NEET-UG Re-Exam Today Under Unprecedented Security as Over 22 Lakh Students Prepare to Appear

The National Testing Agency ( NTA ) has completed a nationwide mock drill ahead of the NEET-UG 2026 re-examination scheduled for June 21, as authorities deploy extensive security measures to ensure a fair and leak-free test for more than 22 lakh medical aspirants .

The re-exam is being held after the May 3 NEET-UG examination was cancelled following allegations of a question paper leak , triggering a nationwide controversy and raising concerns over the integrity of India's largest medical entrance test.

To prevent malpractice, authorities have implemented a multi-layered security system , including biometric verification, CCTV surveillance, jammer deployment, strict frisking procedures, and secure transportation of question papers. More than two lakh security personnel and thousands of observers have been deployed across examination centres nationwide.

Several states have stepped up preparations. Rajasthan has enhanced surveillance and security at centres, particularly in Kota, while Uttarakhand has imposed restrictions around examination venues in Dehradun. Jharkhand, Meghalaya and other states have also reviewed arrangements, including crowd management and monitoring systems. Delhi has announced special cooling zones outside all examination centres to help candidates cope with high temperatures.

In a significant move, access to Telegram has been temporarily restricted until June 22 after investigators linked the platform to the circulation of leaked examination material and misinformation during the controversy. The decision was upheld by the Delhi High Court .

Despite the heightened preparations, fresh concerns surfaced after reports emerged that a candidate from Nagpur was allotted an examination centre in Abu Dhabi. The NTA later clarified that the overseas centre had been selected through the correction window and denied any administrative lapse.

The issue has provided fresh ammunition to opposition parties, which have continued to criticize the Centre over repeated irregularities in competitive examinations. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioned the government's handling of the education system, while Maharashtra Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar demanded accountability and sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan .

The Centre has defended the re-examination process, stating that the unprecedented security arrangements reflect its commitment to conducting a transparent and credible examination.

With millions of students set to appear for the test on Sunday, the re-exam is being viewed as a crucial effort to restore public confidence in the NEET system after weeks of uncertainty and political debate.