Education – NEET UG 2026 Exam Held Smoothly With Moderate Difficulty Level
Education – The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for undergraduate admissions was conducted on Sunday under tight supervision across the country, with candidates largely describing the paper as balanced and manageable.
Exam Conducted Under Enhanced Security Measures
The NEET UG 2026 examination took place at over 5,400 centres nationwide, marking one of the largest coordinated testing exercises in India. Authorities implemented extensive security arrangements this year, deploying nearly two lakh personnel to maintain strict oversight. These measures follow heightened concerns after last year’s paper leak controversy, prompting officials to adopt tighter protocols.
The National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for organizing the exam, confirmed that more than 22.7 lakh students had registered. Female candidates accounted for a majority, making up approximately 58 percent of the total applicants. The exam was conducted in traditional pen-and-paper mode between 2 pm and 5 pm across 551 Indian cities and several international locations.
Overall Difficulty Level Seen as Balanced
A majority of candidates exiting exam centres reported that the question paper ranged from easy to moderate in difficulty. Compared to the previous year, many students felt a noticeable shift, especially in Physics, which had been widely regarded as particularly challenging in 2025.
Students noted that while the paper was somewhat lengthy, it remained approachable. Biology featured a significant number of assertion-based and conceptual questions, while Chemistry maintained a moderate level of complexity.
Student Experiences Reflect Mixed Opinions
Reactions among aspirants were largely consistent, though a few differed based on individual preparation levels. Pranavi Singhal, who took the test at a centre in Janakpuri, described the paper as straightforward overall. She mentioned that no section felt overly difficult, though time management was necessary due to the paper’s length.
Shubham Yadav, appearing for the third time, expressed relief after completing the exam. He pointed out that Physics was noticeably easier than in previous years, which helped boost his confidence. According to him, Chemistry and Biology remained moderately challenging but manageable.
However, not all candidates shared the same experience. Reza Ahmed, attempting the exam for the second time, found the Physics section relatively tougher compared to other subjects. Despite this, he considered the overall paper fair.
Incidents and Concerns Reported During Exam
While the examination process remained largely smooth, a few incidents drew attention. In Surat, a disagreement arose when a candidate was asked to remove a religious necklace before entering the exam hall. In another case from Barmer, Rajasthan, a candidate wearing a face covering was required to undergo identity verification, leading to discussions online about exam protocols.
Additionally, the exam was preceded by a tragic development involving a student in Kota, where an aspirant reportedly died by suicide due to exam-related stress. The incident has once again highlighted the intense pressure faced by students preparing for competitive exams.
Exam Structure and Marking Scheme
The NEET UG 2026 paper consisted of 180 questions, evenly divided among Physics, Chemistry, Botany, and Zoology. Candidates were required to complete the exam within three hours. Each correct answer carried four marks, while one mark was deducted for incorrect responses.
To ensure inclusivity, candidates with disabilities were given an additional hour to complete the test, allowing them adequate time to attempt all questions.
Looking Ahead
With the examination now concluded, attention will shift toward answer keys, results, and counselling processes. Given the overall moderate difficulty level, experts expect competition for top medical colleges to remain strong this year.