Over 20 Lakh Students Appear for NEET UG 2026 Re-Test Amid Tight Security After Paper Leak Controversy

NTA Conducts NEET Re-Examination Across 551 Cities With Enhanced Monitoring Measures

More than 20 lakh medical aspirants appeared for the NEET UG 2026 re-examination on Sunday under unprecedented security arrangements following the cancellation of the original test due to the paper leak controversy.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted the examination across 5,440 centres in 551 cities across India and 14 international locations, making it one of the largest entrance examinations held in the country.

The NEET re-test comes after widespread concerns over examination integrity, prompting authorities to implement stricter monitoring and security protocols to ensure a transparent and fair assessment process.

Over 1.38 Lakh CCTV Cameras and 51,000 Jammers Deployed

To prevent malpractice and maintain the credibility of the examination, authorities deployed more than 1.38 lakh CCTV cameras across approximately 95,000 examination rooms nationwide.

Additionally, 51,311 signal jammers were installed at examination centres to block electronic communication devices and prevent any attempt at cheating through digital means.

Officials described the security arrangements as among the most extensive ever implemented for a national-level entrance examination.

Education Minister Reviews NEET Re-Test Preparations

Ahead of the examination, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reviewed the arrangements at the National Testing Agency headquarters in New Delhi.

According to the Ministry of Education, the NTA briefed the minister on the logistical, operational, and technological measures undertaken to ensure the smooth conduct of the examination.

The examination was conducted from 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM in English and 12 Indian languages. Candidates eligible for compensatory time under PwD and PwBD categories were allowed to continue until 6:20 PM.

Students Share Mixed Reactions After Exam

Candidates across the country reported varied experiences after completing the NEET UG re-test.

A medical aspirant from Madhya Pradesh praised the improved security arrangements and identity verification process, saying the re-examination provided another opportunity to secure admission to a medical college.

Another student described the paper as lengthy and more challenging than expected, stating that the second attempt proved more difficult than the original examination.

Meanwhile, a candidate in Bengaluru said Physics was relatively difficult, while Biology and Chemistry sections were comparatively easier. Several students also appreciated the additional time available for reading and solving questions.

Travel Challenges and Weather Disruptions Affect Aspirants

Despite extensive preparations, some students faced logistical challenges while travelling to examination centres.

In Bhopal, two candidates were reportedly denied entry after arriving late due to circumstances beyond their control. One student's family claimed they were delayed after meeting with a road accident while travelling to the examination centre.

Heavy rainfall in Kolkata and nearby areas caused severe waterlogging and traffic disruptions, creating difficulties for many candidates attempting to reach their centres on time.

Special Transport Arrangements in Mumbai

To support students amid the ongoing transport challenges, Mumbai's Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) Undertaking introduced special bus services for NEET aspirants.

Authorities deployed 60 buses across 24 routes, facilitating travel to 63 examination centres throughout the city. Nearly 180 special bus trips were planned to ensure students reached their centres without inconvenience.

Enhanced Security Measures in Gujarat

In Gujarat, authorities deployed drones and additional security personnel across 211 examination centres where nearly 79,400 candidates appeared for the re-test.

Several states also arranged free drinking water and refreshment facilities for parents and guardians waiting outside examination centres throughout the day.

Dress Code Issue Reported at Rajasthan Examination Centre

A candidate in Rajasthan's Ajmer reportedly raised concerns regarding examination centre entry guidelines.

The student claimed she was asked to remove her burqa and dupatta before entering the examination centre, despite having appeared in similar attire during the original NEET examination.

The incident sparked discussions regarding examination dress code implementation and candidate verification procedures.

NEET Re-Test Conducted Amid Focus on Fairness and Transparency

The NEET UG 2026 re-examination represents a major effort by authorities to restore confidence in India's largest medical entrance examination after the paper leak controversy.

With enhanced surveillance, strict security measures, and nationwide monitoring, officials aimed to ensure a fair, transparent, and secure examination process for millions of aspiring medical students.

Inputs from Agency