NEW DELHI: More than a month after the NEET-UG 2026 examination was scrapped over allegations of a question paper leak, over 22 lakh medical aspirants had to return to examination halls across the country and abroad on Sunday for the re-exam. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the re-exam was held at 5,440 centres across 551 cities in India and 14 international locations. With the credibility of the country’s largest medical entrance examination at stake, and massive uproar from political opposition and the public, authorities rolled out an unprecedented security framework involving biometric verification, CCTV surveillance, signal jammers, frisking personnel and multi-agency coordination. As the examination concluded, candidates reported a moderate-to-tough paper, while the day also witnessed emotional moments and entry disputes. Also, with the re-examination now concluded, attention will shift to the release of provisional answer keys, results and the ongoing CBI investigation into the alleged paper leak.
Security measures at centres
To prevent a repeat of the controversy that led to the cancellation of the original exam, the NTA implemented one of the most extensive security frameworks ever deployed for a national entrance test.Examination rooms were equipped with CCTV cameras under continuous monitoring, while jammers supplied by ECIL and BEL were deployed to block unauthorised communications. Every room had two invigilators, and each centre was staffed by more than ten functionaries overseeing various aspects of the examination process.Nearly 38,795 frisking personnel and 48,448 biometric staff were deployed for face authentication and verification. Around 6,700 observers and more than 100 virtual observers monitored proceedings across the country. Police, paramilitary personnel, local administration officials, the Indian Air Force and the Department of Posts were involved in securing the transport and handling of confidential examination materials.Authorities also introduced candidate welfare measures, including drinking water, ORS packets, ambulances, shaded waiting areas for parents and additional rough sheets. Extra time was allotted to account for the extensive verification and entry formalities.
Student reactions
Initial reactions from candidates suggested that the paper was largely moderate, although Physics emerged as the most challenging section for many aspirants.“The exam was quite moderate. Physics was quite lengthy, a little bit tougher than last time. Biology was good and Chemistry was moderate,” a candidate in Delhi told ANI.Another candidate told reporters, “It was a little harder than last time. It was my first attempt, I will get around 500 marks. The arrangements inside were fine.”From Srinagar, a candidate remarked, “The paper was very good. My preparation was very good, only Physics was a little difficult. Otherwise, it was good overall.”In Chennai, candidate Tarun said, “I did well but let’s see. The exam was tougher than last time.”A candidate in Ranchi described the paper as “easy to moderate”, adding that Biology was easier, Chemistry was moderate and Physics was tougher compared with the previous examination.Overall, student feedback pointed to a mixed experience, with most candidates agreeing that Physics required more time and effort than the other sections.
Emotional moments and controversies
While the re-examination was conducted under a tight security blanket, the day was marked by several emotional moments and entry-related disputes across the country.Several candidates were denied entry after arriving beyond the 1.30 pm cut-off, with traffic congestion, documentation issues, navigation errors and unforeseen circumstances emerging as common reasons for delays. In Delhi, a candidate alleged that she had reached the examination centre at 1.30 pm but was still not allowed to enter after authorities refused to reopen the gates.Similar scenes unfolded in Mumbai’s Parel area, where two candidates were denied entry after reaching the centre beyond the prescribed deadline, leading to protests outside the venue. In Bengaluru, four aspirants missed entry after arriving shortly after the cut-off time, with parents blaming heavy traffic caused by a Congress rally. According to eyewitnesses, centre authorities locked the gates at exactly 1:30 pm in accordance with NTA guidelines, leaving several candidates stranded outside.Candidates in Uttar Pradesh also reported difficulties after allegedly being directed to the wrong location by Google Maps. In another case, an aspirant said he lost crucial time after returning to retrieve a passport photograph required during the verification process. In Bhopal, two candidates were denied entry after a road accident delayed their journey to the examination centre.Read more: Traffic jams, late arrivals and tears as NEET aspirants miss exam across cities
Dress code and religious attire spark debate
The examination also witnessed controversies surrounding dress code enforcement and security checks.In Rajasthan, a candidate alleged that she was asked to remove her burqa before being allowed to enter the examination centre. The issue sparked debate among students and parents, with the candidate insisting that she had appeared in the earlier May examination wearing the same attire. “I have come from Beawar to take the NEET exam. When I took the exam on May 3, I was wearing the same attire that I am wearing now: a burqa and a dupatta. Initially, they said I would have to remove the dupatta to enter; then they insisted I had to remove the burqa as well,” said a candidate Kulsum Bano. A separate controversy emerged in Gujarat, where students were reportedly asked to remove religious items such as sacred threads and kanthi necklaces during frisking. The incident triggered protests by activists associated with Hindu organisations outside the examination centre, prompting police intervention to maintain order.Authorities, however, maintained that all procedures were carried out strictly in accordance with NTA guidelines and security protocols.
Heartwarming moments
Amid the controversies, there were multiple inspiring moments as well involving students taking exams against odds, PM Modi and education minister Dharemendra Pradhan.For instance, Shrishti Dubey, a NEET-UG aspirant from Kolkata who is recovering from major surgery after a road accident on June 14, was able to appear for the re-examination following special arrangements made by authorities. She wrote the examination in a separate room with medical support and a standby ambulance stationed at the centre.Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan personally spoke to Shrishti’s parents during the examination to enquire about her condition and wish her success. Her family said they had almost lost hope of her being able to take the examination before doctors advised them to seek special permission.Additionally, ANI sources stated that even PM Modi made sure to avoid any disruptions in travel for students by waiting on Delhi airport after returning form Kolkata at 1.15pm, instead immediately heading his residence.Read more: PM Modi delays heading home from Delhi airport to ensure smooth commute for NEET-UG re-exam candidatesMeanwhile, several centres arranged shaded areas, drinking water for family members of examinees waiting outside in the heat.
Why NEET-UG 2026 was held again
The re-examination was necessitated after the May 3 NEET-UG 2026 test was cancelled following allegations of a question paper leak. The decision was taken amid widespread concerns over the integrity of the examination and demands for a fresh test from students and parents.More than 22.79 lakh candidates were eligible to appear for the re-examination, which was conducted from 2 pm to 5.15 pm. Fresh admit cards were issued and candidates were allowed to revise their city preferences before the examination. The paper leak case is currently being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which has made several arrests in connection with the alleged leak network.