Approximately 2.2 million aspiring medical students appeared for the re-examination of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) on June 21, 2026, under heightened security measures. This re-examination comes after the cancellation of the previous test due to a paper leak that sparked widespread public outrage across the nation. Tight Security Arrangements Candidates began arriving at examination centers as early as 11 a.m. on June 21, with frisking and verification of admit cards and identity documents underway at several venues. The National Testing Agency (NTA) reminded candidates that entry to centers would begin at 11 a.m. and close at 1:30 p.m., with no entry allowed thereafter.
The agency advised candidates to carry their admit card, a valid photo ID, and two passport-size photographs, and to avoid prohibited items. Examination Details The examination was held from 2:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m., with an additional 15 minutes provided this time. It was conducted across 5,440 centers in 551 cities in India and 14 centers abroad, in English and 12 Indian languages. More than 95,000 examination rooms were equipped with CCTV surveillance, with 1,38,560 CCTV cameras installed and feeds monitored virtually at the national, state, and ministry levels.
To secure the examination against electronic malpractice, 51,311 jammers were deployed. Candidate Reactions A candidate, Kishan, appearing for the re-examination in Delhi, noted that security arrangements were tighter this time than during the earlier test. He expressed hope that the exam would be conducted fairly. Another candidate, Ms. Sonia, who is appearing for the NEET-UG re-examination in Delhi, said she was feeling more stressed this time than during the earlier test.
She appreciated the arrangement of drinking water and coolers this time, unlike during the previous exam, and noted that security had also been tightened. Incident in Rajasthan A NEET aspirant wearing a burqa alleged that she was denied entry to an examination center in Rajasthan’s Ajmer. However, the NTA later clarified that the aspirant was allowed entry. Union Education Minister’s Statement Ahead of the re-test, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan urged candidates to appear for it fearlessly and free of anxiety. He expressed complete faith in the NTA, state governments, district administrations, the education fraternity, and the students.
