NEET Dress Code 2026: Official NTA Guidelines for Female & Male Candidates

Cracking the NEET exam requires months of hard work, but even the best preparation can be derailed by a simple mistake: ignoring the dress code. The National Testing Agency (NTA) enforces a strict dress code to maintain the integrity and security of the examination.

If you are appearing for the medical entrance test, here is everything you need to know about the NEET dress code for female and male candidates to ensure a hassle-free entry into the exam hall.

👗 NEET Dress Code for Female Candidates

Female candidates often have more questions regarding accessories and traditional wear. To avoid any issues during frisking, follow these specific NTA guidelines:

1. Upper Wear (Tops & Shirts)

Allowed: Light-colored, simple T-shirts or tops with half sleeves.
Not Allowed: Full sleeves, fancy sleeves, or heavy embroidery are strictly prohibited. Avoid clothes with large buttons, frills, or brooches.

2. Lower Wear (Pants & Salwars)

Allowed: Simple trousers, salwars, or leggings.
Not Allowed: Jeans with multiple pockets, zippers, or heavy metal decorations. Avoid wearing skirts or palazzos as they may lead to extra security checks.

3. Footwear

Allowed: Slippers or open-toed sandals with low heels.
Not Allowed: Shoes, boots, sneakers, or high heels.

4. Jewelry and Accessories

Strictly Prohibited: Earrings, nose pins, necklaces, pendants, rings, bangles, and anklets. Even small metallic items can trigger metal detectors.
Hair: Use simple rubber bands. Elaborate hair clips, hairbands, or pins with metal parts are not permitted.

👔 NEET Dress Code for Male Candidates

The rules for male candidates are straightforward but must be followed precisely to avoid disqualification.

Shirt/T-shirt: Only half-sleeved shirts or T-shirts are allowed. They should be light-colored and free of large buttons or heavy designs.
Trousers: Wear simple pants or trousers. Jeans with many pockets (cargo style) or zippers are not allowed.
Footwear: Wear thin-soled slippers or sandals. Shoes are strictly prohibited.
Prohibited Items: Watches, belts, caps, sunglasses, and any form of jewelry (chains, rings, bracelets).

🕌 Guidelines for Customary & Religious Dress

If you wear customary or religious attire (such as a Hijab, Burqa, Turban, or Kirpan), you must follow these rules:

Selection in Form: You must have selected the "Customary Dress" option while filling out the NEET application form.
Reporting Time: Candidates wearing customary dress must report to the exam center at least one hour earlier (by 12:30 PM) for thorough security frisking.

🚫 List of Barred Items in NEET Exam Hall

Regardless of gender, the following items are not allowed inside the examination room:

Electronics: Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, Bluetooth devices, or earphones.
Stationery: Geometry boxes, plastic pouches, pens, scales, or writing pads (NTA provides a pen at the center).
Personal Items: Wallets, handbags, belts, and goggles.
Eatables: Water bottles (unless transparent) and food items (except for diabetic students with prior permission).

💡 Quick Checklist for Exam Day

[ ] Light-colored, half-sleeve top/shirt.
[ ] Simple trousers or salwar.
[ ] Slippers or low-heel sandals (No Shoes).
[ ] No jewelry or metallic accessories.
[ ] Admit Card, ID Proof, and Passport size photos.

Pro-Tip: Wear the simplest clothes possible—think "comfort over fashion." The less metal and fewer pockets you have, the faster you will clear security!

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