NEET PG 2026 on August 30: Check Exam Timing, Dress Code for Female and Male Candidates

NEET PG 2026: The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) will conduct the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET PG) 2026 today, on August 30, 2026, in a single shift. The exam is being held for admission to postgraduate medical courses, including approximately 12,690 MS, 24,360 MD, and 922 PG Diploma seats across the country, offered under the 50% All India Quota, 50% state quota, deemed and central universities, ESIC/AFMS institutes, and private medical colleges.

NBEMS released the NEET PG 2026 admit card on August 26, a day later than the earlier scheduled date of August 25. Candidates can download the hall ticket from the official website using their login credentials, and must affix a recent passport-size photograph on the printed admit card before heading to the exam centre.

NEET PG 2026 Exam Timing and Pattern

The NEET PG 2026 exam will be conducted in computer-based mode, with candidates required to attempt 180 multiple-choice questions within three hours and thirty minutes. As per the marking scheme, four marks are awarded for every correct answer, while one mark is deducted for each incorrect response, with no marks for unattempted questions.

The exam was earlier scheduled for June 15 but was rescheduled to August 30 after the Supreme Court directed NBEMS to conduct the test in a single shift to ensure fairness among candidates.

Candidates should reach their allotted exam centre well ahead of the reporting time mentioned on the admit card, since entry closes strictly at the notified gate-closing time and no candidate is permitted inside after that.

NEET PG 2026 Dress Code for Female Candidates

• Wear light-coloured, half-sleeved tops such as simple shirts, T-shirts, or kurtas.
• Pair with simple trousers or salwars; avoid jeans, leggings, and denim material.
• Avoid clothes with sequins, embroidery, patches, brooches, or big buttons.
• Only flat sandals or slippers with low heels are allowed; high heels and thick-soled footwear are not permitted.
• Jewellery such as earrings, nose pins, rings, necklaces, bangles, anklets, or pendants must not be worn.

NEET PG 2026 Dress Code for Male Candidates

• Wear simple, light-coloured half-sleeved shirts or T-shirts; full-sleeved shirts are not allowed.
• Avoid bulky clothing, zipped pockets, big buttons, sequins, or embroidery.
• Only slippers or sandals are permitted; shoes and boots of any kind are prohibited.
• Metallic items, heavy accessories, watches, and wearable tech are strictly not allowed.

Provision for Religious and Customary Dress

NBEMS makes provisions for candidates with religious or customary dress requirements — Sikh candidates are allowed to carry a kara, kirpan, or kanga, and Muslim female candidates are permitted to wear a burqa. However, such candidates are advised to report to the exam centre at least an hour before the scheduled time to allow for thorough frisking and security checks without last-minute rush.

Items Allowed and Prohibited at the NEET PG 2026 Exam Centre

Carry to the exam centre:

• Printed admit card with a passport-size photograph affixed
• A valid original photo ID proof

Do not carry:

• Electronic devices such as mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, or Bluetooth devices
• Stationery items including pens, papers, writing pads, or erasers
• Jewellery and ornaments — rings, earrings, chains, bangles
• Wallets, belts, sunglasses, caps, or scarves (unless permitted for medical/religious reasons)
• Any food or water bottles beyond what is permitted by the centre

NEET PG 2026 Exam Day Guidelines

• Arrive at the centre at least 45 minutes to an hour before the reporting time to complete document verification and biometric checks smoothly.
• Carry the admit card and a valid photo ID for identity verification; biometric details will also be captured at entry.
• Do not attempt to carry or use prohibited items — doing so can lead to disqualification.
• Remain in the exam hall for the entire duration; leaving early or before the exam concludes is not permitted.
• Avoid guesswork on questions, given the negative marking scheme, and review all responses before final submission.

Candidates are advised to stay calm, follow all NBEMS instructions carefully, and keep sufficient time buffer for travel, given that even minor dress-code violations can delay or deny entry into the exam hall.