NEET Exam Timing: Key Details for 2026

neet exam timing — IN news

The NEET UG 2026 exam is scheduled for May 3, 2026, and will be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) across multiple locations including India, Dubai, Sharjah, and Riyadh. This year, the exam will run from 2 PM to 5 PM in India.

Candidates must arrive at their designated exam centres by 1:30 PM. For those taking the test in Dubai and Sharjah, the local timing shifts to 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM, while in Riyadh, it adjusts to 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM.

With 23 lakh candidates registered for the NEET UG 2026, strict protocols will be in place. Each candidate must carry their NEET admit card along with a valid photo ID and passport-size photographs. The question paper comprises 180 questions, totaling 720 marks.

Security measures include biometric verification at all exam centres to confirm candidate identities. Moreover, a strict dress code will be enforced, prohibiting items such as gadgets that could compromise exam integrity. NTA has also dismissed rumors regarding paper leaks, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining a fair testing environment.

Officials have noted that candidates arriving after noon in Dubai and Sharjah or after 11 AM in Riyadh will not gain entry. This reinforces the importance of punctuality and adherence to guidelines.

The NEET serves as the sole entrance examination for MBBS and BDS courses in India, making it critical for aspiring medical students. As preparations ramp up, candidates are urged to familiarize themselves with all requirements.

This year’s examination promises to uphold transparency and security, setting a precedent for future medical entrance exams.