NEET re-test: Admit cards, timings, rules and security checks — your final guide

Representation pic/istock

After allegations of a paper leak and compromised examination surfaced following the NEET-UG held on May 3, the National Testing Agency (NTA) cancelled the test and announced a re-examination, which will now be conducted on June 21.

The examination will continue in pen-and-paper mode this year. However, the Union education ministry has indicated that a computer-based NEET could be introduced from next year. Candidates have been advised to regularly check the official website for updates and examination-related instructions.

Fresh admit cards issued

>> New admit cards have been released
>> Admit cards issued for the May 3 examination are no longer valid

Official communication channels

Candidates will receive updates only through:

>> SMS via NICPEP
>> [no-reply.neet.nta@nic.in]
>> Official website: neet.nta.nic.in

NEET by the numbers

Candidates appearing 22.79 lakh
Exam cities in India 551
International cities 14
Personnel deployed More than 2 lakh
City 674
Observers 6669

Centre-level checks

>> Aadhaar biometric authentication
>> Mandatory frisking
>> High-sensitivity metal detectors
>> Manual verification in case of biometric failure

Facilities provided at examination centres

>> Generator backup
>> Fans in all centres
>> Drinking water facilities
>> Sanitation facilities
>> Medical support teams
>> Wall clock in every examination room
>> Weather-related advisories issued
>> Candidates advised to verify centre address before travel

Security grid for NEET 2026

National-level measures
>> CCTV surveillance at all examination centres
>> Live monitoring through central control rooms
>> Active social media surveillance
>> Complaints being shared with CBI and Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)
>> District administration and police coordination
>> Secure transportation of question papers
>> GPS-tracked and police-escorted movement of papers

Permitted items
>> Transparent water bottle

For diabetic candidates:
>> Sugar tablets
>> Banana
>> Apple
>> Orange

Reporting time and entry rules

Reporting window
11 am to 1.30 pm

Gate closure
1.30 pm sharp

No candidate will be permitted entry after gate closure.

NTA advisory

>> The NTA has urged students and parents not to believe rumours regarding paper leaks or examination manipulation.
>> Candidates have been asked to immediately report suspicious messages, social media posts or claims to the NTA or cyber-crime authorities.
>> Students must strictly follow the prescribed dress code and guidelines available on the official website.

At a glance

Exam: NEET-UG 2026
re-examination
Date: June 21, 2026
Time: 2 pm to 5.15 pm
Mode: Pen-and-paper
PwD candidates: Compensatory time up to 6.20 pm

Why is the exam being held again?

>> NEET-UG was originally conducted on May 3
>> Allegations of paper leaks and exam compromise emerged
>> NTA cancelled the examination
>> Fresh examination scheduled for June 21

What's new this time?

Telegram under scanner
The NTA has sought a limited-period ban on Telegram after reports of alleged paper leak-related activities surfaced again.

Helpdesk

NTA helpline
011-40759000
011-69227700 (10 am to 5.15 pm)
Email [neetug2026@nta.ac.in](mailto:neetug2026@nta.ac.in)
Mental health support
Tele-MANAS: 14416

Carry with you

>> Printed admit card
>> Original photo identity proof
>> Two passport-size photographs
Special instruction
Candidates wearing religious or customary attire, or full-sleeved clothing, should report early for security checks.

Do not carry

>> Mobile phones
>> Smart watches
>> Bluetooth devices
>> Calculators
>> Wallets
>> Jewellery
>> Food packets
>> Metallic accessories