NEET (UG) Re-Test Conducted Under Enhanced Security Measures

PTI, June 21, 2026, New Delhi: Lakhs of medical aspirants took a second shot at the NEET (UG) examination on Sunday after the original May 3 test was cancelled due to paper leaks, an issue that became a hot potato for the government and also triggered a popular protest movement.

The examination was conducted across 5,440 centres in 551 cities in India and 14 centres abroad, with over 1.38 lakh CCTV cameras monitoring 95,000 examination rooms, officials said.

To further secure the examination against electronic malpractice, 51,311 jammers were also deployed.

Earlier, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reviewed arrangements for the re-examination at the NTA headquarters in Delhi's Okhla.

"NTA apprises the Minister of the logistical and technical arrangements put in place for the efficient and transparent conduct of the examination," the Ministry of Education had said.

The examination, conducted in English and 12 Indian languages, was scheduled from 2.00 PM to 5.15 PM.

Candidates with disabilities (PwD/PwBD) eligible for compensatory time were allowed to write the examination till 6.20 pm.

In Madhya Pradesh, a candidate told PTI Videos after appearing for the re-examination that "the paper was good and the arrangements this time were much better, particularly the identity-checking system."

An aspirant, while leaving the examination centre in Bengaluru, said that only Physics was difficult, while the other sections were easy.

"We got more time to read and solve problems, so it helped me improve," the candidate added.

Heavy rains lashed Kolkata and its adjoining areas, triggering severe waterlogging in several parts of the city and disrupting traffic movement.

The showers brought respite from humid conditions but caused difficulties for commuters, including NEET aspirants travelling to examination centres for the re-test.

But, in the same city, an injured candidate was allowed a separate room at the examination centre, along with medical support and a standby ambulance.

Pradhan also spoke to the aspirant's parents, who conveyed their gratitude for the assistance provided by the NTA and the authorities.

In Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking arranged special bus services for students appearing in the re-examination amid the ongoing strike by its employees.

According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, nearly 180 bus trips were planned during the day, with 60 buses deployed on 24 routes to facilitate travel to 63 examination centres across the city.

PM Narendra Modi delayed his travel to his residence after arriving at Delhi's IGI Airport from Kolkata, to ensure NEET re-exam candidates did not face inconvenience due to traffic restrictions.

Administration in Gujarat deployed drones and additional personnel at its 211 centres, where nearly 79,400 aspirants appeared for the re-examination.

In some states, including the national capital, free drinking water and refreshments were also arranged for parents and guardians waiting outside examination centres, officials said.

According to a media report, a NEET aspirant wearing a burqa and a dupatta alleged that she was denied entry to an examination centre in Rajasthan's Ajmer.

The candidate, Kulsum Bano, claimed she had appeared for the earlier exam wearing the same attire.