National Testing Agency (NTA) which is conducting body of NEET 2025 exam has prescribed NEET 2025 exam day guidelines for male and female candidates. Candidates who wants to appear for the exam must follow all the exam day instructions. Avoiding any instructions or misbehavior will lead to the disqualification, so candidates must follow all the guidelines and reach the exam center on time with all the necessary documents. NTA releases the NEET exam day instructions along with NEET UG admit card.
To ensure a smooth and stress-free NEET exam day, it’s important to be well-prepared. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on NEET exam day guidelines that will help you be at your best during the exam.
What is NEET?
NEET is the most important exam for aspiring medical students to get admission in MBBS, BDS, BHMS, BAMS, and other UG medical courses in top medical institutions across India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), NEET is one of the most competitive exams, held annually in offline mode. It tests candidates’ knowledge in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, based on the NCERT curriculum for classes 11 and 12.
The NEET exam consists of 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs), which must be completed within 3 hours. Understanding the exam format and preparing accordingly is crucial, but managing your time and mindset on exam day is just as important.
NEET Exam Day Guidelines: Important Things to Know
NEET 2025 exam is scheduled to be conducted on May 4th from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Admit card for NEET exam has been released on 1st May on the official website of NTA NEET. This year almost 24 lakhs medical aspirants will appear for the exam held across India at various exam centers. NEET exam will be conducted in pen and paper mode. Students need to appear at their designated center at the scheduled time, and once the exam begins, they will have 3 hours to complete their test.
Understanding the do’s and don’ts on NEET exam day will help you stay calm and focused. Here are the most important aspects of the day:
- Timings and Reporting
- NEET exam is conducted in one shift: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM. The exact time for your exam will be mentioned in your admit card.
- Arrive at least 2 hours before the exam begins to avoid last-minute rushes. The gates to the exam center typically close 30 minutes before the exam starts, so make sure you reach on time.
- Exam Center
- Check the exam center address beforehand. Visit the location a day before if you are unfamiliar with the place to avoid getting lost on the actual day.
- Admit Card and Other Documents
- You need to carry your NEET Admit Card along with a government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar card, voter ID, etc.) for identity verification.
- Photograph
- You will also need a recent passport-sized photograph for verification purposes.
What to Do Before the NEET Exam Day
The days leading up to NEET are critical for mental and physical preparation. Here’s how you can prepare in the days leading to your NEET exam:
1. Review the NEET Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Before the exam, ensure that you are familiar with the NEET exam pattern and syllabus. Revise key concepts and formulas in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
2. Keep Your Essentials Ready
The night before the exam, gather all the documents and essentials that you’ll need:
- NEET Admit Card
- A valid ID proof
- Passport-sized photograph
- A transparent water bottle
- Face mask and sanitizer (due to health protocols)
3. Get Adequate Sleep
While the temptation to cram last-minute information can be strong, it’s essential to get a good night’s sleep (7-8 hours) before the exam day. Lack of rest will negatively affect your concentration and performance.
4. Eat a Healthy Meal
Have a light but nutritious breakfast on the exam day. Avoid heavy or spicy foods that could upset your stomach. Opt for a balanced meal with whole grains, fruits, and proteins to keep your energy levels high.
NEET Exam Day Checklist
On exam day, Candidates need to make sure that they have all the required documents to avoid any last-minute hassles. Candidates who forgot to bring any necessary documents will not be allowed to enter the exam center. Here’s a checklist to guide you through the process:
1. Documents to Carry for Exam
Ensure you carry the following documents to the exam center:
- NEET Admit Card printed copy with attached passport size photograph.
- Any Government-issued valid ID like Aadhaar card, Voter ID, Passport, driving license etc.
- Passport-sized Photograph (same as the one used for your admit card)
- Disability Certificate (if applicable).
2. Personal Items
- Transparent Water Bottle: You are allowed to carry a water bottle but make sure it is transparent with no labels.
- Face Mask & Hand Sanitizer: As per health guidelines, masks are compulsory and you should carry a small bottle of sanitizer.
- Two Blue/Black Ballpoint Pens: You’ll need them for filling the OMR sheet.
- Wristwatch (Optional): Although electronic gadgets are banned, a simple wristwatch will help you track time.
3. Miscellaneous Items
- Keep Your Phone at Home: Mobile phones, calculators, and other electronic devices are strictly prohibited.
- Comfortable Clothing: Choose simple and comfortable clothes. Avoid wearing items with large metal fasteners.
- Stationery: You will only need pens. Do not carry extra papers, notes, or books.
