NEET 2026 Exam LIVE: NTA to conduct MBBS, BDS test tomorrow; dress code, timing, guidelines

The overall NEET eligibility criteria also include qualifying for Class 12 from a recognised board and fulfilling subject requirements. The criteria for NEET are set by NTA, and there is no upper limit on marks, only minimum qualifying standards.

NEET eligibility for 2026 is based on a Class 12 qualification. Students must pass Class 12 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects. For NEET eligibility marks in 12th, General category students must secure at least 50% marks in PCB, while OBC, SC, and ST candidates need a minimum of 40%. PwD candidates require 45%.

A panel has raised concern over the heavy workload of resident doctors, calling it “alarming” and affecting their working conditions. It has recommended mandatory rest hours and proper monitoring of duty rosters, similar to the system followed for pilots. The panel also suggested filling vacant medical posts in hospitals like AIIMS, LHMC, and VMMC to reduce pressure on doctors and improve healthcare services.

Also read: Resident doctors’ workload ‘alarming’; enforce mandatory rest, monitored rosters like for pilots: Panel

Here are the NEET 2026 dress code guidelines in simple English:

• Candidates must wear light and simple clothes on the exam day. Full-sleeve clothes are generally not allowed, and heavy embroidery or fancy outfits should be avoided. Shoes are not permitted, so candidates should wear slippers or sandals with low heels.
• Jewellery, watches, belts, caps, and any metallic items are strictly not allowed inside the exam hall. Students should avoid wearing clothes with large buttons, badges, or pockets that may create issues during security checks.

Candidates are advised to follow the NTA NEET 2026 dress code carefully to avoid any problems during entry into the examination centre.

According to the NEET 2026 official exam guidelines, the NEET UG 2026 will be a pen-and-paper exam held on May 3, 2026. Candidates should report between 11 am and 1:30 pm, and entry will close strictly at 1:30 pm. Students must carry their NEET 2026 admit card, a valid ID proof, and a passport-size photograph. A simple and light dress code must be followed. The NEET exam will start at 2 pm and will last for 3 hours. AI monitoring and biometric verification will be used during the exam.

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has removed the cap of 150 MBBS seats per medical college and also scrapped the population-based restriction for seat approval. This allows colleges to increase MBBS seats based on their infrastructure and facilities.

The NMC has also revised the hospital distance rule, stating that the hospital must be within 10 km of the medical college. The changes aim to expand medical education and improve the availability of doctors in India.

Also read: NMC junks 150-seat MBBS cap, population rule; sets 10 km limit for medical college-hospital distance

The NEET UG 2026 will be held from 2 pm to 5 pm in a single shift, with reporting time between 11 am and 1:30 pm. Candidates will not be allowed to enter the exam centre after 1:30 pm.

As per the NEET exam date 2026, the medical entrance test will be held tomorrow, May 3, from 2 pm to 5 pm. Candidates should reach the exam centre before 1:30 pm, after which entry will not be allowed.

The NTA has warned students not to believe fake “paper leak” claims about NEET UG 2026 that are spreading on social media. The agency has said it will take strict action against anyone sharing false information. While there were investigations into exam issues in 2024 and 2025, this year the focus is on stronger security to ensure a fair exam.

Also read: NTA warns NEET 2026 aspirants against ‘paper leak’ claims circulating on social media

The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct NEET UG 2026 tomorrow, May 3, in 552 cities in India and 14 international cities. The NEET exam will be held in a single shift from 2 pm to 5 pm in offline (pen-and-paper) mode.