NEET-UG 2026: Candidates to Get Extra Rough-Work Space as NTA Extends Exam Window

NEET-UG 2026: NTA Announces Extra Rough-Work Space and Extended Exam Window

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced several student-friendly measures for NEET-UG 2026, including more space for rough work and an extended examination window.

The medical entrance examination is scheduled to be held on June 21, 2026. According to the NTA, the exam will be conducted from 2 pm to 5:15 pm, giving candidates a total window of 195 minutes. This is an extension of 15 minutes compared to the earlier duration.

The agency said the extended time window has been introduced to accommodate invigilation-related formalities at the beginning and end of the examination, such as signing requirements. Candidates had earlier raised concerns that these procedures reduced their effective writing time.

In another major change, the NTA has doubled the rough-work space in the question-paper booklet from two pages to four pages. The additional pages are intended to help candidates with calculations, reasoning, and problem-solving during the exam.

The placement of rough-work pages has also been redesigned to make the booklet more convenient, especially for left-handed candidates. Earlier, rough-work pages were provided only at the end of the booklet. Under the revised format, two rough-work pages will now be placed at the beginning of the booklet, immediately after the instruction page, along with two pages at the end.

The NTA said the new arrangement will be available in both English and regional-language versions of the question paper. It added that providing rough-work space at both the front and back of the booklet would allow candidates to work more comfortably.

The agency said these changes reflect its effort to improve the examination experience through small but meaningful design improvements.

“NTA reaffirms its commitment to conducting NEET-UG 2026 in a fair, secure and candidate-friendly manner, and to continuously improving the examination experience for the lakhs of aspirants who appear for it,” the agency said.

NEET-UG is conducted for admission to undergraduate medical courses across India. The earlier NEET-UG examination, held on May 3, 2026, was cancelled by the NTA on May 12 following allegations of a paper leak. The matter is currently being investigated by the CBI.