NEET 2026: Check dress code, list of barred items

New Delhi: With the NEET UG 2026 exam scheduled to be held on May 3, 2026, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has instructed candidates to strictly follow the prescribed dress code and barred items guidelines, as outlined in the NEET UG 2026 Information Bulletin.

NTA will conduct the National Eligibility Entrance Test (UG) 2026 at different locations throughout the country (552 Cities) and abroad (14 Cities) on 03 May 2026 (Sunday) from 02:00 to 05:00 p.m. in Pen and Paper mode.

According to the official information bulletin, candidates will undergo mandatory and extensive frisking before entering the Examination Centre with the help of highly sensitive metal detectors. The agency has clearly stated that several items are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall and instructed candidates not to carry such items under any circumstances.

Barred Items

a) Any item like textual material (printed or written), bits of papers, Geometry/Pencil Box, Plastic Pouch, Calculator, Pen, Scale, Writing Pad, Pen Drives, Eraser, Calculator, Log Table, Electronic Pen/Scanner, etc.

b) Any communication device like Mobile Phone, Bluetooth, Earphones, Microphone, Pager, Health Band, etc.

c) Other items like Wallet, Goggles, Handbags, Belt, Cap, etc.

d) Any Watch/Wristwatch, Bracelet, Camera, etc.

e) Any ornaments/metallic items.

f) Any food items opened or packed, water bottle, etc.

g) Any other item which could be used for unfair means, by hiding communication devices like a microchip, camera, Bluetooth device, etc.

ii) No arrangement will be made at the Centres for keeping any articles/items belonging to the candidates.

iii) The candidates wearing articles or objects of faith (customary/ cultural/ religious) should report at the examination centre at least two hours before the last reporting time so that there is enough time for proper frisking without any inconvenience to the candidate while maintaining the sanctity of the examination. If upon screening, it is discovered that any candidate is actually carrying a suspected device within such item of faith, he/ she may be asked not to take it into the examination hall. 

Dress Code

The candidates have been instructed to follow the following dress code while appearing for NEET (UG) –2026:

a. Heavy clothes and/or long sleeves are not preferable. However, in case, candidates come in cultural/ customary dress at the Examination Centre, they should report at least an hour before the last reporting time i.e. 12.30 PM so that there is enough time for proper frisking without any inconvenience to the candidate while maintaining the sanctity of the examination.

b. Slippers, sandals with low heels are preferable.

c. In case of any deviation required due to unavoidable (medical, etc.) circumstances, specific approval of NTA must be taken before the Admit Cards are issued. 

"It is desired that the candidates follow instructions issued by the NTA strictly. This will help NTA in the fair conduct of the examination. The candidates will be subjected to extensive and compulsory frisking before entering the Examination Centre with the help of highly sensitive metal detectors. They may also undergo various other identity verification checks, such as Biometric, Face Authentication, videography etc," mentioned the guidelines. 

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that the NTA issued the advance intimation of examination city for candidates appearing in the National Eligibility and Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) exam for the academic year 2026. As per the notice, the advance city intimation slip is now available for candidates to download using their application number and date of birth. The admit card for the exam is expected to be released on the official website of the NTA likely in the last week of April 2026.

Also read- NEET 2026 admit card to be released soon