NTA Announces Extended Exam Window and Additional Rough-Work Space for NEET-UG 2026
The National Testing Agency (NTA) announced student-friendly measures for NEET-UG 2026, extending the exam window to 195 minutes (2:00 PM to 5:15 PM) and increasing rough-work pages from two to four. The changes, scheduled for the June 21, 2026 exam, aim to improve candidate comfort and accessibility, particularly for left-handed students. These revisions come after the previous NEET-UG exam was cancelled in May due to allegations of a question paper leak under CBI investigation.
The National Testing Agency announced a series of modifications to the NEET-UG 2026 examination framework on June 12, 2026, framed as candidate-friendly improvements. The exam window has been extended to 195 minutes (2:00 PM to 5:15 PM), with the NTA clarifying that this duration includes mandatory administrative formalities such as attendance sheet signing and invigilation procedures. The number of rough-work pages in the question-paper booklet has been doubled from two to four, and their placement has been redesigned to better accommodate left-handed candidates—approximately 10% of test-takers—by placing two pages at the beginning of the booklet immediately after instructions and two at the end. The NTA stated these changes were based on candidate feedback received over the years regarding accessibility and time management concerns. These measures are being implemented across both English and regional-language versions of the question paper. The announcement comes in the context of the previous NEET-UG exam held on May 3, which was cancelled on May 12 following allegations of a coordinated question paper leak, with the CBI currently investigating the matter.
What different sources said
- The HinduCenter
NTA announces more rough-work space, extended exam window for NEET-UG 2026
- Times of IndiaCenter
'Exam window extended to 195 mins': NTA rolls out 'student-friendly' measures for NEET UG 2026
- India TodayCenter
NEET UG 2026 candidates to get 15 extra minutes, NTA introduces changes
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