Is NEET Exam Centres Available In USA For NRI Students 

No, there are no NEET exam centres in the USA. The National Testing Agency (NTA) does not conduct NEET anywhere in the United States. This means NRI students living in America cannot take the exam from within the US.

Instead, they must choose an exam centre either in India or in other approved international locations such as the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and Singapore etc…

US-based NRIs usually select a centre based on travel convenience, family support, and flight availability. This is why understanding how NRIs in the US sit NEET becomes important for parents and students planning the exam from abroad.

Read More:- NEET Coaching In USA For NRI Students

Why NEET Is Not Conducted in the USA

NEET is not conducted in the USA because it is easier for NTA to manage exam security and logistics in India and a few selected international centres. Setting up centres in the U.S. requires extra permissions and is not practical, especially since the number of NEET applicants in the USA is very low. 

This is why students searching for Can American Curriculum Students Give NEET are asked to take the exam in India or nearby international locations instead.

Another reason is that very few students in the USA apply for NEET compared to places like the UAE, Qatar, or Kuwait, where thousands of NRIs study. 

So it’s practical for NTA to keep exam centres only in regions with high NRI demand. India already provides NEET centres in major Middle Eastern and Asian countries, making it easier to maintain the same rules everywhere without adding low-demand countries like the USA.

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Where can US-based NRI Students take the NEET Exam?

Since NEET exam centres are not available in the USA, students living in America must choose an exam centre either in India or in one of the selected international locations approved by NTA.

Below is the updated and most accurate list of exam centre options for US-based NRI students:

Where Can US-Based NRI Students Take the NEET Exam?

For most NRI families in the USA, India remains the best and most practical choice for writing NEET. Here’s why:

1. Stay With Family: Students can stay with relatives, which reduces travel stress, stay costs, and safety worries.
2. Most Exam Centres Are in India: India has the highest number of NEET centres, making it easy to choose a city near your hometown.
3. Complete Multiple Tasks in One Trip: Families often combine the exam with college visits, counselling preparation, and checking NRI quota options.
4. Travel Can Be More Cost-Effective: Even during peak season, flying to India is often cheaper than some Middle East countries.
5. Familiar Exam Environment: Writing NEET in India helps students feel more comfortable because the exam rules and atmosphere match what they expect.

Result: Around 80% of US-Based NRI Students Choose Indian NEET Centres

Why Some US NRIs Select International NEET Centres

A smaller percentage of US-based NRIs prefer NEET  international centres, mainly when they want shorter travel distances or easier connections.

• UAE (Dubai, Abu Dhabi) – One of the most popular choices because of visa-on-arrival, excellent connectivity from the USA, and a large number of exam seats.
• Qatar (Doha) – A good option for students on the US East Coast, thanks to direct flights to Doha and smooth airport transit.
• Saudi Arabia – Suitable for families that already live in or frequently visit the Gulf, exam centres are available only in selected cities.
• Oman (Muscat) – Offers calm travel conditions and moderate flight times, preferred by NRIs who want a quiet exam environment.
• Bahrain – Small, safe, and easy to travel, sometimes chosen by families living in the Middle East or flying through Gulf hubs.
• Kuwait – Common among Gulf-based NRIs, simple travel and less crowded centres.
• Singapore – Clean, safe, and well-organized, but seats are very limited; chosen mostly for convenience and discipline.
• Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) – A good option for families wanting a modern, comfortable travel destination with steady connectivity.
• Thailand (Bangkok) – Easy tourist visa, well-connected international airport, and comfortable stay options for exam week.
• Indonesia (Jakarta) – Suitable for Southeast Asia–based NRI families, fewer seats but good connectivity in the region.
• Nepal – Very close to India and easy to travel, preferred by students who want an India-like environment without entering India.
• Sri Lanka – A peaceful and affordable option with short travel distances from India and good exam arrangements.

These centres are comfortable, safe, and often less crowded than Indian cities.

How to Choose the Best NEET Exam Centre If You Live in the USA

Choosing the right NEET exam centre is important for US-based NRI families because travel time, cost, and comfort can affect a student’s performance. 

Since NEET is a major exam, selecting the most suitable location matters. Here are the key points families should consider before choosing an exam centre.

Importants Points

• Flight Time: US to India flights are very long, which may cause tiredness. UAE and Qatar are closer and easier to travel.
• Travel Cost: Indian tickets are expensive in April-May. Flights to UAE/Qatar are generally cheaper.
• Family Support: Many US NRIs choose a center where their child can stay with relatives for comfort and safety.
• Visa Rules: UAE and Qatar allow visa-on-arrival for US passport holders. Singapore requires an online visa.
• Exam Timing: India matches the official IST exam timing exactly. Other countries have small time differences, so students need to adjust their sleep schedule.

How US-Based NRI Students Select a NEET Exam Centre

Choosing the right NEET exam centre is an important decision for NRI students living in the USA. Since there is no NEET exam centre inside the USA, students must select either India or an approved international location such as UAE, Qatar, Singapore, or Kuwait.

This step-by-step process will help US-based NRIs choose the correct exam centre smoothly during the NEET application.

