NEET UG Retest Conducted Across 5,400 Centres Amid Tight Security and Surveillance

The NEET-UG re-examination was conducted across India and abroad on Sunday under a massive security umbrella, with authorities deploying extensive monitoring systems following the cancellation of the earlier May 3 test amid a paper leak investigation.

According to officials, the exam was held at 5,440 centres across 551 cities in India and 14 centres overseas , with more than 22 lakh aspirants expected to appear. The retest was organised by the National Testing Agency (NTA) under tight surveillance, including CCTV monitoring and electronic safeguards. A total of 1,38,560 CCTV cameras were used, with over 51,311 jammers deployed to prevent electronic malpractice. More than 95,000 examination rooms were placed under continuous surveillance, with live feeds monitored at multiple administrative levels.

The examination was scheduled from 2.00 PM to 5.15 PM , with candidates belonging to Persons with Disabilities categories allowed compensatory time until 6.20 PM . Authorities also ensured special arrangements for medical emergencies. In Kolkata, an injured candidate, who had suffered severe injuries in a road accident earlier in the week, was provided a separate room along with medical assistance and a standby ambulance.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan reviewed preparations at the NTA headquarters in Delhi’s Okhla ahead of the examination. Officials informed him about logistical and technical arrangements aimed at ensuring transparency and smooth conduct. The Ministry of Education stated that the system had been strengthened to avoid any repetition of irregularities.

In several parts of the country, candidates faced logistical challenges. In Bhopal, two aspirants reportedly missed entry after arriving late due to an accident en route. In Ajmer, a controversy emerged after a candidate wearing a burqa alleged she was initially denied entry before later being allowed to sit for the exam following clarification by authorities.

Weather conditions also affected movement in Kolkata, where heavy rains led to waterlogging and traffic disruption, causing difficulties for students reaching centres. In contrast, Mumbai witnessed coordinated transport support, with the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport undertaking operating special bus services, deploying around 60 buses on 24 routes and completing nearly 180 trips to facilitate access to 63 centres across the city.

Security arrangements were particularly stringent in Gujarat, where around 79,400 candidates appeared at 211 centres . Police deployed drones and additional personnel to maintain order and prevent malpractice. In Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly delayed his departure from the airport after arriving from Kolkata to avoid traffic disruptions for candidates.

Candidates across centres noted tighter security compared to previous attempts, with some expressing hope that the strengthened arrangements would ensure fairness and transparency. The re-exam, conducted after widespread controversy over the earlier paper leak allegations, marks one of the most closely monitored national entrance tests in recent years.