Over 4,000 candidates appeared for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) at nine centres in Puducherry on May 4. The exam commenced nationwide at 2 PM on Sunday.

The university hosted the highest number of candidates, with 960 taking the exam there. Other centres included the University of Technology with 720 candidates, JIPMER Kendriya Vidyalaya School with 480, Kalapattu Kendriya Vidyalaya and Navodaya Vidyalaya Schools each with 240 candidates, Chinnatha Government Girls’ School with 480, Thiruvalluvar Government Girls’ Higher Secondary School with 480, Villiyanur Kannagi Government Girls’ School with 480, and Bharathidasan Government Girls’ College with 360 candidates.

Several restrictions were enforced for the exam, such as candidates being required to wear light-coloured clothes with half sleeves and to arrive early at the examination centres. Electronic devices including cell phones, Bluetooth devices, earphones, microphones, pagers, calculators, and smart watches were prohibited inside the examination rooms. Candidates were admitted only after undergoing multiple checks.

Earlier on the same day, Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan visited the National Testing Agency (NTA) headquarters to evaluate preparedness for the NEET UG 2026 examination. During the visit, he reviewed key operational aspects such as examination logistics, centre coordination, and monitoring systems established to ensure smooth conduct of the test nationwide. Officials provided a briefing on measures implemented to manage the high volume of candidates and preserve discipline at the examination venues.

The NEET UG 2026 examination, conducted by the NTA for nearly 23 lakh registered candidates, is taking place across various centres in India under strict protocols. The exam remains one of the largest undergraduate entrance tests in the country, serving as the gateway for admission to MBBS, BDS, and other allied medical courses.