Archive · 1 Oct 2026
NEET UG Ranks Fifth Globally With 25 Lakh Candidates
A report compared some of the biggest exams in different countries.
It says India’s NEET UG had about 25 lakh candidates.
This makes NEET UG one of the five largest exams in the world.
China’s Gaokao was the biggest, with about 1.29 crore candidates.
The report describes security and planning measures used to conduct that exam.
These included identity checks, video monitoring and secure transport of question papers.
SBI Research said India could consider some of these practices.
It also recommended stronger laws and better accountability for India’s National Testing Agency.
NEET UG is ranked among the world’s five largest examinations, with about 25 lakh candidates, according to SBI Research.
China’s Gaokao tops the comparison with approximately 1.29 crore candidates, followed by Brazil’s ENEM with 48 lakh.
The report lists China’s Guokao and national master’s entrance exam among the other largest examinations.
China’s 2026 Gaokao was held across 7,981 centres, with 3.48 lakh exam rooms and 21,000 reserve rooms.
SBI Research recommended an NTA Act, a permanent workforce, independent reviews, a candidate charter and greater accountability.
- Who
- NEET UG candidates, SBI Research, China’s Gaokao authorities and India’s National Testing Agency are central to the report.
- What
- SBI Research compared major examinations worldwide and ranked NEET UG among the five largest by candidate numbers.
- When
- The report was published on October 1, 2026; the cited Gaokao figures refer to 2026.
- Where
- The examinations discussed were held in India, China, Brazil, Türkiye, Nigeria and other countries.
- Why
- The comparison aimed to examine large-scale examination systems and identify possible lessons for improving India’s examination administration.
- NEET UG candidates
- Around 25 lakh
- Gaokao candidates
- Around 1.29 crore
- Brazil ENEM candidates
- Around 48 lakh
- NEET UG position
- Among the world’s top five largest examinations by candidate numbers
- Gaokao centres in 2026
- 7,981 centres
- Gaokao exam rooms
- 3.48 lakh exam rooms and 21,000 reserve rooms
- NTA exam record
- More than 240 exams involving over 5.4 crore candidates by July 2024