New Delhi, May 3 (IANS) Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday visited the headquarters of the National Testing Agency (NTA) for a first-hand and on-ground assessment of the NEET UG 2026 examination held on Sunday.

During the visit to the NTA office during the day, the Union Minister oversaw key operational aspects, including examination logistics, coordination with the centres, and monitoring systems put in place to conduct the test seamlessly across the country.

The officials, entrusted with the task of executing smooth and flawless conduct of the NEET UG examinations, briefed him on measures taken to handle the large number of candidates and maintain discipline at examination venues.

Notably, the NEET UG 2026 examination was conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for nearly 23 lakh registered candidates on Sunday. The test was held at multiple centres across the country under strict protocols.

Earlier in the day, the Education Minister extended best wishes to students taking the NEET UG examination. In a social media post, Dharmendra Pradhan advised the students to stay calm and focused, giving their best.

The Minister noted that the medical profession stands for compassion, service and a lifelong commitment to learning. He also wished that every aspirant get the clarity and confidence to take a meaningful step towards this path.

For the unversed, the NEET UG is the largest undergraduate entrance examination in India. It serves as the gateway for admission to MBBS, BDS, and other allied medical programmes across institutions in the country.

The NEET scores determine the eligibility for the All India Quota (AIQ) counselling process carried out by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC), along with separate counselling rounds organised by respective state authorities. The NEET UG scores are accepted for admission to courses such as MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BUMS, BHMS, BSMS, and BVSc & AH.

The exam-conducting body, NTA, will officially announce the minimum qualifying percentile for each category after the results are declared.

The NTA is an independent, autonomous and self-sustained premier testing organisation set up in 2017, for conducting transparent and international standard tests for assessing the competency of candidates for admission to premier higher education institutions.

–IANS

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