NEET UG 2026: NMC directs medical colleges to ban leave on May 2-3
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has told medical colleges across India not to grant leave to students on May 2 and 3, 2026 , ahead of NEET UG 2026 scheduled on May 3, 2026 . The directive follows an education ministry order dated April 20, 2026 .
NMC asked institutions to remain vigilant and to sensitize students against any involvement in activities prejudicial to the conduct of the examination. The commission described the move as a preventive step to discourage potential misuse and to support fair conduct of the test.
NEET UG 2026: what the order says
The NMC notice repeats the ministry instruction and asks colleges to issue suitable internal directions. Leaves on May 2-3 are prohibited except in exceptional cases where proper justification is provided. Institutions were also asked to stay alert during the exam period.
Key dates for NEET UG 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Education ministry order referenced | April 20, 2026 |
| NMC directive / No-leave period | May 2-3, 2026 |
| NEET UG 2026 exam date | May 3, 2026 |
Why this step was taken
Officials cited reported instances of malpractice in past NEET UG examinations. The ban on leave is listed as a preventive measure to reduce opportunities for misuse and to strengthen exam sanctity. Last year the ministry had announced plans for a "fool-proof" strategy against leaks and security lapses.
Exam scope and conducting body
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is conducting the pen-and-paper NEET UG 2026 . The test is the single-largest medical entrance exam and is the gateway for admissions to MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS (AYUSH), and BSc nursing programmes.
What colleges must do
Medical colleges must issue clear instructions to students, conduct sensitisation sessions, and adopt vigilance measures during the exam window. Exceptional leaves can be granted only with due justification, the NMC said.
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FAQs
Q: Why are leaves banned on May 2-3? A: To act as a preventive step and discourage misuse that could affect the conduct of NEET UG 2026.
Q: Which authority issued the directive? A: The National Medical Commission, in line with the education ministry order dated April 20, 2026.
Q: When is NEET UG 2026 scheduled? A: May 3, 2026 .
Q: Are any leaves allowed during the ban? A: Yes, only in exceptional circumstances with due justification.
Q: Who conducts NEET UG 2026? A: The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducts the pen-and-paper exam.
Q: Which courses use NEET UG scores? A: MBBS, BDS, BAMS, BHMS, BUMS (AYUSH), and BSc nursing.
Q: Was this action linked to past incidents? A: Yes. The directive cites reported malpractices in previous years and aims to protect exam integrity.
Q: Does the order explain penalties or enforcement details? A: The NMC directive sets the no-leave guideline and asks colleges to be vigilant; specific penalties and enforcement mechanisms were not detailed in the notice.