More Time, More Space: NTA Announces Key Changes for NEET 2026

In a significant move aimed at reducing exam-day stress and improving the testing experience for lakhs of medical aspirants, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced a series of candidate-friendly reforms for NEET-UG 2026 , including additional rough-work space and an extended examination window.

The country's largest medical entrance examination is scheduled to be held on June 21 , and candidates will now get a total examination window of 195 minutes , with the test set to run from 2:00 pm to 5:15 pm . This effectively provides an additional 15 minutes compared to the earlier format.

According to the NTA , the extra time has been introduced to accommodate essential invigilation procedures such as document verification and mandatory signatures before and after the examination. In previous years, many candidates had expressed concerns that these formalities reduced the actual time available for solving questions. The revised schedule is intended to ensure that students can focus on the examination without feeling pressured by administrative requirements.

Another major change relates to rough-work facilities. The agency has doubled the number of rough-work pages available in the question-paper booklet from two to four pages , offering candidates more space for calculations, problem-solving and reasoning. This is expected to be particularly beneficial for students tackling the Physics and Chemistry sections, where extensive calculations are often required.

The NTA has also redesigned the placement of rough-work pages to make the examination more accessible and comfortable. Earlier, rough-work sheets were provided only at the end of the booklet. Under the revised format, candidates will now find two rough-work pages immediately after the instruction page at the beginning of the booklet, in addition to the pages provided at the end. The arrangement will be available in both English and regional-language question papers .

Officials said the change has been made with special consideration for left-handed candidates , who often found the earlier layout less convenient. By providing rough-work space at both ends of the booklet, the agency aims to create a more comfortable writing experience for all examinees.

The announcement comes at a time when the NTA is under intense scrutiny following the controversy surrounding NEET-UG 2025 , which was cancelled amid allegations of a paper leak . The matter is currently being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) .

Emphasising its commitment to transparency and student welfare, the NTA said these seemingly small adjustments can have a meaningful impact during a high-pressure examination. The agency reiterated that it remains focused on conducting NEET-UG 2026 in a fair, secure and candidate-friendly manner while continuously improving the examination process for aspiring medical students across the country.