NEET 2026 Rules for Absentees Explained

Candidates appearing for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (UG) 2026 must be well-versed with the official NEET 2026 rules for absentees to avoid disqualification. The National Testing Agency (NTA) has established strict NTA attendance protocols and regulations for candidates who fail to appear for the exam on the scheduled date, ensuring no exceptions are made for missed sessions.

Official Policy on Re-Examination

The NTA has clearly stated that for those who are unable to appear on the scheduled date of the test for any reason, a re-test shall not be held under any circumstances. This policy emphasizes the importance of punctuality and presence at the allotted examination center.

Examination Fee and Refund Rules

Candidates must note that the examination fee, once deposited, will not be refunded. This applies even if a candidate is absent from the examination. Furthermore, the fee will not be carried forward to any future examination cycles.

Entry and Timing Regulations

To avoid being marked absent, candidates must adhere to the following timing rules:

• Center Opening: The Examination Centre opens three hours before the test begins.

• Last Entry: No candidate is permitted to enter the Examination Centre after 1:30 PM.

• Allotted Slots: Candidates must appear at the specific date and timing indicated on their Admit Card; no candidate will be allowed to appear at any other time.

Mandatory Arrival Timings to Avoid Absenteeism

One of the primary reasons candidates are marked absent is failing to meet the strict entry deadlines. The NTA has stipulated that the Examination Centre will open three (03) hours before the test begins to allow for smooth security checks. It is critical to note that no candidate will be allowed to enter the Examination Centre after 1:30 PM. Candidates must plan their travel considering local traffic and weather conditions to ensure they are in their seats immediately after the hall opens.

Official Status of Absent Candidates in the Merit List

If a candidate does not appear for the examination, they are simply marked as "Absent," and no result or rank is generated for them. Since the NTA prepares the Merit List and All India Rank (AIR) based specifically on the marks obtained in the entrance test, missing the exam automatically disqualifies the individual from the ranking process for that academic year. There is no provision to use previous years' scores or any other criteria to fill the gap of an absence.

No Provision for Re-Checking or Re-Evaluation

While this usually applies to those who appeared, it is a vital rule for all: the NTA maintains a strict policy that there is no provision for re-checking or re-evaluation of answer sheets. For absentees, this means that once the exam window is closed, there are no remedial measures or "makeup" opportunities to submit responses later. The evaluation process is entirely machine-gradable and impartial, leaving no room for manual intervention for those who missed the session.

Validity of the Admit Card for Absentees

An Admit Card is issued provisionally and is only valid for the specific Date and Timing mentioned on it. If you are absent during your allotted slot, the Admit Card cannot be used for any other session or future test dates. Furthermore, if a candidate is found to be absent but later tries to claim they appeared by manipulating documents, it falls under Unfair Means (UFM), which can lead to severe penalties, including being debarred from future examinations.