New Delhi: More than a month after the NEET-UG 2026 exam was canceled over question paper leak, more than 20 lakh medical aspirants had to return to examination halls across the country and abroad on Sunday for the re-examination.Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the re-examination was conducted at 5,440 centers across 551 cities in India and 14 international locations. With the credibility of the country’s biggest medical entrance exam at stake and a huge uproar from the political opposition and public, the authorities put in place an unprecedented security framework involving biometric verification, CCTV surveillance, signal jammers, frisking personnel and multi-agency coordination.As the exam ended, candidates reported that the paper was moderate to difficult, while the day also saw emotional moments and admission controversies. Moreover, with the re-examination now over, the focus will shift to the release of the provisional answer key, result and the ongoing CBI investigation into the alleged paper leak.
Security measures at centers
To prevent a repeat of the controversy that led to the cancellation of the original exam, the NTA implemented one of the most comprehensive security frameworks ever deployed for a national entrance exam.The examination rooms were equipped with CCTV cameras under constant surveillance, while jammers supplied by ECIL and BEL were deployed to prevent unauthorized communication. There were two observers in each room, and each center had more than ten officials overseeing various aspects of the examination process.About 38,795 frisking personnel and 48,448 biometric personnel were deployed for facial authentication and verification. About 6,700 observers and more than 100 virtual observers monitored the proceedings across the country. Police, paramilitary personnel, local administration officials, Indian Air Force and Department of Posts were involved in securing the transportation and handling of confidential examination materials.The officials also introduced candidate welfare measures, including drinking water, ORS packets, ambulances, shady waiting areas for parents and extra rough sheets. Additional time was allotted for extensive verification and admission formalities.
students’ reactions
Initial responses from candidates revealed that the paper was largely moderate, although Physics emerged as the most challenging section for many candidates.“The exam was quite moderate. Physics was quite lengthy, a little 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 tougher than last time. This was my first attempt, I would get around 500 marks. The arrangements inside were fine.”From Srinagar, a candidate commented, “The paper was very good. My preparation was very good, only Physics was a little difficult. Otherwise, it was good overall.”“I did well but let’s see. The exam was tougher than last time,” said Tarun, a candidate in Chennai.A candidate in Ranchi described the paper as “easy to moderate”, adding that compared to the previous exam, Biology was easy, Chemistry was moderate and Physics was difficult.Overall, student feedback pointed to a mixed experience, with most candidates agreeing that Physics required more time and effort than other sections.
emotional moments and controversies
Although the re-examination was conducted under tight security, the day was filled with many emotional moments and admission controversies across the country.Many candidates were denied entry after arriving after the 1.30 pm cut-off, with traffic congestion, documentation issues, navigation errors and unexpected circumstances emerging as common reasons for the delay. In Delhi, a candidate alleged that she had reached the exam center at 1.30 pm but was not allowed to enter even after the authorities refused to reopen the gate.A similar scene unfolded in Mumbai’s Parel area, where two candidates were denied entry after reaching the center beyond the stipulated time limit, leading to protests outside the venue. In Bengaluru, four candidates missed admission due to arriving soon after the cut-off time, with parents blaming heavy traffic due to the Congress rally. According to eyewitnesses, the Center officials closed the gate at exactly 1:30 pm as per NTA guidelines, leaving many candidates stranded outside.Candidates in Uttar Pradesh also reported difficulties after allegedly being directed to the wrong location by Google Maps. In another case, a candidate said he wasted significant time after returning to get the passport photograph required during the verification process. In Bhopal, two candidates were denied entry due to delay in reaching the exam center due to a road accident.Read more: Tears due to traffic jams in cities, late arrivals and NEET aspirants missing exams
Debate has erupted on dress code and religious attire
Controversy was also seen regarding the implementation of dress code and security check in the examination.A candidate in Rajasthan alleged that she was asked to take off her burqa before entering the examination centre. The issue sparked debate among students and parents, with the candidate insisting that she had appeared in the exam in early May wearing the same outfit. “I have come to collect it from Beau.” neet exam. When I took the exam on May 3, I was wearing the same outfit I wear now: a burqa and a scarf. Initially, they said I would have to remove the scarf to enter; Then he insisted that I also have to remove the burqa,” said Kulsoom Bano, a candidate.A separate controversy erupted in Gujarat, where students were reportedly asked to remove religious items like sacred threads and kanthi necklaces during searches. After this incident, workers associated with Hindu organizations started protesting outside the examination centre, due to which the police had to intervene to maintain order.However, officials said all the procedures were carried out strictly as per NTA guidelines and safety protocols.
