confidential exam materials are being transported under GPS tracking with police escort, and candidates will undergo frisking and biometric verification before entry.
May 3, 2026 10:50 AM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: 118 medical colleges opened in India in past two years: Which state got the most?
The union government has set up 118 medical colleges in the country in the last two years. The Union health ministry informed the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, during the ongoing Winter session of Parliament. Responding to a question by MP Anupriya Patel, the ministry shared the details in a written reply, stating that 74 medical colleges were approved in AY 2024–25 and 44 in AY 2025–26, based on National Medical Commission (NMC) approvals.
The reply also included the state-wise distribution of these colleges. Uttar Pradesh saw the highest number of new colleges across the two years, followed by Maharashtra and Rajasthan. The reply further stated that the expansion of medical infrastructure is part of the government’s ongoing effort to increase the availability of medical education and healthcare services.
May 3, 2026 10:40 AM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: Rajasthan govt ready to smoothly conduct NEET-UG 2026
The Rajasthan government has made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026, setting up 611 examination centres across 27 districts in the state, officials said on Thursday.They said the exam will be held on May 3, with additional monitoring in sensitive cities, including Kota, Sikar and Jaipur.Chief secretary V Srinivas chaired a high-level meeting on Wednesday night, where officials from various departments reviewed preparations and discussed arrangements for the exam. According to an official spokesperson, district collectors and superintendents of police from border and high-centre districts joined via video conference.The chief secretary directed authorities to ensure basic facilities such as shade, drinking water and first aid at examination centres, along with the availability of ORS packets and ambulances at nearby hospitals.Director General (Law and Order) Sanjay Kumar Agarwal said proper monitoring was ensuring a fair and peaceful examination.He said e-Mitra kiosks, photocopy shops and cyber cafes within a 300-metre radius of exam centres will remain closed on the day of the test.Transport department officials said they arranged to facilitate candidates’ travel, including free bus services on Rajasthan Roadways buses on the exam day.
May 3, 2026 10:30 AM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: ‘Seat imbalance, fee structures, competitive salaries,’: Parliamentary panel pushes for overhaul in medical education
A parliamentary committee has raised serious alarm over the widening disparity in India’s medical education system. In its 167th report, presented to the Rajya Sabha on December 11, the department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare highlighted two critical issues: the highly uneven distribution of medical seats across states and the prohibitive cost of education, noting that it feels “as if there are no takers for the poor guardian to get their offspring admitted.”
The committee specifically flagged the seat distribution problem, noting that while some states are saturated with medical colleges, others fall severely short of the national average of 75 MBBS seats per million population.
May 3, 2026 10:20 AM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: 43 medical colleges added; 11,682 MBBS seats cleared for 2025-26
The Union government has approved 11,682 MBBS seats and 8,967 postgraduate (PG) seats for the academic year 2025–26, while 43 new medical colleges have been established across the country, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed the Rajya Sabha.
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha, Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel said the data was shared by the National Medical Commission (NMC). The figures include seats in medical colleges as well as institutions such as AIIMS and other Institutes of National Importance (INIs).
According to the ministry’s data placed in Rajya Sabha, India’s medical education capacity has expanded significantly in the past decade. The number of medical colleges has increased from 387 in 2014 to 818 at present. During the same period, UG (MBBS) seats rose from 51,348 to 1,28,976, while PG seats increased from 31,185 to 85,020.
May 3, 2026 10:10 AM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: Rajasthan to set up mental health cells, well-being centres for medical students
The Rajasthan government will set up a comprehensive well-being centre in every medical college, along with the establishment of a state-level mental health welfare cell, an official statement said.
Medical Education Commissioner Naresh Goyal issued the directions during the first meeting of the state-level task force constituted for the mental health and well-being of medical students.
May 3, 2026 10:00 AM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: Medical colleges can charge MBBS fees only for 4.5 years, not full course duration
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed all medical colleges, institutions and universities to charge MBBS fees only for the prescribed academic duration of four-and-a-half years, and not for the entire five or five-and-a-half-year course period.
The commission said it has received multiple complaints that some medical institutions are collecting fees from students for the full duration of the MBBS programme, including the compulsory internship period. It clarified that such practices are not aligned with the academic structure of the course and lead to students being charged for periods that do not involve formal teaching.
