Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
More than 50,000 medical aspirants are set to appear for NEET-UG 2026 across Jammu and Kashmir today, making it one of the largest academic events in the region.
While official figures for this year have not been disclosed, trends from previous years suggest that the number of candidates is expected to range between 48,000 and 52,000—marking one of the highest turnouts in recent years.
According to data released last month by the Union Ministry of Health and Medical Education, a total of 1,676 MBBS seats are available for candidates from Jammu and Kashmir this year. In addition, aspirants will compete for courses such as BDS, BVSc and AYUSH programmes, for which NEET-UG is the mandatory entrance examination.
The exam is being conducted under the supervision of the National Testing Agency across designated centres set up in both government and select private institutions. Srinagar and Jammu will host the majority of candidates, while additional centres have been established in districts including Anantnag, Baramulla, Budgam, Kupwara, Pulwama, Samba, Udhampur and Kathua to ensure wider accessibility.
Officials said all examination centres have been equipped in accordance with prescribed guidelines, including adequate seating arrangements, drinking water facilities and power backup. Robust monitoring measures such as CCTV surveillance, frisking at entry points and biometric verification have also been put in place to ensure transparency and prevent malpractice.
District administrations have been tasked with overseeing smooth conduct of the examination, including traffic regulation and facilitating the movement of candidates.
Authorities have advised candidates to reach their respective centres well in advance to complete verification procedures. Carrying admit cards, valid identity proof and adhering to the prescribed dress code and exam guidelines has been made mandatory.
At the national level, over 22.7 lakh candidates have registered for NEET-UG 2026, which serves as the single entrance test for undergraduate medical courses including MBBS, BDS, BVSc and various AYUSH programmes, as well as for certain nursing and foreign medical admissions.
