The NEET dress code for female 2026 NTA requires light-coloured, half-sleeve tops and bans jewellery, watches and heavy embroidery. The rules aim to speed up security checks for more than 20 lakh candidates who appear each year.
NEET dress code for female 2026 NTA: What to wear
Female candidates should wear plain, light-coloured half-sleeve tops or kurtis paired with plain salwar or simple trousers. Full sleeves, tight jeans, palazzos, heavy dupattas, jackets or layered clothing are discouraged to avoid triggering metal detectors and delays.
Avoid dresses with large buttons, sequins, heavy embroidery or metallic zips. The guidance also warns against pockets or accessories that can hold prohibited items.
NEET dress code for female 2026 NTA: Footwear, jewellery and security
Only flat sandals or slippers with thin soles are permitted; shoes, high heels and thick-soled footwear are not allowed. All watches — analog, digital, smartwatches and fitness trackers — are strictly banned. Jewellery of any kind, including small studs, rings, chains and nose pins, is not permitted.
Metal detectors will be used at centres. If your clothes set off the detector you may face additional checks and entry delays.
Frisking, religious dress and reporting time
Female candidates will be frisked by female staff inside a private closed area to protect privacy and dignity. Religious or customary dress (for example, hijab, turban or burqa) is allowed, but must be declared in the application form.
Candidates wearing traditional attire are asked to report early — at least one hour before the final reporting time of 12:30 PM — so security checks can be completed without disrupting exam timing.
What you can carry and centre facilities
You must carry your printed admit card, a valid government photo ID and one passport-size photograph. Wallets, purses, handbags, mobile phones, earphones and calculators are not allowed inside the centre.
Transparent water bottles are allowed only for diabetic candidates. The NTA will provide sanitary pads at every examination centre.
Centres may use biometric verification and video recording for identity checks. Follow instructions from centre staff to avoid delays on exam day.
As of 27 April 2026 , these guidelines reflect NTA’s directions for female NEET candidates. Check your admit card and instructions from the exam authority for any centre-specific notices.