Kamal Ghorui
The National Testing Agency (NTA) is expected to open the objection window for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate, or NEET UG 2026, shortly. The challenge facility will be activated after scanned OMR answer sheets are uploaded on the official NEET website, according to the latest public notice issued by the agency.The provisional answer keys for all question paper series were released on May 6, 2026, following the conduct of the examination on May 3, 2026. Candidates will be allowed to challenge the provisional answer keys once the objection process begins. The detailed schedule for OMR uploads and answer key challenges is yet to be announced.More than 22 lakh candidates appeared for examinationNEET UG 2026 recorded a nationwide attendance of 96.92 per cent. Out of 22,75,011 registered candidates, 22,05,035 appeared for the examination conducted in pen-and-paper mode between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM.The examination was organised across 551 cities in India and 14 international locations through more than 5,432 centres. More than two lakh personnel, including city coordinators, observers, invigilators and centre superintendents, were involved in conducting the examination.Authorities implemented multiple security arrangements during the examination process. Question papers and confidential materials were transported through GPS-enabled vehicles under police escort. CCTV surveillance systems were installed at all centres and connected to central monitoring rooms.Steps to raise objections against NEET UG 2026 answer keysCandidates will be able to submit objections through the official NEET portal after the challenge facility is activated by the NTA.Steps to raise objections are expected to include:Step 1: Visit the official NEET website.Step 2: Open the NEET UG 2026 answer key challenge link.Step 3: Log in using the application number and password or date of birth.Step 4: Access the provisional answer key and scanned OMR sheet.Step 5: Select the question or answer to be challenged.Step 6: Upload supporting documents, if required.Step 7: Pay the prescribed objection fee online.Step 8: Submit the objection form and save the confirmation page.Security monitoring and verification measuresThe NTA stated that Aadhaar-based biometric authentication was used for candidate verification during the examination. Candidates facing biometric verification issues due to technical problems, fingerprint quality or physical limitations were allowed to appear after manual verification and submission of written undertakings.Authorities also monitored social media platforms during the examination period. More than 65 Telegram channels were blocked for allegedly circulating fake question papers and misleading content. Complaints related to such cases were submitted to cyber-crime authorities.Candidates have been advised to regularly check the official NTA and NEET websites for updates regarding the scanned OMR upload schedule and activation of the objection window.
