Srinagar, March 6, 2026 : Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education and Social Welfare Sakeena Itoo has written to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan requesting an extension of the application deadline for NEET-UG 2026, citing difficulties faced by students in the Kashmir Division.
In her letter, the minister highlighted that many students across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in Kashmir, are encountering problems while submitting their online applications due to internet connectivity restrictions limited to 2G speed in certain areas.
She stated that the slow internet speed has created several technical hurdles for aspirants, including delays in OTP verification, difficulty uploading required documents, and interruptions during the online submission process, making it challenging for students to complete their applications within the current deadline.
Itoo emphasized that NEET-UG, the national-level entrance examination for undergraduate medical courses, plays a crucial role in shaping the academic future of students aspiring to pursue medical education. She warned that many candidates risk missing the opportunity if the deadline is not extended.
The minister further noted that a significant number of students from remote and rural areas rely on stable internet access to use the online application portal. Connectivity limitations, she said, are preventing several eligible candidates from completing the application process smoothly.
Taking into account the concerns raised by students and parents, Itoo urged the Ministry of Education, India to extend the deadline for NEET-UG 2026 applications so that all eligible aspirants from the Union Territory can apply without disadvantage.
She expressed hope that the Union government would consider the request sympathetically and ensure that no student is deprived of the opportunity due to technical or connectivity issues.