heartbreaking moment
Amidst the controversies, there were also several inspiring moments including students appearing for the exam despite adverse circumstances, PM Modi and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.For example, NEET-UG aspirant Srishti Dubey from Kolkata, who is recovering from major surgery after a road accident on June 14, was able to appear for the re-exam after special arrangements were made by the authorities. She underwent the examination in a separate room with medical support at the center and a standby ambulance.Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan personally spoke to Srishti’s parents during the examination to know about her condition and wished her success. Her family said they had almost lost hope of her being able to take the exam, before doctors advised them to seek special permission.Additionally, ANI sources said that even PM Modi ensured to avoid any disruption in travel for the students by waiting at the Delhi airport after returning to Kolkata at 1 pm. At 15:00 PM, instead immediately left for my residence.Read more: PM Modi delays flight home from Delhi airport to ensure smooth travel for NEET-UG re-exam aspirantsMeanwhile, many centers made arrangements for shady areas and drinking water for family members of examinees waiting outside in the heat.
NTA credits multi-agency effort for smooth operations
In a statement issued after the exam, the National Testing Agency (NTA) said that more than 20 lakh candidates appeared for the re-examination of NEET (UG) 2026 at 5,440 centers in India and 14 centers abroad. The exam was conducted in 13 languages including Hindi and English.The agency said the successful conduct of the examination was made possible by the coordinated effort of multiple government departments, institutions and approximately seven lakh personnel across the country. “The successful conduct of the examination was the result of a coordinated effort of multiple government agencies, institutions and personnel across the country,” NTA said.According to the agency, extensive arrangements were made for all the candidates, including more than 10,000 persons with disabilities. Special provisions were also made for about 81 candidates with medical conditions, including a student recovering from a road accident and another undergoing chemotherapy.To strengthen security and transparency, authorities deployed Aadhaar-based biometric and face authentication systems, CCTV surveillance, signal jammers and two-tier checking in collaboration with state police forces. Command and control centers for CCTV surveillance were set up at the NTA headquarters, the Ministry of Education, 34 centrally funded institutions as well as state and district-level administrative offices.The NTA said around seven lakh officials, including police personnel, invigilators and examination staff, were deployed to conduct the re-examination, which was conducted within a record 37 days. “The examination was conducted within a record 37 days,” the agency said, adding that it also thanked experts from educational institutions across India who helped prepare multiple sets of question papers for the examination.Meanwhile, NTA Director General Abhishek Singh on Sunday assured that the re-examination will be conducted smoothly with complete security arrangements across the country.Asked if the exams were foolproof this time, Singh said, “So far, from what we have heard, everything has gone well. We have received good reports. Many state governments and government departments extended full support, and we were able to conduct the exams with complete security as well as convenience for the students,” he was quoted as saying by ANI.Additionally, when asked if NTA has received any emails or complaints related to the leak, Singh said, “Not yet. But NTA is working aggressively to ensure the integrity of the process.” We are 100 percent sure. We are 100 percent confident about the entire process this time.”
Why was NEET-UG 2026 conducted again?
The re-examination had become necessary after the NEET-UG 2026 exam was canceled on May 3 following allegations of question paper leak. The decision was taken amid widespread concerns over the integrity of the exam and demand for re-examination from students and parents.Over 22.79 lakh candidates were eligible to appear for the re-examination, which was held from 2 pm to 5.15 pm. Fresh admit cards were issued and candidates were allowed to modify 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.
