Major change in NEET UG: the exam will now last 195 minutes, and there will be more space for rough work..

NEET UG 2026 Exam: There is welcome news for the lakhs of candidates set to appear for the NEET UG 2026 medical entrance exam. The NTA has introduced key changes this year to make the NEET UG exam more student-friendly, transparent, and stress-free. The exam, scheduled for June 21, 2026, will no longer follow the old format but will be conducted under new, revised rules. This decision by the NTA will benefit candidates who previously panicked due to time constraints or administrative formalities within the exam hall.

NEET UG candidates often complained that valuable minutes were lost when invigilators approached them during the exam for tasks such as signing attendance sheets, conducting biometric checks, or completing other paperwork. Taking this issue and candidate suggestions seriously, the NTA has extended the total duration of the NEET UG exam to 195 minutes (3 hours and 15 minutes). Furthermore, the space allocated for rough work within the question paper booklet has been increased to accommodate the lengthy calculations required for Physics and Chemistry.

**Extra Time for NEET UG**

The most significant update for NEET UG 2026 candidates concerns the exam duration. According to the new NTA notification, candidates will have a total of 195 minutes to solve the paper and complete all formalities. While the exam will commence at the scheduled time of 2:00 PM, it will now conclude at 5:15 PM—an extension of 15 minutes beyond the usual 5:00 PM finish time. This extra 15 minutes is nothing short of a lifesaver, allowing candidates to complete the paper without rushing.

**No Time Wasted on Formalities**

The NTA's rationale behind adding this extra time is clear. Significant time was previously consumed by essential administrative procedures during the exam, such as signing attendance sheets, recording thumb impressions, and undergoing security checks. The NTA states that with the implementation of this new provision, candidates will not feel that the time available for solving questions is being curtailed by administrative procedures. They will be able to utilize the allotted time effectively without any mental pressure.
**Extra Space for Rough Work**

In addition to extending the time, the NTA has resolved another major concern for candidates. There have long been complaints about the lack of sufficient space for solving numerical problems and performing lengthy calculations in Physics and Chemistry during the NEET UG exam. Candidates often resorted to writing in tiny script in the margins of the booklet, which increased the likelihood of errors. This time, the NTA has increased the blank space provided for rough work within the question paper booklet. Candidates will now be able to perform calculations and jot down necessary notes without any hindrance.

**Exam on June 21; NTA Committed to a Fair and Secure Environment**

The NEET UG 2026 examination is scheduled to be held on June 21, 2026, across various cities in India and abroad. The NTA has clearly stated that the objective behind these new changes is to make the examination fairer, more secure, transparent, and convenient. The agency's priority is to provide a better and stress-free environment for candidates without compromising the integrity of the examination. Candidates are advised to take note of the revised timing and begin practicing mock tests accordingly.

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