NTA issues advisory on stress, misinformation for NEET aspirants; sets up 24x7 helplines

The National Testing Agency (NTA) has issued an advisory ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 exam, urging candidates to prioritise their health and well-being, stating that “no examination is more important than your life”.

In its message to aspirants, the agency emphasised the importance of staying calm and avoiding excessive stress in the lead-up to the exam. It also cautioned students and parents against misinformation and fraudulent claims, particularly those circulating on social media platforms regarding paper leaks or unfair means.

To support candidates, the NTA has introduced 24x7 helplines and support systems aimed at assisting students facing anxiety or confusion related to the examination process. The move is part of efforts to address concerns around student mental health during high-pressure competitive exams.

The NEET-UG 2026 exam is scheduled to be conducted on May 3 in offline mode across centres in India.

The agency has also advised candidates to strictly follow exam-day guidelines, including rules on prohibited items and reporting time, to ensure a smooth conduct of the test.

The advisory comes amid increasing focus on student well-being during major entrance examinations, with authorities urging aspirants to rely only on official sources for updates and to avoid panic driven by rumours.