NEET UG 2026 Re-Exam concludes smoothly amid tight security

The NEET UG 2026 re-examination concluded successfully on Sunday with more than 22.79 lakh candidates appearing across the country amid unprecedented security arrangements and heightened monitoring. Conducted after the cancellation of the May 3 exam following alleged paper leak concerns, the re-test witnessed strict checks, advanced surveillance and large-scale coordination between authorities.
The examination was held from 2 pm to 5:15 pm across 551 cities in India and 14 locations abroad. The National Testing Agency (NTA) deployed stringent measures, including biometric authentication, high-sensitivity metal detector frisking, AI-based surveillance, live CCTV monitoring, jammers and additional security personnel to ensure a transparent and fair process.The exam was conducted at 5,440 centres equipped with more than 95,000 CCTV-enabled rooms and around 1.38 lakh cameras under real-time monitoring. Multiple checkpoints and security teams were deployed to prevent any irregularities and ensure smooth movement of candidates.
PM Modi Changes Protocol to Avoid Traffic Disruption for NEET Aspirants
In a gesture prioritising students’ convenience, Prime Minister Narendra Modi altered his travel protocol on Sunday as thousands of NEET aspirants were heading towards examination centres in Delhi.The Prime Minister’s convoy reached Delhi Airport around 1:15 pm, shortly before the exam was scheduled to begin at 2 pm. Considering that movement of the convoy could have caused traffic disruptions on roads used by students travelling to centres, PM Modi decided to remain at the airport for around 45 minutes.He left for his residence only after the examination began at 2 pm, ensuring that candidates did not face inconvenience due to VIP movement.
Ahmedabad Sees Uproar Over Jewellery Rules, Hijab Issue
While the examination remained largely smooth, a controversy erupted at RJ Tibrewal College in Ahmedabad after some students were stopped from entering the examination hall for wearing necklaces and earrings.Parents gathered outside the centre and protested, alleging that candidates were being treated unfairly. Some also questioned the permission granted to Muslim students wearing hijabs, claiming inconsistency in the implementation of rules.Police intervened and removed protesting parents from the examination centre area to restore order. Officials clarified that security checks were being conducted according to NTA guidelines.As per NTA rules, items like bracelets are prohibited inside examination halls, while religious articles such as hijab and kirpan are permitted under specified conditions. However, the lack of clarity over necklaces or threads worn around the neck led to confusion among candidates and officials.
Speaking about security arrangements in Ahmedabad, DCP Zone 1 Harshad Patel said candidate entry began on time, with police managing vehicle parking and checks at entry points. He added that agency supervisors, examination staff and male and female police personnel were deployed to ensure smooth conduct of the examination. 

#WATCH | Ahmedabad, Gujarat: On NEET re-exam security arrangements, DCP Zone 1 Harshad Patel says, "... Today the NEET‑UG exam is scheduled to begin at 2 pm. Candidate entry has already started, with Ahmedabad police managing vehicle parking and conducting checks at entry points.… pic.twitter.com/vYxtsXCsOM

— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2026

A similar controversy emerged in Ajmer, Rajasthan, where a burqa-wearing candidate was allegedly denied entry at a NEET examination centre.Candidate Kulsum Bano claimed that she had appeared for the earlier May 3 exam wearing the same attire and questioned why she was being stopped this time. She said authorities initially asked her to remove her dupatta and later insisted on removing the burqa as well.She argued that if NTA guidelines permitted such attire, examination authorities should not prevent candidates from appearing.

#WATCH | Ajmer, Rajasthan: A Burqa-wearing candidate was allegedly denied entry at a medical entrance exam centre ahead of the NEET examination today.

A candidate, named Kulsum Bano, says, "I have come from Beawar to take the NEET exam. When I took the exam on May 3rd, I was in… pic.twitter.com/3TVNnYk52n

— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2026

Candidates Share Exam Experience
After the examination, students shared mixed reactions about the paper. A Delhi-based candidate told ANI that the overall paper was tough, with the Physics section being lengthy and slightly more challenging compared to the previous attempt. The student said Biology was comparatively easier, while Chemistry remained moderate.

#WATCH | Delhi: Candidates leave the examination centre following the conclusion of the NEET-UG re-examination

A candidate says, "The exam was quite moderate. Physics was quite lengthy. A little bit tougher than last time. Biology was good and Chemistry was moderate." pic.twitter.com/o8enkyGniv

— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2026

Despite isolated incidents over security checks and entry procedures, authorities reported that the examination concluded peacefully across the country. 

(State Correspondent)