In an effort to prevent cheating during the NEET-UG 2026 examination scheduled for May 3, medical students across India are barred from taking leave on May 2 and 3. The National Medical Commission (NMC) issued this directive, emphasizing the need for vigilance against proxy candidates, a practice that has been flagged in previous examinations. In 2024, at least seven MBBS students were arrested for participating in cheating schemes, prompting the NMC to take preventive measures this year. The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the exam in a single shift across 551 cities and over 5,400 centers, expecting around 2.28 million candidates to participate. Enhanced security protocols will include biometric verification, GPS-tracked transport of question papers, and rigorous monitoring to ensure an error-free examination process. NTA director Abhishek Singh highlighted that logistical challenges, including the ongoing conflict in West Asia and state elections, are being addressed to minimize candidate inconvenience.