Every year, millions of medical aspirants face a common dilemma on the morning of the NEET UG exam: "Where do I keep my phone and bag?" While the National Testing Agency (NTA) issues a detailed list of prohibited items, many students still arrive at the gate with restricted belongings, only to find themselves in a stressful situation.
This explains what items are strictly prohibited, whether any storage facility is available, and special instructions for candidates wearing articles of faith.
No. NTA does not provide any arrangement or facility at NEET Exam Centres for keeping candidates’ personal belongings.
Candidates are fully responsible for ensuring that no barred items are brought to the centre. If a candidate carries prohibited items, they may be denied entry or face disciplinary action.
To maintain the "sanctity of the examination," the NTA employs highly sensitive metal detectors and compulsory frisking. Carrying any restricted item even unintentionally can be flagged as a use of "Unfair Means" (UFM).
Even minor prohibited items detected during frisking can lead to serious consequences.
According to the official guidelines, the following items are strictly banned:
Candidates are not allowed to carry:
Printed or handwritten textual material
Loose papers or bits of paper
Geometry or pencil box
Plastic pouch
Calculator, log table
Pen drives, electronic pens, scanners
Scale, eraser, writing pad
The following devices are strictly prohibited:
Mobile phones
Bluetooth devices
Earphones or microphones
Pagers
Health bands or smart devices
Candidates must avoid carrying:
Wallets
Goggles
Handbags or purses
Belts and caps
Not allowed inside the centre:
Wristwatches or any type of watch
Bracelets
Cameras
Ornaments or metallic items of any kind
Candidates cannot carry:
Any food item (opened or packed)
Water bottles
Any other item that could be used for unfair means, including hidden microchips, cameras, or Bluetooth devices, is also prohibited.
For candidates who wear objects of faith (such as a Kirpan, Kara, or Hijab), NTA provides a specific window to ensure respect for religious sentiments while maintaining security:
Early Reporting: You must report at least two hours before the last reporting time.
Extended Frisking: This allows enough time for thorough security checks without causing a rush.
Security Discretion: If a device is suspected within an article of faith during screening, the candidate may be asked to remove it before entry.
Do not bring valuables to the exam centre.
Arrange a guardian or safe place outside for belongings.
Follow reporting time strictly.
Read admit card instructions carefully.
Being informed and prepared helps avoid unnecessary stress on exam day.