NEET UG 2026 at 2 pm; hall instructions, biometric process, prohibited items

The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) 2026 exam will begin today across around 552 cities in India, along with 14 international locations. The reporting time for the exam is between 11 am to 1:30 pm. The exam will be conducted in a single shift from 2 pm to 5 pm in offline (pen-and-paper) mode.

Candidates must carry their printed admit card with a passport-size photograph, passport-size photo for the attendance sheet and one postcard-size photograph with a white background. They should also bring a valid original photo ID proof such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, driving licence, or passport. PwD category candidates must carry a valid PwD certificate issued by the competent authority, if applicable.

A total of 22,79,743 candidates have registered for NEET UG 2026 this year, of which 13,32,928 are female applicants and 9,46,815 are male candidates.

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NEET UG 2026: Exam hall instructions

The NEET UG 2026 exam hall guidelines that must be followed by the applicants are:

• Aspirants need to carry their admit card, without it no entry will be permitted

• Applicants only allowed to sit in their allotted seat; otherwise their candidature may be cancelled

• Follow invigilator instructions; attendance will be recorded

• Latecomers (after 1:30 pm) will not be allowed

• No barred items or anything usable for unfair means allowed; penalties apply

• Candidates must avoid bringing prohibited items; no storage will be provided

• No leaving seat/hall before exam ends; submit OMR sheet before exiting

• Smoking strictly prohibited in the exam centre

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• No food, drinks, or snacks allowed (except diabetics with basic items in transparent packaging; no chocolates/candy)

• Signals will indicate start, half-time, and end of exam

• Sign attendance sheet twice and give thumb impression as required

• Verify booklet pages match the number mentioned on the cover

• No re-test for absentees under any circumstances

• Diabetic candidates can manage needs as per instructions

• Exam will be videographed; maintain proper posture and face camera

NEET UG 2026: Advisory for biometric exception

All candidates will undergo mandatory biometric verification after frisking. If it cannot be completed due to technical issues or physical reasons, the candidate will still be allowed to enter but must submit a written undertaking at the centre. No biometric process will be conducted during the exam time (2 pm to 5 pm, or up to 6 pm for PwD candidates).