The National Testing Agency (NTA) is conducting the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) 2025 today, May 4, from 2 PM to 5 PM. This year, the exam is set to see approximately 22.7 lakh candidates participating, all vying for a spot in medical colleges across India. With the stakes so high, the NTA has laid out strict guidelines regarding documentation, dress code, and prohibited items to ensure a smooth examination process.
As candidates prepare to enter the exam hall, they must ensure they have the necessary documents. Each student is required to carry a printed copy of their NEET UG 2025 admit card, which must feature a passport-sized photograph identical to the one uploaded during the application process. Additionally, they must bring another passport-sized photograph to be affixed to the attendance sheet at the exam center.
In terms of identification, candidates can present any one of the following: a PAN card, a driving license, a voter ID, a passport, an Aadhaar card, a ration card, or a Class 12 admit card with a photograph. For those claiming relaxation under the Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) category, a PwBD certificate issued by a competent authority is also mandatory. The NTA has emphasized that failure to present these documents will result in candidates being denied entry to the examination hall.
To maintain the integrity of the exam, the NTA has also instituted a strict dress code. Candidates are advised to wear light-colored, casual clothing with half sleeves. Heavy clothing and long sleeves are prohibited to facilitate security checks. Footwear is limited to slippers or sandals with low heels; shoes are not allowed inside the exam hall. Female candidates wearing customary or religious attire must arrive at least one hour before the last reporting time of 12:30 PM to accommodate inspection and frisking.
Moreover, the NTA has outlined a list of prohibited items that candidates cannot bring into the examination hall. These include any printed or written notes, geometry boxes, electronic devices, wallets, handbags, belts, caps, watches, bracelets, and food items. Possession of any of these items can lead to disqualification. Candidates are also reminded that they must reach the examination center by 1:30 PM, as no entry will be permitted after this time.
NEET UG 2025 consists of 180 questions spanning Physics, Chemistry, Zoology, and Botany, with a total duration of three hours. The exam will be conducted in a pen-and-paper format, and students will be required to manage their time effectively due to a reduction in the exam duration from 200 minutes to 180 minutes. This change makes time management crucial, as candidates will need to plan how long to spend on each section.
As part of the exam's security measures, the NTA has implemented live monitoring through CCTV at all exam centers. Additionally, signal jammers will be employed to deter cheating via electronic devices, and armed police will be present at sensitive centers to ensure safety. These measures come in response to previous incidents of malpractice, including a paper leak in 2024.
In the lead-up to the exam, candidates have been advised to remain calm and focus on strategic revision. Harpreet Singh, Director at Unacademy, encourages students to avoid last-minute cramming and instead rely on self-prepared notes. “A relaxed yet disciplined mindset can go a long way in improving performance,” he notes, suggesting that spending time with family or friends can help alleviate pre-exam stress.
With the exam now underway, candidates are reminded of the importance of adhering to all guidelines and instructions provided by the NTA. This includes signing the attendance sheet twice: once at the start and once while submitting the answer sheet. Candidates must also check their test booklet to ensure it contains the correct number of pages as indicated on the cover.
As the NEET UG 2025 unfolds today, all eyes are on the candidates who have prepared tirelessly for this moment. With the exam being a gateway to prestigious medical institutions, students are hopeful for a successful outcome. The results are expected to be announced tentatively on June 14, 2025, allowing candidates to assess their performance and admission possibilities.
In a somber note, the pressure associated with such competitive exams has led to tragic incidents, including the recent suicide of a NEET aspirant in Kota, which serves as a reminder of the mental health challenges faced by students preparing for high-stakes examinations.
As the day progresses, candidates and their families are encouraged to stay informed and cautious, especially regarding rumors and misinformation. The NTA has launched a dedicated platform for reporting suspicious activities related to the exam, aiming to maintain transparency and fairness in the examination process.
