New Delhi: The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Friday said that it is sending reminder SMS messages, emails, and WhatsApp notifications to candidates, urging them to download their admit cards for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21, while cautioning students against fraudulent messages and fake communications.
The NEET-UG exam for admissions into medical courses was originally held on May 3 this year, but was cancelled on May 12 due to allegations of a paper leak. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently investigating this issue.
“NTA is sending reminder SMS and emails to candidates to download their admit cards for the re-examination on Sunday, 21 June 2026,” the agency said in a public advisory on X.
The agency informed that legitimate SMS messages would be sent from the official sender ID “NICPEP,” and emails would originate from ” no-reply.neet.nta@nic.in.”
It also reiterated that only the official website for this process is http://neet.nta.nic.in; candidates are encouraged to enter this URL directly into their browsers.
“NTA will NEVER ask for any payment, send exam papers, answer keys, or ‘leaked’ material, or share your admit card via a link,” the advisory said, adding, “If you receive any such message, do not click. Report it.”
Additionally, the NTA mentioned that it would now send exam updates and centre information to candidates directly via WhatsApp for the re-examination.
Candidates should ensure that they see the blue verified tick and the name ‘National Testing Agency’ next to the sender; any message from an account without the blue tick is NOT from the NTA, even if it appears to use their name, the advisory said.
The NTA clarified that the WhatsApp service is a “broadcast-only channel” and that it “will not ask you to reply, share OTPs/personal details, or pay”.
Any message claiming to be from the NTA that requests such information is fraudulent.
Candidates who have already downloaded their admit cards for the June 21 re-examination do not need to download them again. “The SMS/Email/WhatsApp messages are primarily for those students who are yet to download their new Admit Cards,” it said.
Furthermore, the NTA noted that the admit cards issued for the May 3 exam are no longer valid, as many students have been assigned new test centres in their preferred cities.
“Downloading and printing the 21st June Admit Card, once is enough,” the NTA added.
The agency advised candidates to download admit cards only from the official website and report suspicious messages through the designated reporting platform or cybercrime helplines.
The clarification came after several users took to social media to express concern over “urgent” messages sent by the NTA asking students to download fresh admit cards for the June 21 re-examination.
Sharing a screenshot of the message on X, a user @YouthForPeace_ wrote, “A fresh admit card just 3 days before the NEET re-exam? The SMS says the exam centre and roll number may change, and old admit cards won’t be valid. Last-minute changes only increase students’ stress. Clear communication matters.”
The message stated: “Urgent: NEET (UG) Re-exam is scheduled on June 21. Download your new fresh admit card from neet.nta.nic.in immediately. Note: Your city may be the same, but the exam centre and roll number may change. Old admit cards will not be valid.”
Another user, @k9f2se, questioned the move, saying, “Dear @NTA_Exams, what exactly is happening? Sending an “URGENT” SMS just days before the Re NEET, asking candidates to download fresh admit cards because centres and roll numbers may change, is unacceptable. Many students have already printed admit cards and made arrangements.”
Medical colleges asked not to grant leave to students during NEET-UG re-exam period
The National Medical Commission has directed all medical colleges and institutions under its purview not to grant leave to students on June 20 and 21, except in exceptional circumstances, to support the fair conduct of the NEET-UG re-exam on Sunday.
The move comes in the backdrop of some instances when students of medical colleges were found to be involved in activities that could compromise the sanctity and integrity of the examination process, the Commission said in a notice issued on Thursday.
The instruction has been issued in compliance with directions received from the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education regarding the conduct of the medical entrance examination, it said.
The Commission also asked medical colleges to remain vigilant and sensitise students against involvement in any activities that could compromise the sanctity and integrity of the examination process.
“In the past, instances have come to notice where some students of medical colleges were found to be involved in activities that could compromise the sanctity and integrity of the examination process,” the notice said.
“In view of this, and as a matter of general deterrence, all the medical colleges are hereby directed to remain vigilant and ensure that students are sensitized against any involvement in activities prejudicial to the conduct of the examination,” it added.
The NMC advised colleges not to grant leave to students on June 20 and 21, except under “exceptional circumstances” and with due justification.
“This measure is intended as a preventive step to discourage any potential misuse and to support the fair conduct of the examination,” the notice said.
The communication has been sent to the deans and principals of all medical colleges and institutions under the commission’s purview.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) had cancelled the NEET (UG) 2026 exam held on May 3 amid allegations of paper leak, with the government asking the CBI to carry out a comprehensive inquiry into the irregularities.
The NEET (UG) re-examination is scheduled for June 21.
NTA to hold nationwide mock drill on Jun 20 ahead of NEET-UG re-exam across country
The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct a nationwide mock drill on Saturday ahead of the NEET-UG re-examination the day after as part of its preparations to ensure the smooth, secure and transparent conduct of the test, officials said on Friday.
The NTA also issued a statement, saying it is fully prepared for the NEET (UG) 2026 re-examination on Sunday (June 21) with district administrations, police forces and escort teams tasked with securely transporting confidential materials.
The re-examination will be conducted from 2 pm to 5.15 pm in pen-and-paper mode in 551 cities across India and 14 cities abroad for over 22.79 lakh candidates.
Candidates with disabilities (PwD/PwBD) eligible for compensatory time will be allowed to write the examination till 6.20 pm, it said.
According to the NTA, the re-exam involves close coordination among multiple agencies and levels of administration, with 674 city coordinators overseeing city-level operations and 6,669 observers deployed for independent oversight at examination centres.
Centre superintendents and invigilators have been appointed at every examination centre.
In all, over 2 lakh personnel, including police and district administration officials, have been mobilised to ensure the smooth and fair conduct of the re-examination, the NTA said.
