The National Testing Agency (NTA) is conducting the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (UG) 2026 on Sunday from 2 PM to 5 PM across India and select international centres, with more than 22.79 lakh candidates appearing at over 5,400 examination venues. The large-scale exercise once again underscores NEET’s position as one of the biggest entrance examinations globally.
According to the NTA, the examination is being held in pen-and-paper mode across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad. A total of over 2 lakh personnel have been deployed to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the exam. The agency stated that it is fully prepared to manage the logistical and operational challenges associated with such a massive undertaking.
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Special provisions have also been made for candidates with disabilities (PwD/PwBD). Those eligible for compensatory time will be allowed to continue writing the examination until 6 PM, ensuring equal opportunity and accessibility.
In Kanyakumari district, as many as 4,945 candidates are appearing for the exam across 10 centres. Key venues include Carmel Higher Secondary School, SLB School, and SMRV School in Vadassery, Nagercoil. Despite the intense heat, students were seen arriving at centres as early as 10 AM, waiting patiently for entry.
Similar scenes were witnessed across the country, including in Anantnag, Jaipur, and Coimbatore, where aspirants gathered well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
NEET remains the gateway for admission to undergraduate medical courses across India, and its scale continues to grow each year. With strict security protocols and extensive coordination, authorities aim to ensure a fair and seamless examination process for all candidates.