List of Prohibited Items on NEET Exam Day
Before entering the NEET exam center, candidates must ensure they are not carrying any prohibited items. Below is a list of items that are strictly prohibited in the exam center for NEET 2025:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Electronic devices | Mobile phones, tablets, smartwatches, calculators, earphones, or any other gadgets. |
| Personal items | Bags, purses, wallets, jackets, or any large clothing items that are not required during the exam. |
| Food and drinks | Any type of food items, beverages, or chewing gum. |
| Books and study materials | Any kind of textbooks, notes, papers, or stationery not needed during the exam. |
| Stationery items (except allowed) | Pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, or other stationery unless allowed by the authorities. |
| Paper or writing material | Any kind of paper, except for the admit card and authorized documents. |
| Chits, notes, or cheat sheets | Any kind of written notes or material intended for cheating. |
| Aadhar card, or documents not required | Any other documents apart from the admit card, identification proof, and other required documents. |
| Footwear | Shoes or footwear with thick soles (may be restricted in certain centers). |
| Large jewelry or ornaments | Heavy jewelry like chains, rings, bracelets, or other ornamental items. |
| Headgear | Caps, hats, or any headgear unless worn for religious or medical purposes. |
| Water bottles | Water bottles or any other liquid containers (unless allowed by the center). |
Do’s and Don’ts on NEET Exam Day
While it’s important to prepare well for the exam, there are also things you should avoid on the exam day:
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Arrive 2 hours before the exam. | Don’t be late. |
| Carry NEET Admit Card, ID proof, and photograph. | Don’t forget essential documents. |
| Check the exam center location a day before. | Don’t get lost or confused on the exam day. |
| Wear comfortable, simple clothing. | Don’t wear jewelry or tight clothing. |
| Stay calm and focused. | Don’t panic or stress. |
| Read exam instructions carefully. | Don’t ignore the instructions. |
| Carry a transparent water bottle. | Don’t carry food or drinks other than water. |
| Keep a wristwatch for time tracking. | Don’t carry mobile phones or smartwatches. |
| Manage your time wisely during the exam. | Don’t spend too much time on difficult questions. |
| Use a blue/black ballpoint pen for OMR marking. | Don’t use a pencil or any other color pen. |
| Keep a positive mindset. | Don’t compare yourself with others. |
NEET Exam Day Dress Code
On the day of the NEET 2025 exam, it’s essential to adhere to the prescribed dress code to avoid any delays or issues during the security checks. Below are the key guidelines regarding the NEET exam day dress code that every candidate should follow:
- Simple and Comfortable Clothing: Wear light, simple, and comfortable attire.
- Avoid Heavy and Tight Clothing: Opt for clothing that allows easy movement.
- Footwear Restrictions: Only open-toe footwear, sandals, or slippers are allowed. Avoid shoes with thick soles or heels.
- No Jewelry or Accessories: Avoid wearing rings, chains, bracelets, or earrings.
- Headgear: Wear headscarves or turbans only for religious or medical reasons. Ensure clear visibility of your face.
- No Dark Glasses or Goggles: Sunglasses or tinted glasses are not allowed unless medically necessary.
- Avoid Pocketed Clothing: Clothes with large or bulky pockets are discouraged.
- Minimal Makeup: Keep makeup to a minimum for clear identification.
- No Belts or Watches: Do not wear belts, watches, or any metal items.
Important things to Remember on NEET Exam Day
On exam day, following the right mindset and techniques will ensure that you stay focused and perform well. Here are some important NEET exam day tips:
1. Reach the Exam Center Early
Arrive at your exam center at least 2 hours before the scheduled exam time. This will help you avoid any unnecessary stress caused by last-minute rush or traffic issues.
2. Relax and Focus
Once you are in the exam hall, take a few deep breaths. Calm your nerves and remember that you have prepared for this moment. Stay positive and do not let negative thoughts take over.
3. Time Management
Time is of the essence during NEET. You have 180 minutes to answer 180 questions, so it’s important to manage time effectively. Start with the questions you are most confident about and leave the tougher ones for later.
4. Read Instructions Carefully
Before you start the exam, take time to read the instructions on the OMR sheet and the question paper carefully. This will help you avoid mistakes and ensure that you follow the correct procedure.
5. Stay Hydrated
Carry a water bottle, but don’t overdrink. A hydrated mind is a sharp mind. Also, take short breaks if you feel overwhelmed.
6. Don’t Panic
If you’re unsure about an answer, don’t waste too much time on it. Mark it and come back to it later if you have time.
What After NEET 2025 Exam?
Once you’ve completed the NEET exam, take a moment to relax and de-stress. The worst is over, and it’s time to wait for the results. The answer key will be released shortly after the exam, and you can use that to evaluate your performance.
- Relax and avoid over-analyzing the exam.
- Start preparing for the counseling process, as you will be required to participate in the NEET counseling once the results are declared.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about NEET Exam Day
Q1: What time should I reach the exam center for NEET?
You should reach the exam center 2 hours before the exam time to avoid any last-minute issues.
Q2: Can I carry my mobile phone to the NEET exam hall?
No, mobile phones and any other electronic devices are strictly prohibited in the exam hall.
Q3: Can I bring food items to the exam center?
No, food items are not allowed inside the exam hall. You can carry a transparent water bottle.
Q4: What to do if I lose my NEET admit card?
If you lose your admit card before the exam day, immediately contact the NTA helpdesk to get a re-issued admit card.
Q5: Will there be a separate admit card for each session of NEET?
Yes, candidates appearing in different shifts will receive a separate admit card with their exam details.