NEET UG 2026 ReNEET June 21: NTA Releases Full Exam-Day Schedule — Entry Gates Shut at 1:30 PM, No Late Entry Allowed

With just days to go for India's biggest medical entrance test, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued a comprehensive exam-day timeline for the NEET UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for Sunday, June 21, 2026. Candidates must note that entry gates will close at 1:30 PM sharp — no late arrivals will be entertained under any circumstances.

Here is everything NEET 2026 aspirants must know before entering the examination hall on June 21.

Why Is NEET UG 2026 Being Re-Conducted? The Paper Leak That Changed Everything

The original NEET UG 2026 examination was held on May 3, 2026, across the country. However, on May 12, 2026, NTA cancelled the examination following credible allegations of a question paper leak. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently investigating the matter and has made multiple arrests in connection with the paper leak conspiracy.

The re-examination, now scheduled for June 21, 2026, is being conducted under heightened security protocols, with Cabinet-level oversight to ensure the integrity of the process.

FAQ: Why was NEET UG 2026 cancelled?
The NTA cancelled the original NEET UG 2026 exam held on May 3 after allegations of a question paper leak surfaced. The CBI is probing the case and has made multiple arrests.

NEET UG 2026 ReNEET June 21 — Complete Exam-Day Schedule and Timeline

Here is the official minute-by-minute schedule released by NTA for June 21, 2026:

11:00 AM — Entry gates open. Security checks begin. Candidates must report to examination centres.

1:30 PM — Entry gates close. No candidate will be allowed to enter the examination centre after this time under any circumstances.

1:55 PM — Candidates are permitted to open their test booklets. This window allows candidates to verify the booklet code, check the total number of pages, and confirm all details are in order. Any discrepancy or defect in the question booklet must be immediately reported to the invigilator at this stage.

2:00 PM — NEET UG 2026 re-examination begins.

5:15 PM — Examination concludes for general category candidates.

6:20 PM — Extended deadline for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) who are entitled to compensatory time as per prescribed guidelines.

FAQ: What time do NEET 2026 ReNEET gates close on June 21?
Entry gates will close at 1:30 PM. No candidate will be allowed entry after this time. Candidates are advised to arrive well before 1:30 PM.

FAQ: What time does the NEET UG 2026 re-exam start and end?
The exam begins at 2:00 PM and ends at 5:15 PM for regular candidates. PwBD candidates with compensatory time can continue until 6:20 PM.

195-Minute Exam Window: Why NTA Extended Duration by 15 Minutes

NTA has extended the total NEET UG 2026 re-examination window by 15 minutes, bringing it to 195 minutes in total. The agency clarified that the additional time has been provided specifically to accommodate invigilation formalities — including document verification and mandatory signing procedures — ensuring that candidates receive adequate time to actually attempt the paper without losing time to administrative processes.

FAQ: Has NEET UG 2026 exam duration been changed?
Yes. The examination window has been extended by 15 minutes to 195 minutes total. The extra time is meant to cover invigilation formalities so candidates get full time to attempt questions.

Double Rough-Work Space: 4 Pages Instead of 2

In a significant student-friendly move, NTA has doubled the rough-work space available in the NEET UG 2026 re-examination booklet. Candidates will now receive four pages for rough work instead of the previous two. This decision was taken keeping in mind the calculation and diagram requirements across all three subjects — Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

FAQ: How many rough-work pages will be available in NEET UG 2026 ReNEET?
Candidates will get 4 pages for rough work, doubled from the earlier 2 pages, to accommodate Physics calculations and Biology diagrams.

What Documents Must You Carry to NEET 2026 ReNEET Exam Centre?

Candidates must carry the following to the examination hall on June 21:

Carrying the NEET UG 2026 admit card is mandatory. A valid photo identity document (Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID, or school ID) is compulsory. Candidates must also comply with all other examination-day instructions issued by NTA.

Failure to carry the admit card or valid photo ID will result in denial of entry.

FAQ: What ID proof is needed for NEET UG 2026 ReNEET on June 21?
Candidates must carry their NEET UG 2026 admit card along with any valid government-issued photo identity document. No entry will be permitted without both.

Cabinet Secretary Reviews NEET 2026 ReNEET Preparedness

Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan chaired a high-level preparedness review meeting with NTA Director General Abhishek Singh and other key stakeholders. The Cabinet Secretary underscored the need for a smooth, transparent, and secure conduct of the examination and issued a clear warning: strict legal action will be taken against anyone who attempts to disrupt or compromise the integrity of the NEET UG 2026 re-examination process.

CRPF and CISF Deployed for NEET 2026 Question Paper Security

The Ministry of Home Affairs has directed both the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to provide security cover during the transportation of NEET UG 2026 question papers on June 21. The Centre is working in close coordination with state governments and district administrations to ensure flawless examination conduct across all centres.

FAQ: What security arrangements are in place for NEET UG 2026 ReNEET?
The CRPF and CISF have been deployed by the Ministry of Home Affairs for question paper transportation. Cabinet Secretary T.V. Somanathan has also reviewed preparedness with NTA officials.

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Appeals to Students

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has personally appealed to NEET 2026 aspirants to stay focused on their preparation and not be distracted by the circumstances surrounding the re-examination. The Minister assured students that the June 21 re-examination will be conducted in a well-organised and transparent manner. He added that the NTA's decision to provide an additional 15 minutes and student-friendly measures such as doubled rough-work space reflects the government's commitment to improving the examination experience for candidates.

CBI Investigation Update: Multiple Arrests in NEET 2026 Paper Leak Case

The Central Bureau of Investigation continues to actively investigate the NEET UG 2026 question paper leak that forced the cancellation of the May 3 examination. Multiple arrests have already been made in connection with the leak conspiracy. The investigation is ongoing.

FAQ: Is the CBI investigating the NEET 2026 paper leak?
Yes. The CBI is actively probing the NEET UG 2026 paper leak that led to cancellation of the May 3 exam. Multiple arrests have been made and the investigation continues.