May 3, 2026 09:50 AM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: NTA warns against ‘paper leak’ claims
With the national-level medical entrance exam just weeks away, and amid recurring concerns over paper leak allegations in previous years, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has cautioned NEET UG 2026 aspirants against fraudulent social media channels, particularly on Telegram, claiming to offer access to exam papers. Acting on multiple complaints, the agency has warned candidates against falling for such claims and said strict legal action is being initiated against those spreading misinformation.
NTA posted on the microblogging site, X, “Beware of fraudsters spreading rumours about NEET papers on Telegram and other platforms. Do not fall prey to such scams. Rely only on official updates from the NTA website and verified social media handles. Strict legal action is being taken, and such channels are being blocked.”
May 3, 2026 09:40 AM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: ‘No leave to medical college students on May 2, 3’: NMC advisory before NEET UG 2026
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has advised all medical colleges and institutions across the country not to grant leave to students on May 2 and 3, 2026, ahead of the NEET UG scheduled for May 3. The directive has been issued as a preventive measure to safeguard the integrity of the national-level entrance examination.
In a public notice dated April 23, 2026, the NMC said the instruction follows a communication from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education, stressing the need to ensure the “sanctity and integrity” of the examination process.
The Commission has asked all medical colleges to remain vigilant and sensitise students against engaging in any activity that could compromise the conduct of NEET UG 2026. It noted that the restriction on leave is intended as a deterrent against potential malpractice.
May 3, 2026 09:30 AM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: How to download admit cards?
NEET UG hall tickets can be accessed from the official website — neet.nta.nic.in. The medical aspirants must paste their latest postcard-sized colour photograph on the NEET UG admit card before reaching the exam centre. The NEET 2026 UG hall ticket also has an attached self-declaration form.
Of the total candidates registering for the NEET UG 2026, about 99.2 per cent have been allotted their first choice of exam cities, NTA data reveals.
May 3, 2026 09:20 AM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: Things to carry
– NEET UG admit Card along with passport size photograph affixed on it
– One passport-size photograph is to be affixed on the attendance sheet
– Valid original identity proof
– PwBD certificate, if applicable
– One postcard size (4”X6”) colour photograph with white background should be pasted on the proforma downloaded with the admit card and should be handed over to the invigilator at the exam centre.
May 3, 2026 09:10 AM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: Things not to carry
Candidates are not allowed to carry these items to the NEET exam hall:
– Instruments
– Geometry or pencil box
– Handbag or purse
– Any kind of paper, stationery or textual material either printed or written
– Eatables either loose or packed. Candidates suffering from diabetes are allowed to carry to the exam hall eatables with prior intimation like sugar tablets and fruits – banana, apple or orange and transparent water bottles. However, they will not be allowed to carry packed foods like chocolates, candies or sandwiches.
– Water
– Mobile phone, earphone, microphone, pager, calculator, docu pen, slide rules, log tables, camera, tape recorder, electronic watches with facilities of calculator, any metallic item or electronic gadgets or devices
May 3, 2026 09:00 AM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: Do’s and dont’s
– Carry water bottle
– Wear simple attire
– Cooperate with examination staff
– Avoid heavy accessories
– Avoid high heels. Wear slippers or low heels
– Do not report late
Full sleeves and woolens are allowed only if needed, and those wearing such attire will have to report in advance.
May 3, 2026 08:50 AM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: Dress code
The candidates are instructed to follow the following dress code while appearing for NEET UG 2026
– Heavy clothes and long sleeves are not permitted
– Shoes are not permitted. Slippers and sandals with low heels are permitted
The candidates wearing articles or objects of faith – customary, cultural or religious should report at the examination centre early so that there is enough time for proper frisking without any inconvenience to the candidate while maintaining the sanctity of the examination, NTA said.
May 3, 2026 08:40 AM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: Exam today
The National Testing Agency (NTA) on May 3 will conduct the National Entrance cum Eligibility Test Undergraduate 2026 (NEET UG 2026). Apart from taking the NEET UG hall ticket to the exam centre, NTA has released a set of guidelines, including the dress code. NEET UG 2026 will be held from 2 pm to 5 pm on Sunday.
May 3, 2026 08:12 AM IST
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: NEET UG today
NTA will conduct NEET UG Exam today in the afternoon, single shift
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: Admit cards, reporting time, helplines and more (Express Photo)
NEET UG 2026 Live Updates: The NTA has also raised concerns over heatwave conditions in several regions. Students and parents have flagged issues related to high temperatures at centres. Authorities have been asked to ensure basic facilities such as drinking water, shade, and medical support.
