Mode of NEET UG 2026 Examination and OMR Details
Mode of NEET UG 2026: The NTA has officially confirmed that NEET UG 2026 will be an offline, pen-and-paper test. This traditional format requires candidates to physically visit assigned centers on May 3, 2026. The exam will take place in a single shift from 02:00 PM to 05:20 PM. Digital or computer-based testing is not available for this session. Candidates must use the OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) sheet provided at the center to record their answers.
Mode of NEET UG 2026 Examination
The NEET UG 2026 will be conducted in offline mode, following the traditional pen-and-paper format. As confirmed in the official notification released on February 8, 2026, candidates are required to mark their responses on a machine-readable OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) sheet using a ballpoint pen. This manual testing method ensures a standardized evaluation process for all medical aspirants across the country on the scheduled exam date of May 3, 2026.
NEET UG 2026 OMR Details
The OMR sheet is a machine-readable document that requires extreme precision. Any mistake in bubbling can lead to the rejection of the entire answer sheet.
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Pen Specification: Use only a Blue or Black ballpoint pen provided by the NTA at the center.
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Response Marking: You must completely darken the circle corresponding to your chosen option.
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No Changes: Once a circle is darkened, it cannot be erased or modified.
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Restricted Materials: Do not use white fluid, pencils, or erasers on the OMR sheet.
Handling the OMR Sheet at the Exam Center
The OMR sheet contains two sides. Side 1 requires personal details, while Side 2 is for marking answers.
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Personal Info: Carefully enter your Roll Number, Test Booklet Code, and Name.
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Signature: Ensure your signature matches the one uploaded during registration.
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No Stray Marks: Avoid making any unnecessary marks or folds on the sheet.
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Verification: Cross-check the Test Booklet Code on the OMR with the one on your question paper.
Medium of Examination and Language Options
Candidates can choose from 13 different languages for their question paper. This choice must be finalized during the registration window ending March 8, 2026.
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Available Languages: English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, and Urdu.
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Bilingual Papers: Candidates opting for regional languages will receive a bilingual booklet (Selected Language and English).
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Discrepancy Rule: In case of any translation ambiguity, the English version of the question is considered final.
NEET UG 2026 Schedule and Duration
The official schedule for NEET UG 2026 ensures a streamlined process from registration to the final examination, allowing candidates to plan their preparation according to fixed timelines.
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NEET UG 2026 Schedule and Duration |
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Event |
Details |
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Exam Date |
May 3, 2026 |
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Total Duration |
200 Minutes (3 Hours 20 Minutes) |
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Exam Timing |
02:00 PM to 05:20 PM (IST) |
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Last Entry to Center |
01:30 PM |
Prohibited Actions and Unfair Means
The OMR sheet is scanned by sensitive optical machines. Tampering with the sheet is classified as "Unfair Means."
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Do not write anything in the margins or around the barcode.
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Avoid rough work on the OMR; use the space provided in the Test Booklet.
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Failing to return the OMR sheet to the invigilator can lead to permanent disqualification.