Step-by-Step NEET Exam Centre Selection Process

1. Register on the NTA NEET Website

When the NEET application form opens, create a new account on the official NTA NEET portal using your email ID and mobile number.

2. Fill Your Personal & Academic Details

Enter your name, date of birth, nationality (NRI/OCI/Foreign), passport details, school information, and PCB subjects as required.

3. Go to the ‘Exam City Selection’ Section

During the application form, you will see an option to select the exam centre country.

4. Choose the Country First (Important Step for US NRIs)

Since NEET is not conducted in the USA, select from:

• India
• UAE
• Qatar
• Singapore
• Kuwait
• Saudi Arabia
• Bahrain
• Oman
• Malesiya
• Thailand
• Indonesia
• Nepal and etc..

5. Select Your Preferred Exam City

Once you choose a country, the portal shows available cities.
Pick a city based on:

• Family/relative support
• Flight convenience
• Visa requirements
• Accommodation options

6. Confirm and Lock Your Exam City

After reviewing your choice, lock the exam city and continue with the application.

7. Submit the Application and Download Confirmation

Once you submit and pay the fee, download the confirmation page as proof of your exam centre selection.

8. After Admit Card Release – Verify Exact Centre Address

The admit card will show the final exam centre name, address, and reporting time.
Check the location carefully.

9. Book Your Flights and Accommodation

After confirming the exam centre:

• Plan your travel
• Book flights early (April–May is expensive)
• Arrange accommodation near the centre

NEET Exam Timings vs US Time Zones

One major challenge for NRI students in the USA is the time difference between India and the U.S. NEET takes place from 2:00 PM to 5:20 PM IST, which is night-time in the USA. 

This can affect focus and performance if students are not prepared for the time shift.

How NEET Timings Convert to US Time Zones

NEET Preparation Online Courses Details

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NEET NRI Prep eBook

NEET NRI Preparation eBook is specially designed for the NRI students which will help students to clear some of the basic question related the NRI Quota, Preparation and others. Download the NRI NEET Prep eBook from the download button below.

NEET NRI Prep eBook

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there any NEET exam centre in the USA?

No, NEET exam centres are not available in the USA. US-based NRI students must select a centre either in India or in certain approved international locations like UAE, Qatar, Singapore, or Kuwait. NEET is conducted only in designated countries.

2. Can I take the NEET exam online from the USA?

No, NEET cannot be taken online from any country. It is a fully offline, pen-and-paper exam. All students,including NRIs, OCI, and US passport holders, must physically appear at an official NEET exam centre assigned by NTA.

3. Which is better for US NRIs – NEET centre in India or UAE?

Most US NRIs prefer India because it offers maximum exam centres, family support, and familiar testing conditions. UAE is also a strong choice due to easy travel, shorter flights, and comfortable exam arrangements. Both are valid options depending on family travel plans.

4. How early should we book tickets from the USA for the NEET exam?

It is recommended to book flights 2-3 months before the exam, especially for May travel when prices rise. Booking early helps avoid last-minute surge pricing and ensures enough time for students to adjust to the Indian or Gulf time zone.

5. Can a US passport holder choose any city in India as a NEET exam centre?

Yes, US passport holders can select any available city in India during NEET registration. Exam centre allocation is based on availability-not nationality. Students should choose locations near relatives or comfortable travel routes for convenience.

6. Is NEET exam centre choice based on nationality?

No, nationality does not affect exam centre choice. NEET centres are allocated based on the student’s selected preferences and availability at the time of scheduling. NRIs, OCI, and foreign students follow the same centre selection rules as Indian citizens.

7. Can we change the NEET exam centre after submitting the form?

You can change your exam centre only during the official correction window provided by NTA. After the correction window closes, no changes are allowed. Students must choose their centre carefully before final submission to avoid travel issues.

8. How many days before NEET should US students arrive in India?

US-based students should ideally arrive 7–10 days before the exam. This helps them recover from jet lag, adjust their sleep schedule to IST, and revise calmly. Early arrival also prevents stress caused by flight delays or last-minute travel problems.

9. Do US NRIs pay a different NEET exam fee?

Yes. NRI and foreign category students pay a higher application fee compared to Indian residents. The fee difference is due to NTA’s international processing rules, but the exam structure, syllabus, and centre selection process remain the same for all candidates.

10. Are international NEET centres more difficult than Indian centres?

No, the difficulty level is identical everywhere because NEET is a standardized national exam. International centres simply offer fewer seats and quieter environments. The question paper, marking scheme, and exam process are exactly the same as Indian centres.

11. Can a US NRI student select a centre in UAE or Qatar instead of India?

Yes, US-based NRI students can select centres in UAE, Qatar, Singapore, or Kuwait if they prefer shorter flights or easier travel. These centres are often chosen by families wanting a smooth travel experience and less exam-day crowd.

12. Does reaching the exam centre earlier help US-based NRI students?

Yes. Reaching the exam city 2-3 days early helps students become familiar with the surroundings, avoid traffic delays, test their route, and reduce exam stress. It’s especially useful in Indian cities where travel time can be unpredictable.