New Delhi: The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Friday said it has started sending reminder SMS messages, emails and WhatsApp notifications to candidates, urging them to download their admit cards for the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21, while warning students against fraudulent messages and fake communications.
The NEET-UG examination for admission to medical courses was originally conducted on May 3 but was cancelled on May 12 following allegations of a question paper leak. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is currently probing the matter.
"NTA is sending reminder SMS and emails to candidates to download their admit cards for the re-examination on Sunday, 21 June 2026," the agency said in a public advisory posted on X.
📢 NEET (UG) 2026 — Official WhatsApp UpdatesNTA is now sending exam updates & centre information to candidates directly on WhatsApp for the re-examination on Sunday, 21 June 2026.How to know it's really us:✅ Only from our verified account: +91 78279 80287✅ Look for the…
The agency clarified that authentic SMS alerts will be sent only from the sender ID "NICPEP", while official emails will originate from "no-reply.neet.nta@nic.in."
It also reiterated that candidates should access admit cards only through the official website, neet.nta.nic.in, by entering the URL directly into their web browser.
"NTA will NEVER ask for any payment, send exam papers, answer keys, or 'leaked' material, or share your admit card via a link," the advisory stated, adding, "If you receive any such message, do not click. Report it."
For the first time, the NTA said it will also share examination updates and test centre information directly with candidates through WhatsApp.
According to the advisory, students should verify that the sender displays the blue verification tick and the name "National Testing Agency." Any account lacking the verified badge should not be considered authentic, even if it uses the agency's name.
The NTA clarified that the WhatsApp service is "broadcast-only" and "will not ask you to reply, share OTPs/personal details, or pay". Any message seeking such information should be treated as fraudulent.
Candidates who have already downloaded their admit cards for the June 21 re-examination do not need to obtain another copy.
"The SMS/Email/WhatsApp messages are primarily for those students who are yet to download their new Admit Cards," the agency said.
It further clarified that admit cards issued for the original May 3 examination are no longer valid, as several candidates have been allotted new examination centres in their preferred cities.
"Downloading and printing the 21st June Admit Card, once is enough," the NTA added.
The agency advised students to download admit cards only from the official website and report suspicious messages through the designated reporting platform or cybercrime helplines.
The clarification followed concerns raised by several users on social media after receiving "urgent" messages asking candidates to download fresh admit cards ahead of the re-examination.
Sharing a screenshot of the message on X, user @YouthForPeace_ wrote, "A fresh admit card just 3 days before the NEET re-exam? The SMS says the exam centre and roll number may change, and old admit cards won't be valid. Last-minute changes only increase students' stress. Clear communication matters."
The message stated: "Urgent: NEET (UG) Re-exam is scheduled on June 21. Download your new fresh admit card from neet.nta.nic.in immediately. Note: Your city may be the same, but the exam centre and roll number may change. Old admit cards will not be valid."
Another user, @k9f2se, questioned the move, saying, "Dear @NTA_Exams, what exactly is happening? Sending an 'URGENT' SMS just days before the Re NEET, asking candidates to download fresh admit cards because centres and roll numbers may change, is unacceptable. Many students have already printed admit cards and made arrangements."