NEET UG 2026: NTA Publishes Scanned OMR Answer Sheets, Challenges Accepted Till July 15
Candidates can download their scanned answer sheets, verify recorded responses, and submit objections online by paying the prescribed challenge fee.
New Delhi, July 14: The National Testing Agency (NTA) has made the scanned Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) answer sheets and recorded responses of candidates available for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET UG) 2026. The move enables aspirants to review their responses and report any discrepancies before the final answer key is prepared.
According to the examination authority, the scanned OMR sheets have been uploaded to the official NEET UG portal and have also been sent to the registered email addresses of candidates. The objection facility will remain open until July 15, providing students with a limited window to verify their responses and submit challenges if required.
The NTA stated that candidates who believe there is an error in the recorded response can file an online challenge by paying a non-refundable fee of ₹200 for each disputed response. The agency advised students to carefully examine their OMR sheets before submitting any objections, as only challenges supported by valid evidence are likely to be considered during the review process.
Re-Examination Conducted After Cancellation
This year’s NEET UG examination witnessed an unusual development after the original test was cancelled due to allegations of a question paper leak. Following the controversy, the examination was conducted again on June 21 under enhanced security measures to maintain transparency and ensure fairness in the admission process.
The release of scanned OMR sheets is part of the standard post-examination verification procedure, allowing candidates to confirm that their marked answers have been correctly captured before results are finalised.
Transparent Evaluation Process
Education experts note that providing access to scanned answer sheets strengthens confidence in the examination process. It allows candidates to independently verify their responses and ensures that any genuine discrepancies can be addressed before the declaration of results.
After reviewing all valid objections, subject experts will evaluate the challenges submitted by candidates. If any corrections are found necessary, the changes will be reflected in the final answer key, which will form the basis for preparing the NEET UG 2026 results.
India’s Largest Undergraduate Entrance Examination
NEET UG continues to be India’s biggest undergraduate entrance examination, with nearly 25 lakh candidates appearing every year. The examination serves as the single gateway for admission to undergraduate medical programmes across the country.
The scores obtained in NEET UG determine admission to approximately 1.08 lakh MBBS seats, including nearly 56,000 seats in government medical colleges and around 52,000 seats in private medical institutions.
Admission to Multiple Healthcare Courses
Besides MBBS admissions, NEET UG scores are also accepted for several other undergraduate healthcare programmes. These include the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) along with courses in Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha offered by recognised institutions across India.
Medical aspirants are advised to complete the response verification process before the deadline, as no challenges will be accepted after the objection window closes. Once all objections are reviewed, the NTA will release the final answer key and proceed with the announcement of NEET UG 2026 results, paving the way for the counselling and admission process.
