NEET 2026 paper analysis: students say test easy to moderate but lengthy

New Delhi: After over 22 lakh medical aspirants appeared for NEET UG 2026 on May 3, the question paper has been reported as overall easy to moderate, though many students found it lengthy.

According to candidates, the paper was considered slightly easier than in 2025, especially for those who appeared for the second time. 

The examination, conducted by the National Testing Agency, was held from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM in pen-and-paper mode for around 23 lakh candidates. It took place across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad, covering over 5,400 centres.

NEET-UG continues to be one of the largest undergraduate entrance examinations in India and serves as the gateway for admission to MBBS, BDS and other allied medical programmes across institutions in the country. 

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited the National Testing Agency (NTA) headquarters to assess on-ground readiness for the examination. During the visit, the minister oversaw key operational aspects, including examination logistics, coordination with centres, and monitoring systems put in place to conduct the test seamlessly, reports PTI. 

Subject-wise, Biology was the easiest and most scoring section. Most questions were directly based on the NCERT, though it was lengthy. Chemistry was rated moderate and the toughest among the three subjects, with heavy calculations, while Physics was reportedly found easy to moderate, but again, lengthy. 

Some students described the paper as balanced and less time-consuming, especially in Physics. Whereas some said that the paper felt comfortable and manageable.

Also read- NEET 2026: NTA issues advisory on dress code, permissible items

Speaking to IANS, one aspirant from Chandigarh said, "Overall, it was good. Everything was comfortable. Arrangements were good. I didn't find it too strict. It wasn't too much. It was normal...''

Another said, "It was easy. It took less time for physics. Comparatively, it was an easy paper. It took less time for me to manage. I don't know about others, but it took less time for me. It was a first...''

An aspirant from Udaipur said, "The paper was very good. This time, it will be cleared with good marks. I want to become a doctor in MBBS.''

A NEET Aspirant from Hyderabad, Rashmi, has told the Jagran Josh reporters that the paper was difficult as it was lengthy. Biology was easy. Physics had statement-based questions which very tricky. The physical chemistry calculation was lengthy.

A student who attempted NEET for the second time this year has called it easier than the 2025 examination. "I scored only 450 last year, but this paper was easier. Maybe I was better prepared, but I am hoping to score above 550 this year. I will have to check, but this year's paper was better than last year," she told our reporters. 

With over 23 lakh candidates appearing and the paper being moderate, experts believe cutoffs may increase slightly.

Based on previous trends, the expected cut-off for 2026 indicates that candidates from the General and EWS categories may need to secure at least the 50th percentile, translating to a score range of approximately 686 to 144. Meanwhile, candidates from OBC, SC, and ST categories are likely to qualify at the 40th percentile, with expected scores ranging between 143 and 113, reports NDTV. 

NTA will officially announce the minimum qualifying percentile for each category after the results are declared.

Medical Dialogues recently reported that medical bodies strongly criticised the National Medical Commission (NMC) over its April 23 advisory restricting medical students on 2nd and 3rd May 2026 for the smooth conduct of the NEET UG 2026 examination on May 3rd, calling it unfair and demoralising.

Stating that the directive reflects a highly inappropriate and unfortunate mindset wherein medical students are indirectly being viewed with suspicion and unfairly associated with potential malpractice, the doctors demanded immediate withdrawal of the said advisory and a formal and unconditional apology to the students.

Also read- Doctors condemn NMC NEET 2026 advisory restricting MBBS students' leave, demand withdrawal, apology

NEET 2026 was conducted across 551 cities in India and 14 cities abroad, at over 5,432 centres, for approximately 22.79 lakh registered candidates - making NEET (UG) 2026 one of the largest entrance examinations in the world.

Large-Scale Mobilisation and Coordinated Effort

The conduct of NEET (UG) 2026 involved close coordination across multiple agencies and levels of administration:

• 674 City Coordinators overseeing city-level operations

• More than 6,000 Observers deployed for independent oversight at examination centres

• Centre Superintendents and Invigilators at every examination centre

• Active support of District Administrations, Police Forces and Escort Teams, particularly for the secure transportation of confidential materials

In all, over 2 lakh personnel were mobilised to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination for 22.79 lakh candidates.

Security and Monitoring Framework

NTA put in place a multi-layered security framework to ensure a fair and transparent examination:

• End-to-end secure handling of confidential materials to designated locations under sealed protocols

• GPS-enabled vehicles with police escort for the movement of examination materials

• CCTV surveillance at all examination centres, with feeds linked to centralised control rooms

• Mandatory frisking through high-sensitivity metal detectors before entry, with strengthened manpower and equipment at every centre

• Aadhaar-based biometric authentication to prevent impersonation

• Real-time monitoring through centralised control systems

In addition, active monitoring of social media platforms were being undertaken to curb misinformation and prevent malpractice. More than 65 Telegram channels have been blocked for circulating fake question papers and false rumours intended to mislead and defraud candidates. NTA has filed complaints with cyber-crime authorities and is taking strict action against those involved.

Provision for Biometric Verification Exceptions

Per NTA’s advisory dated 29 April 2026, candidates whose biometric verification cannot be completed at the examination centre due to technical malfunction of devices, poor fingerprint quality, UIDAI connectivity issues, or any physical inability were not denied entry to the examination hall. Such candidates were required to sign a written undertaking — the format of which will be made available at the centre with the Centre Superintendent or Observer — and will then be permitted to write the examination without disturbance during the main exam window. Manual identity verification will be carried out using valid documents in such cases.

Candidate-Centric Facilitation Measures

In view of the large candidate volume and prevailing summer conditions, NTA put the following arrangements in place at every examination centre:

• Reliable power back-up, including generators, at all centres

• Adequate electricity, lighting and fans to ensure candidate comfort during the afternoon shift

• Drinking water, sanitation and on-site medical support

• All candidates can carry a Transparent Water Bottle

• Additional biometric machines and trained personnel deployed to expedite verification

• Diabetic candidates permitted to carry sugar tablets and fruits (banana, apple, orange) with a transparent water bottle, in line with existing NTA guidelines

• Travel and weather advisories issued in advance, urging candidates to plan travel early and verify centre addresses from the admit card