NEET UG 2026 Exam Sees 96.92% Turnout

The National Testing Agency conducted the NEET UG 2026 examination on Sunday across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad, recording a 96.92 percent turnout as more than 22.05 lakh candidates out of 22.75 lakh registered appeared at over 5,400 centers.

The test, held in pen-and-paper mode from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., served as the primary gateway for admissions to MBBS, BDS, and other undergraduate medical programs nationwide. Candidates eligible for compensatory time, such as those with disabilities, could continue until 6 p.m. The NTA described the event as successful, highlighting the high participation rate in a post on X. "A nationwide turnout of 96.92 percent... speaks to your dedication and the trust placed in this examination," the agency stated.

Extensive measures ensured smooth operations and security. Centers featured CCTV surveillance linked to centralized control rooms, biometric verification including Aadhaar, metal detectors, and frisking. Question papers were transported securely with police support, while over 6,000 observers, 674 city coordinators, invigilators, and local officials oversaw proceedings. Facilities included power backups, drinking water, fans,...