New Delhi, April, 2026 – The National Testing Agency (NTA) has officially confirmed that the NEET UG 2026 examination will be held on May 3, 2026, in a single shift across the country. This announcement brings clarity to lakhs of aspiring medical students who have been awaiting the final schedule for India’s largest medical entrance test.
According to an official notification issued today, the exam will be conducted from 2:00 PM to 5:20 PM in a single session to maintain uniformity and minimise logistical challenges. The single-shift format is expected to ensure fair and transparent conduct of the test. Application form corrections have now been closed, and the NTA has stated that no further changes will be entertained. Admit cards are likely to be released in the last week of April on the official website exams.nta.ac.in/NEET.
Over 24 lakh candidates are estimated to appear for NEET UG 2026, competing for approximately 1.10 lakh MBBS, BDS, and other undergraduate medical seats in government and private institutions across India. The exam will follow the standard pattern of 180 multiple-choice questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Zoology & Botany), with a total duration of 200 minutes.
NTA officials have emphasised strict adherence to security protocols, including biometric attendance, CCTV surveillance, and deployment of flying squads to prevent malpractices. Cities have been finalised for the exam centres, and detailed city intimation slips are expected to be issued shortly to help candidates plan their travel and accommodation.
Medical aspirants across the country, including those in Gujarat, have intensified their preparation in the final leg. Coaching centres in major cities like Ahmedabad, Surat, and Jamnagar have reported extended revision classes and mock tests to help students fine-tune their strategies. “The single-shift confirmation removes uncertainty and allows us to focus completely on revision,” said Rahul Sharma, a Class 12 student from Jamnagar preparing for his second attempt.
Education experts have advised candidates to download the latest information bulletin and thoroughly check the exam-day guidelines once the admit cards are released. Strict rules regarding prohibited items, dress code, and reporting time will be enforced. Any candidate found indulging in unfair means will face disqualification and debarment as per NTA rules.
The NEET UG 2026 results are expected to be declared within three to four weeks after the examination. Scorecards will be available on the NTA portal, and counselling for MBBS admissions will be conducted by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) in multiple rounds.
With just under a month remaining, the countdown has begun for one of the most competitive examinations in the country. Aspirants are urged to stay focused, manage stress, and follow official updates only through NTA and Ministry of Education channels to avoid misinformation.